Volleying.
By David Kjeldsen

I’m Confused!

“It really doesn’t make a bit of difference what you call it, where it is played or how good you are as long as it brings together a group friends and competitors in a sport that they love.” Rick Meffert

“THANK YOU!!!! Amongst all members of the APTA, I , along with you, am and have always been frustrated with platform players using the term "paddle tennis" in regard to Platform Tennis….” Hilary Hilton Marold

“Hi David, I'm w/ you on this one, I'm trying to grow the game of platform in Boulder, CO & I can't believe how many names are flying around trying to describe our sport. I only refer to it as "platform tennis"! Enjoyed your article!!!” Curt Corrigan

Bounce Rule

“I think the rule 8h should stay as is. The rule's intent is to keep the ball within the boundaries of the chicken wire (and the lines) to win a point. Besides, leaving the court to find an intentionally hit-out ball is an annoying prospect.” Robin Foley

“Leave the rule as is.” John Stoffel

“An alternate suggestion would be to play a let, which recalls the original rule (pre-1974, if I remember correctly). One could argue that's it's unreasonable to penalize a team for a good high lob. I believe that this "compromise" is sensible and would not be subject to any misinterpretation…” Dan Wheeler

“Love the debate. Marjorie is correct in thinking interpretation of the "lob" could open a Pandora’s box. Although we (average players) don't see this happen often, given the rise of extended seasons (barring the introduction of a "warm weather" ball), we might. I'm with Marjorie on this one. Paddle rules are simple and should be kept that way. Ever see the USGA Rules of Golf!!! “ Teri Colmar

My Serve: PaddlePro

“…McDonald's hasn't changed their French fry box in my lifetime and I still consider them the best fries in the fast food world. Changing something on the Internet that "works" should be well thought out. PaddlePro's look and feel is better than anything else out there, so why mess with it…” Scott Crabtree

Double Hit

From Chuck Vasoll:

“I am at a loss to understand your support of the APTA decision to change the long-standing rule in platform tennis about the “double hit” and “carry”.

“Old Rule 18: Loss of Point – (d) A player touches or strikes the ball more than once in making a stroke, or makes overlong contact with the ball (i.e. both a double hit and a carry are illegal).

“New Rule 18: Loss of Point – (d) A player deliberately carries or catches the ball in play on the paddle or deliberately touches it with the paddle more than once (i.e. any ball struck using a continuous motion is legal).

“Certainly, in my opinion, there is good reason to continue the wording in the original rule. I recognize that there is a factor of honesty by the player involved but is that any different from when the player is called upon to make an “in” or “out” call on the opponent’s shot? Our sport was founded by gentlemen to whom being “honest” was the most important character element.

“This (new) wording follows the rule in tennis by using the word “deliberately”. While the double hit and carry are really still a loss of point, as I read the new wording, the stroke has to be intentional on the part of the player. Who in the world is going to read a player’s mind about what he did when he struck the ball? I guess the honesty of the player may still be the issue.

“I have been told that this wording change was precipitated by the stroke, particularly the serve, of one of the champion players. It seems that he “crushes” the ball so hard that a double hit appears to result. My goodness, how our sport has changed. Once upon a time hitting the ball hard was a mistake, because the rebound from the screen aided an opponent in taking the net position.

“You say that the change is the rule will be “inconsequential in the outcome of most points.” On the most talented level of play, that may be true but I fear for the lesser talented player who now has to adjust to this change and will come across all kinds of strange shots which the player will declare as unintentional.”

“The most aggravating part of this rule wording change is that the APTA has been so secretive about it. It was voted on and approved at the Board Meeting in May and with the season about to begin, there has not been a word about it from the Association. If you and Bob Considine, through his web site PaddlePro.com had not brought it to the attention of some of us, no one would still be aware of it. There is not a mention of if on the APTA website, although the Official Rules are now posted and it has the new wording or Rule 18 (d).

“So there you have it. The “double hit” and “carry” are still illegal but only if it is intentional. What kind of a “rule” is that?

what do you think? let me know! info@platformtennisnews.com

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