Place Every Shot Perfectly With The Best Platform Paddle Tennis Racquet

Buying Guide

If you live in New York, Florida or California, you probably can’t get away from paddle tennis. The outdoor game is especially popular on Venice Beach and on some of the public beaches on Long Island. But in the northeast section of the U.S., platform tennis has become a popular indoor activity as well.

But another type of platform tennis has spread to other areas of the country, and the world, in recent years. Padel tennis, which is similar but has different rules, has increased the demand for platform paddle tennis rackets. Paddle tennis has also been rebranded as Pop tennis in some areas.

Both Padel and platform/Pop tennis are based on the general rules of tennis, but the courts are smaller and the rules differ. But one of the most notable differences is that Padel and Pop tennis rackets are closer to the rackets seen in games like racquetball.

Platform tennis is played on a smaller court than tennis, and the balls feature lower compression. That means your racket needs to be adjusted to match. Platform tennis rackets don’t have strings. Instead, they’re typically built with carbon fiber with a memory foam core. The head size can vary, but usually, you’ll find holes drilled into the surface to reduce friction as you’re striking the ball.

• The International Pop Tennis Association has set requirements for the size of the rackets used during gameplay. To meet regulations, your racket should be no longer than 18.5 inches in length or 38 millimeters in width.
• Platform tennis uses a ball with internal pressure that’s 75% of what you’d find in a tennis ball. In a pinch, you can use a standard tennis ball and puncture it to reduce its pressure. The best way to gauge a ball’s pressure is to throw it from a height of 6 feet. Its bounce back should be between 31 and 33 inches.
• For beginners, it can help to start out with a racket that has an enlarged striking area, then graduate to a more standard racket as you gain experience.
• Manufacturers often set their rackets apart by the depth and angle of the holes. Deeper holes can increase control, while angled holes boost the paddle’s grip on the ball.
• The handle is also an important feature on a racket. A nonslip grip can help ensure it stays in your hand even if you start sweating. Some also come with a wrist tether for added security.
• A racket with a silence dampener can reduce the noise as the paddle comes into contact with the ball, giving you a quieter playing experience.