Platform tennis is a type of tennis sports , which is highly popular in cold countries. An outdoor sport, platform tennis has been derived from the popular sport, tennis . The sport is also considered to be a form of paddle tennis . Often the sport is reckoned simply as “paddle”. Platform tennis is played on en elevated place or platform, from where snow can be easily removed. At present the sport is enjoyed both as a competitive and recreational activity.
James Cogswell and Fessenden Blanchard invented the sport, platform tennis , as a winter event. In 1928, the sport was started at the backyard of Cogswell's house. From there, it has grown to be one of the popular sport events of the United States of America. The sport is played on a wooden platform, from where the name has been derived. The dimension of the platform used for the sport is 30 feet by 60 feet. The area is surrounded by 12 feet high fence or screen. Platform tennis is played in numerous clubs across the United States of America. The American Platform Tennis Association or the APTA has been governing the sport since 1934. The first national championship of platform tennis was held in 1935.
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Men's and women's singles and doubles and mixed doubles matches are played during platform tennis tournaments. However, singles competition is considered to be too fast and is often dropped from the schedule for this reason. At present, many tournaments are held round the year. Sponge rubber platform tennis balls are hit by paddle during platform tennis match. The diameter of a ball is fixed to 25 inches. Eighteen inches long paddles used for the purpose are made from composite material. In the head of the paddle, there are aerodynamic holes, which help in making perfect shots. The rules followed during platform tennis matches are almost similar to those of lawn tennis.
