Pop Tennis: What it is, how to play it and why you have to try it

If you're looking for a fun way to stay fit and socialize with friends, the pop tennis it might be the perfect option for you.

This sport, originally from California, is growing in popularity around the world due to its simplicity and ability to engage people of all ages and abilities.

In this article, we'll explore the history of pop tennis, the rules of the game, and all the aspects that make it so fun.

Whether you're a beginner or an expert, don't miss the opportunity to learn all about pop tennis and start playing today!

Pop Tennis: the origins

Pop tennis, formerly known as paddle tennis, is a racket game that evolved from tennis and has been played for over a century. Unlike tennis, the pitch is smaller and there are no doubles lanes, plus the net is lower. Paddle tennis is played with a solid racket instead of a string racket, and a depressurized tennis ball is used.

The same court is used for both singles and doubles, with doubles as the dominant form of the game. The smaller court size puts a strong emphasis and advantage on net play and creates a fast, reaction-based game. The game is gaining popularity and has been introduced in Dubai and Egypt where local leagues and tournaments are frequently held.

In 1898 pop tennis was invented by the Episcopal minister Frank Peter Beal in Albion, Michigan. As the sport developed, it spread to lower Manhattan because Beal, wanting to create recreational activities for neighborhood children, had the city's Parks and Recreation Department install courts at Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village in 1915. The first tournament was organized in 1922, and the following year the United States Paddle Tennis Association (USPTA). By 1941, paddle tennis was being played in nearly 500 American cities.

While Frank Peer Beal is known as the inventor of the game, Murray Geller, a 1940s and 1950s gamer, was instrumental in creating the modern game. Elected chairman of the USPTA rules committee, he wanted to make the game more appealing to adults and introduced some features, including a bigger court and an underarm serve.

Pop Tennis: Rules

Pop tennis is a sport that it is played on a field approximately 15.24 meters in size in length and about 6.1 meters wide. There is a line positioned about 0.91 meters away from the base of the field, called the service line. Then there are the lateral lines, which define the limits of the field, and the central line which divides it into two equal parts.

The field must have a minimum height of approximately 3.05 meters for the fence. Court surface may be textured acrylic, similar to but not limited to Plexipave, Laycold, Kemiko, Play-On, etc.; or clay, Har-Tru, Omni-Turf and Mod-Sod. The playing surface must be green or light blue, while the side and back areas must be terracotta.

The ball to be used must be a pressurized tennis ball approved by the United States Tennis Association for tournament play, with the internal pressure reduced through puncture such that, falling from a height of approximately 1.83 meters onto the surface of the court, you rebound at a height of approximately 79 to 84 centimeters.

The racket must be made of solid material or a combination of materials, and must be no larger than approximately 24.13 x 46.99 centimeters. May be perforated and/or textured, but must not contain string.

Athletes must wear non-marking rubber soled shoes and appropriate attire for the game.

In terms of the rules of the game, the players are on opposite sides of the field and the player serving the ball is called the "Server“, while the player who receives the ball is called the “Receiver“. Only one service is allowed and the Server must be behind the baseline and within the imaginary extensions of the center and side lines. The server can throw the ball in the air with his hand and hit it with a racket at a height not exceeding approximately 79 cm off the ground at impact or bouncing it on the ground behind the baseline and hitting it on its rebound at a height not exceeding 80cm from the ground.

The serve must land in the service area diagonally across the court from the Receiver's position. If the serve does not land in the service area or if the server hits the ball higher than that, the serve is considered a fault and the server loses the point.

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Conclusions

In conclusion, pop tennis is still a little-known sport in Europe and in Italy, but it has the potential to become as popular as the padel. Its all-ages and all-ability-levels nature makes it an attractive option for those looking to enjoy the outdoors, exercise and socialise.

Pop tennis is a sport that requires good physical fitness, as it involves fast and intense movements, but it can also be played by those who are not expert athletes. Its fun and dynamic nature makes it ideal for playing sports informally with friends and family, while also improving coordination, endurance and concentration.

Additionally, pop tennis offers a variety of mental health benefits, as playing sports outdoors is an effective way to reduce stress, improve mood, and develop a sense of belonging. In conclusion, pop tennis is a fun and stimulating sport that could soon become a new way of doing outdoor sports and socializing in Europe and in Italy.