Although Murray Geller, whom we'll talk about later, is considered the inventor of the modern game, it is in fact much older. It originated circa 1898. In 1915, Frank Peer Beal, an Episcopal minister in lower Manhattan, wanted to jumpstart recreational activities for neighborhood children. He got the city's parks and recreation department to build courts in Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village. The first tournament was held in 1922, and the United States Paddle Tennis Associated (USPTA) was formed the following year. By 1941, paddle tennis was being played in almost 500 American cities.

Murray Geller, a player in the 1940's and '50s, was instrumental in creating the modern game. He was elected chairman of the USPTA rules committee and he wanted to make the game more appealing to adults, so in 1959 he instituted various features including an enlarged court and an underhanded serve.

Paddle Tennis can be played either as singles or doubles. Best of three sets. Same scoring as tennis. One underhand serve. "Bucket rule" applies in some States. Paddle Tennis is a fast paced, rapidly growing game that the whole family can enjoy. It is easily picked up by enthusiasts of other paddle sports. Paddle Tennis is popular at all levels of competition, and some say contagious. Play is exciting due to the small court and longer rallies. Many people say Paddle Tennis is more fun and easier to paly than Tennis.

50' long by 20' wide with no doubles alleys. Minimum of 15' backspace and 10' side space recommended. Net is 31" high. Both singles and doubles are played on the same size court.

A deadened tennis ball - punctured by a hypodermic needle - a bounce not less than 31" and not more than 33".

Titanium, Graphite or Wood. Weight is approx. 13-16 ounces. 18" in length and 9.5" wide. The Paddle Tennis paddle may be textured or perforated and may have a metal rim or not but it cannot have strings.

At this time tere is no governing body. We are not even sure if the USPTA still exists, they no longer maintain a presence on the Internet. The last official Rules of Play were published in 1995 and though they may seem quaint, are still used for many tournaments. The game is alive and well thanks to it's devoted players!

All our paddles can be used, be they wood or graphite. No restrictions or specifications for paddles exist at this time. Our paddles have quickly become the standard for both recreational and competitive players. See our Pick-A-Paddle page to select the perfect weapon for your game! Or just make a selection from the menu at the top of this page to get all the specifications for a particular paddle!