By Charles E. Vasoll

I am frequently asked “What do you think is the status of paddle?” (They really mean platform tennis but our nickname, “paddle” is usually used.) Generally they are asking about local play on Long Island but I suspect that we are typical of the areas around the country. So, for what it’s worth, here’s my two cents worth.

I believe we are holding our own with the sport. There are no rapidly rising areas but fortunately there has not been a major decline either. In the face of a somewhat difficult economic situation and demographics that leave us somewhat short in the critical 40 to 50 age group, the sport is still alive and in reasonably good health.

Despite a major public relations push by the APTA to get courts into public parks, it is not likely to happen. The cost of courts makes most government park commissioners quake. Building golf courses makes them, at least, seem environmentally sensitive but paddle courts have no such redeeming feature. Likewise, in the private clubs, where the sport still has it’s greatest impact, the golfers and yachters who essentially run the clubs, see little value in sinking their dues dollars into additional facilities that are not the primary interest of the majority of their members.

The November issue of Platform Tennis Magazine featured “The BUSINESS of Platform Tennis” on its cover. With the exceptions of Reilly Green Mountain, which dates back 45+ years and Viking Athletics, which began in the early 80’s, all of the other vendors in the sport opened for business in the mid-1990’s. This has to be a concern of the governing body of the sport. Since there is such a small amount of sales dollars produced, building platform tennis courts, selling balls and manufacturing racquets have become difficult businesses. To keep alive, the sport virtually depends upon the good will of a few vendors. Maintaining a good relationship with them is essential.

Speaking specifically of Long Island (and again I guess it is the same in other locations) I believe the greatest growth is in the number of women participating in the game. I believe many of them have found the social aspects and the ease of playing very attractive. One does not have to be a strong athletic type to enjoy hitting the ball around with friends in the brisk, fresh, out-of-doors air of fall and winter.

Let’s not forget that our sport started as an outdoors family entertainment. While it is great to see the “pros” do some fantastic things on the court, just getting the children out with parents and friends is its real foundation.

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