It's platform tennis season!

While the chill in the air may make you want to stay indoors, playing platform tennis during the cold months can help you stay active all year long. This favorite cold-weather activity dates back almost 100 years and is still as popular as ever.

Are you looking for a more low-key winter sport? Platform tennis is an all-skill sport less intense than other classic winter activities like ice hockey or skiing.

This unique racquet sport was invented in 1928 in New York. New Yorkers missed playing racquet sports during the fall and winter, so they invented a new kind of tennis court that would work in a cold climate.

Platform tennis courts are smaller than traditional tennis courts (about one-third the size) and surrounded by wire fencing. The wire around the court acts as a wall for the ball to be played off of, like in racquetball. The courts are also raised, allowing space for heaters underneath so players can remain comfortable no matter how chilly it is outside. You can even play if there's snow on the ground!

With so many racquet and paddle games, it can easily confuse which is which. While platform tennis and pickleball may seem similar, they're two totally different games. Everything from the court size to the equipment and scoring rules is different.

Check out our pickleball vs. platform tennis guide to help you decide which sport is best for you.

If you've played tennis, you'll feel at home on the paddle ball court. You can play platform tennis as a singles game (one-on-one) or a doubles game (two-on-two). The scoring system is the same as traditional tennis, and points are awarded via the Love, 15, 30, 40, and Deuce rules. The goal is to defeat the opponent by winning two out of the three sets in a match.

You can learn more about the basic rules of platform tennis here.

If you hate playing tennis in the cold but don't want to "hibernate" this winter, paddle tennis is a must-try! Plus, it's an exciting game of skill that's good for the whole family.

So why play platform tennis? Aside from the weather not being an obstacle, here are five reasons to play this season.

• It's an excellent social game. Platform tennis is a friendly, low-stakes game that's best played in doubles. Find a local platform tennis court near you to socialize with friends despite the cold weather.
  
  

• Platform tennis is a great workout. Stay fit during the colder months. If you're the kind of person who enjoys exercising outside rather than in a gym, platform tennis is the perfect winter activity.
  
  

• Fun for all ages. Platform tennis is less intense than traditional tennis, making it ideal for older and young players.
  
  

• It's family-friendly. You can play platform tennis with the whole family. While the game still takes speed and power, it's great for all skill levels.
  
  

• Playing helps relieve stress. Platform tennis can be a great way to take your mind off day-to-day worries. The game requires concentration and focus, so you won't have time to think about anything else but the ball's movements.

The game uses special composite paddles with holes instead of strung racquets and a spongy rubber ball versus a traditional fuzzy tennis ball. Paddle tennis balls also have a bright yellow "flocking" to improve visibility.

It's best to wear tennis shoes while you play. Some courts may have restrictions on what kind of shoes you can wear on the court to help preserve the court's surface. If you already have a good pair of tennis shoes, you should be good to go. Remember that platform tennis is a cold-weather sport, so you'll want to dress in layers you can easily take on and off. Most players wear special gloves to keep their hands warm too.

Not sure what you need to get started with platform tennis? Use this complete platform tennis buying guide and start making your list.

Search for public access platform tennis courts in your state. Some health clubs and gyms also have platform tennis courts. Consider joining a local platform tennis league near you if you want to play more competitively.

Join the fun! Platform tennis is a unique outdoor sport that's perfect for chilly weather. So have fun, get the family together, socialize, and stay healthy with a game of platform tennis this season.

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