Platform tennis (often called “paddle” in the north-east United States) is an outdoor winter sport invented in Scarsdale, New York, in 1928. Curiously, its playing area is exactly the same size as a badminton doubles court: 44 by 20 feet. That is where the similarities end. Platform tennis is played on a raised, heated aluminium deck surrounded by tight wire screens, with solid paddles and a spongy ball that can be played off the screens.
Badminton vs platform tennis in brief
- Playing area: both 44 ft x 20 ft; platform tennis sits on a 60 x 30 ft deck
- Net: platform tennis 34 in at centre; badminton 5 ft
- Walls: platform tennis uses 12 ft wire screens that stay in play
- Object: spongy 2.5 in ball vs shuttlecock
- Season: platform tennis is played outdoors in winter; badminton is played indoors all year
- Scoring: platform tennis uses tennis scoring; badminton uses rally scoring to 21
Side-by-side comparison
| Platform tennis | Badminton | |
|---|---|---|
| Playing area | 44 x 20 ft inside a 60 x 30 ft deck | 44 x 20 ft (13.4 x 6.1 m) |
| Surface | Raised aluminium deck, often heated, gritty finish | Indoor wood or mat |
| Net height | 34 in at centre, 37 in at posts | 5 ft at centre, 5 ft 1 in at posts |
| Enclosure | 12 ft wire screens, balls playable off them | None |
| What you hit | Spongy rubber ball, 2.5 in diameter | Shuttlecock, 4.74 to 5.50 g |
| Equipment | Perforated solid paddle, about 18 in long | Strung racket |
| Serves | One serve in doubles (two in singles) | One serve |
| Scoring | Tennis scoring for games, sets and match | Rally scoring to 21, best of 3 |
| Main format | Doubles | Singles and doubles |
How the games differ
Platform tennis is a tactical doubles game: the ball bounces on the deck and can rebound off the side and back screens, so defenders can keep long rallies going while the attacking pair works for an opening at the net. It is built for cold weather, and courts often have heating under the deck to melt snow. Badminton needs still air and a high ceiling, so it is played indoors, with every shot volleyed before the shuttle lands.
Fitness and difficulty
Platform tennis is approachable for anyone who has played tennis, and its doubles format and screens keep rallies going. Badminton is more athletic and explosive, with more jumping and lunging. Both are good winter exercise. See badminton benefits.
Which should you choose?
| Choose platform tennis if you… | Choose badminton if you… |
|---|---|
| Live near a club in the north-east US and love being outside in winter | Want a sport you can play anywhere, all year |
| Enjoy tennis-style scoring and doubles tactics | Prefer a faster, more athletic indoor game |
FAQ
Is platform tennis the same as padel?
No. Both are walled doubles games, but padel uses glass walls on a 20 x 10 m court, while platform tennis uses wire screens on a raised deck. See badminton vs padel.
Is a platform tennis court the same size as a badminton court?
The 44 x 20 ft playing area is the same size as a badminton doubles court, but the deck, net height and screens are completely different.
Where is platform tennis played?
Mostly at clubs in the north-east and Midwest of the United States.
More comparisons: pickleball vs badminton and badminton vs tennis.
