CLICK HERE FOR OFFICIAL RULES!
#1 - The Court
This is NOT a tennis court. It looks like one - except for the dimensions. It is much smaller than a tennis court. The outer edge of the court is surrounded by a twelve-foot high chicken wire fence. The chicken wire is installed to be tightly strung so that balls can be played off the side and/or back “screens.”
The court surface itself is called the “deck” for a reason. It has a lot of grit to help you play in the Winter months. Under our deck is heating system which allows the game to be played in most any weather but especially in the colder months of the year and to melt any snow/ice and to dry the moisture. Yes, you can play all Winter!
The lines are set up for either doubles or singles play, but usually this very social game is played with a doubles team.
#2 - Scoring
This is exactly the same as tennis with sets to six games, win by two with a tiebreaker usually played at six all. Whoever wins the rally, gets the point. A match is best two out of three sets. No add scoring is becoming increasingly popular as is a tiebreaker played as the third, deciding set. Click here to learn how to play a tie-breaker (this is the only scoring difference from tennis)
#3 - Serving
The concept is the same as in tennis, alternating sides and teams and rotating servers. You get only one chance to get the ball into the serving box opposite where you stand. And, unlike tennis, if it hits the net and goes in, it is not a let. It is in play.
There are no rules about the serving motion so it can be underhand (like pickleball) or overhead (like tennis.) The ball must be hit by the server before it touches the ground.
Foot faults can be called if the server is materially moving their feet at the time the ball is served or if they enter the court prior to striking the ball. The first incidence of a foot fault is played as a let with any subsequent violations resulting in a loss of point.
#4 - Rallies
Just as in tennis, once the serve is in play, the point continues until someone fails to get it in court either by hitting the ball in the air (a volley) or off the first bounce. Unlike tennis, the ball can be played off the chicken wire sides or back if it first is hit in court. However, unlike racquetball, if the ball is played off the wire, it must first be hit to the opponent’s court and cannot be played back off the side or back. Bottom line: the ball must be hit in court first or it is a loss of point.
Attire
We recommend you dress in Layers! Also, please check the weather before you come to the club. It could be snowy weather or very windy. A winter hat is a nice touch. Sunglasses during the day might help you if there is a glare. Some people wear Platform Tennis gloves if they get real cold! Many players wear pants with liners to protect from the chilly wind. Please don't hesitate to use the warming hut in between sets. To be honest some days can be flat out warm and you will end up playing in shorts & a t-shirt! The Court Heaters are only turned on for Snow & Ice (Moisture) ; they heat the court, not the air!! Use the warming hut between sets. Be ready for anything!