The chilly winter weather makes most of us retreat into the warmth of the indoors until spring. Fortunately, it’s possible to stay physically fit, maintain your flexibility, and hang out with friends in cold temperatures.
Alternative sports like platform tennis offer plenty of opportunities to socialize while staying in shape. Lancaster Country Club’s platform tennis season runs from October to March—and as a sport specifically designed for the cooler months, platform tennis is a must-try when there’s snow on the ground.
What is platform tennis?
Platform tennis is a racquet sport that’s played outdoors during cold weather. It was created in the 1920s in New York during a particularly frigid winter.
New Yorkers wanted to play a racquet sport that would work in their cold climate, so they built a raised, wooden court outside with heaters underneath it.
After losing the ball in a snowbank one time too many, the players added wire fencing and a net around the court. Over time, they realized it was quite fun to bounce the ball off the screened walls, which added a challenging strategy component to the game.
Over the last 100 years, platform tennis has become a popular sport in the winter months. The raised court allows you to place heaters underneath, so players can stay warm and comfortable no matter the outdoor temperature.
Platform tennis many benefits, including:
- Social connection: Platform tennis can be played solo, although most people play doubles. It’s a friendly, low-stakes game that makes it possible for you to socialize with friends in spite of the cold weather.
- Exercise: Summer bodies are built during the winter, and platform tennis allows you to stay fit during the colder months. Platform tennis has a smaller court and is less intense than tennis, so it’s ideal for players who are older or who have injuries.
- Strategy: Although it isn’t the same as tennis, platform tennis still requires speed and power. Because you can bounce the ball off of the mesh walls, the game requires a lot of strategy and concentration, which makes it a fun challenge.
- Beginner-friendly: Looking for a family-friendly activity? Platform tennis is great for all ages and skill levels.
Platform tennis at Lancaster Country Club
Platform tennis is a particularly social event at the club: our members love gathering at the fire pit lounge or in the Paddle Hut to warm up after playing a round in the cold.
It’s designed for beginner and intermediate players, so if you’ve never tried platform tennis before, this is your year! LCC’s platform tennis program runs from October to March and offers weekly men’s and women’s open play, weekly instructional clinics, and monthly adults-only platform tennis socials. All of LCC’s coaches are talented racquets professionals with industry certifications from the USTA, USPTA, PPTA, and more. Whether you’re new to platform tennis or want to hone your skills, our personable and professional staff will offer you top-tier racquets training.
The bottom line
Platform tennis is a unique outdoor sport that’s perfect for Pennsylvania’s chilly winters. Have fun, socialize, and stay healthy with a casual game of platform tennis.
Come join the fun! We’d love to have you be a part of our thriving racquets community at LCC.