Paddle is a great addition to any existing racquet club or as a replacement to unused tennis courts or other forms of wasted space. Compared with tennis, Paddle has many benefits. Economically, clubs can generate a much higher return per sq ft than tennis courts. Demographically, Paddle is attractive due to its low impact and longer rallies which allows for aging baby boomers to play into their late years without pain and with greater aerobic impact.
Paddle has gained rapid popularity due to its simplicity and similarities to tennis, squash, racquetball and badminton. The short paddle is much easier to control than the longer stringed racquets so that from the first time on court, novices of all ages can enjoy a well played game with plenty of rallies. The game primarily applies tennis doubles rules with some key adaptations such as an underhand service and the use of end and side walls to play the ball off of. A regular tennis ball is used and remains in play longer than in a typical tennis match. Paddle is fun, easy to learn, and challenging for all levels of skills and physical fitness. Because it is played as a doubles game, it is also a social way to exercise with friends, family and associates.
Benefits of Paddle in your Club or Community
- A game for the whole family
- Anyone can participate with little expense
- A sport for all ages
- Very social
- Excellent aerobic workout
- Ideal for mixed doubles (couples) and seniors relative to other racquet sports
- Excellent introductory racquet sport for juniors
- Better utilization of space than tennis
- Tennis and squash friendly - existing racquet members will latch on
- Offer new programs to existing members
Installing a Paddle Court
A Paddle court is slightly smaller than the boundary area of a tennis court. Two official size Paddle courts can easily be constructed within the area of a full size tennis court. Courts can be built either outdoors or indoors with the same considerations as a tennis court. The dimensions of the Paddle court are provided below. The walls of a Paddle court are typically
constructed using either glass, cinder block or plywood. Chain link fence is also required primarily for the side walls. Paddle courts are surfaced with the same material as a tennis court and require a tennis net.
The cost to construct a Paddle court varies based on the materials used. Clubs replacing an existing tennis court will find the costs lower than those facing new construction. One of the primary reasons that Paddle has grown so quickly throughout South America and Europe is the low capital cost to build courts - clubs in Canada should budget between
$35K to $70K per court depending on
style and structure materials.
Paddle Canada can provide all the necessary expertise to clubs, community associations and municipalities interested in adding Paddle courts. In certain circumstances, Paddle Canada can also provide financial aid for the purchase and installation of the courts.
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