Pop Tennis is a century old paddle sport that until recently, was called "Paddle Tennis.” Rebranded as Pop (for popular) Tennis in 2015, people enjoy the game because it's played on a shorter Tennis court, using tennis scoring, but is easier to play. The reason? It’s because of composite paddles, which have memory foam on them, a slower, depressurized Tennis ball, and a single underhanded serve.
The United States Tennis Association saw the newly renamed Pop Tennis as an ideal feeder sport for Tennis and officially adopted it under the USTA. This gave Pop Tennis a new, strong, official backing. Considered by club pros, it is as an ideal way to increase tennis participation, and fully utilize Tennis facilities. It is an alternative for Tennis players, who, for one reason or another can no longer play the full court, but still love the game.
Pop is a lot like Tennis because it’s played with an actual tennis ball. Its strategy is also similar to the conventional tennis strategy. Meaning, the goal is to get to the net and put the point away. It also has some similarities to Pickleball, because the court is smaller and it’s easy to learn and play for all ages. However, in Pop Tennis there is no “no volley” zone.
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During the spring and summer, SaddleBrooke experimented with the concept on a limited basis. Drills were offered, and enthusiastic group began to form. Several players took on the responsibility of organizing play. Carol Kula, Joan Ebbeson, Karen Pachis and Cynthia Pierson have arranged for courts, and created an email sign up resulting in a group of 42 players of all abilities that regularly turn out to play together. Players are rotated every four games, so everyone serves and there is a nice mix of opponents. Pop becomes official in November under the tennis club umbrella. Call the tennis club at (520) 825-0255 for membership information.
