When many people think “paddle tennis,” they immediately think “ping pong.” Although a common misconception, the two are extremely different. Paddle tennis is a winter sport that we have here at Harriton. Yes, you heard me. Harriton has an official paddle tennis team–and a very successful one!

If you are standing far away, paddle tennis courts look just like miniature tennis courts. As you get closer, though, you notice that there is a large wire fence surrounding the court. This fence brings a lot of excitement to the game, as it expands the surface off of which the players can play the ball, allowing the players to use a whole new set of strategies.  Players are actually allowed to hit the ball after it bounces once on the ground and once off of the wall!

Other differences between paddle tennis and regular tennis include: a smaller, bouncier ball, and a heated floor. Although the heat doesn’t entirely warm the players, it does make the ball bounce even more. Unlike tennis rackets, the paddles used for this game are made of wood and a foam material, and they lack the strings found on tennis and squash racquets. Additionally, if you’re the lone-ranger type of athlete who is looking to play a sport solo, this is not for you. It is only played as a doubles game. And if your serve is not great, that is a shame- you only get one chance to serve the ball in this game. These changes make paddle tennis a fast-paced game that brings together aspects of tennis, squash, and racquetball. Yes, it is played outdoors in the winter, but yes, it’s worth it!

Senior Victoria Marks says, “The school year can be stressful and busy, so paddle is a really great opportunity to just go and have some fun. I love to be outside, so it’s a great way to get to do that in the winter, when you don’t usually have the motivation or chance to do so. It’s also really relaxed. We practice twice a week and it’s not super competitive so much as just for fun.”

Next time a classmate mentions paddle tennis, no longer will you be the embarrassed student who laughs as he shouts, “What, ping-pong?” Instead you will use your newfound paddle tennis knowledge, because you know paddle tennis is a great way to get out in the winter, and get some exercise while having fun. Come out next winter and see what all the hype is about!