Well, let me tell ya, if you ever been to Cincinnati, ya might’ve heard about somethin’ called platform tennis. It ain’t exactly like the tennis you see folks playin’ on them big courts with rackets and long serves. No sir, platform tennis is a whole different thing. Now, this sport might sound fancy, but trust me, it’s a whole lotta fun and don’t take much to get started. You just gotta find the right place, grab a paddle, and give it a try. Ain’t that hard!
So, what’s this platform tennis all about? Well, first off, it’s played on a small court. Yep, much smaller than them big tennis courts. And the court’s got these wire fences around it, which means, when the ball hits the wall, it can bounce right back. It’s a lot faster than regular tennis, and you gotta be quick on your feet! They call it paddle tennis ’round here, and you play with these special paddles that look like big ol’ ping pong paddles. No strings, just solid surface.
Now, if you’re from around Cincinnati, there’s plenty of places to give this sport a whirl. The folks in the area have really taken to it, and there’s a lotta clubs where you can join in. Places like the Carmargo Club, where they got four courts just for platform tennis, and Hyde Park Country Club where they sometimes host big ol’ events. It’s a good way to get outta the house and meet new folks, if you ask me.
But, listen, don’t just take my word for it. Cincinnati’s even got its own league for this here sport, called the Cincinnati Platform Tennis League. Now, this league ain’t just for the pros or fancy folks, no sir! Anybody can join, whether you’re just startin’ out or you’ve been playin’ for years. It’s all about havin’ fun and learnin’ the ropes, ya know? And hey, if you’re lucky enough to get into one of them Pro-Am events, like the ones they hold at the Maketewah Country Club, you might even get a chance to see some real pro players in action!
Platform tennis is different from regular tennis, but it sure is a fun time. You see, instead of all them rules and fancy stuff, it’s more about bein’ quick and makin’ good shots. And don’t you worry about all them technical things like grips and swings – just pick up a paddle and hit the ball! It’s easy to learn, but hard to put down once you get the hang of it.
For folks who wanna really get good at it, I heard you can set up semi-private lessons too. A fella named Jeff, he’s real good at teachin’ folks the tricks of the trade. He’ll make sure you get plenty of chances to work on your skills and get better with every swing. It’s the best way to get a feel for the game, ‘specially if you’re startin’ from scratch.
And you know what? Cincinnati’s also got some big events for platform tennis. If you’re into watchin’ the pros, you might catch somethin’ like the Cincinnati Open, which takes place every year at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason. It’s a big deal for folks in the area, and it’s a good way to see the best players in action and learn a thing or two.
If you’re worried about what to wear, don’t stress. Sneakers or comfy sandals are just fine. You’ll be up and down all over the place, so you need to be able to move fast. And don’t forget the sunscreen! The sun can get mighty hot, especially in the summer. Oh, and you can’t bring in no food or drinks from outside, but there’s plenty of vendors around to grab a snack or a cold drink.
So, if you find yourself wanderin’ around Cincinnati and you’re lookin’ for somethin’ new to try, give this platform tennis a shot. It’s a good way to stay active, have some fun, and maybe even make some new friends along the way. Ain’t no need to be shy—just pick up a paddle and hit that ball! You might just find you’re better at it than you thought!
Tags：[Platform Tennis, Cincinnati, Paddle Tennis, Cincinnati Tennis, Platform Tennis League, Hyde Park Country Club, Carmargo Club, Cincinnati Open, APTA, Cincinnati Sports]
