If you haven’t yet heard about the newfound popularity of Platform Tennis, or Paddle as it’s affectionately known, then you’re missing out on a fantastic workout and very social sport. I recently spoke with Charles Mingoia, who plays in the Westchester Platform Tennis League (WPTL) about everything paddle and got an inside look into the game and how people can join in on the fun locally right here in Briarcliff Manor.
Platform Tennis was created almost a century ago in Scarsdale when in 1928 James Cogswell and Fessenden Blanchard, two tennis enthusiasts, wanted to find a way to enjoy racquet sports during the colder weather months. They built a raised platform, slightly smaller than a regulation tennis court and bought some balls and wooden paddles. They enclosed the platform with chicken wire to prevent the balls from landing in the snow and a new sport was born. Paddle is particularly popular in the Chicago area but is now seeing a resurgence in the place in which it was born.
These days, the game, which has similar rules to tennis, is still played on a raised decking – now made of aluminum and with a sandpaper-like grit to it, surrounded by the screens. If the ball hits within the court and bounces off the screen, you can still play it. The great thing about paddle is that even if you’re not very skilled in tennis you can still play with those who are – the screens help to equalize things a bit.
The game is known for being a very social one as well as one that can be played year-round, even in the cold weather. And one of the main reasons for that is the warming hut. Sounds cozy right? After games, many of the players can be found in the warming hut to relax, have drinks and just hang out and chat. “Our courts here in Briarcliff are public courts (located in Law Memorial Park). We have two courts and a warming hut that we built through private funds and donated to the Village. The social aspect of the game is much better with the hut.”
The WPTL is comprised of 10 divisions of 7-8 teams each and is part of the American Platform Tennis Association (APTA). The Briarcliff home courts have 4 teams in the league, in different divisions. Games are typically played on Tuesday and Wednesday nights. Briarcliff teams mostly play those from various country clubs around Westchester. There’s a women’s league that typically plays during the daytime with some women also playing in the evening division matchups. Mingoia got started with the sport in 2016 and was quickly hooked on it. “It’s something fun to do. It had been a while since I had played in competitive matches before this, but I learned pretty quickly. There’s a lot of strategy to the game but at the same time, the screens help as an equalizer. At the time I started playing there were 19 permit holders in town and now there are almost 100.”
The Briarcliff courts are dedicated to Ernie Pacchiana who passed away in 2022 and who in the 1970’s introduced paddle tennis to Northern Westchester. He also founded the Briarcliff Rotary Club chapter – sensing a need for something new and then creating it. The courts have become a place of not only friendly competition but also lots of social interaction. In addition to the weeknight matches through the WPTL, people can go on the weekends to play pick-up matches. “Once we got the hut, we would start hosting special events like Friday night couples paddle. It’s a great thing for the town – it’s very social,” says Mingoia.
As for how those new to the sport can get involved. “It’s mostly word of mouth. We’re always looking for new players. Maybe you’re new in town, or you played tennis in college.” And you don’t need to be the best athlete out there to play. “You don’t need to be super strong or super fit. We have an 81-year-old playing who loves it and we have college kids too.” The group found a big uptick in popularity during Covid, because it was something active and social that people could enjoy outdoors. And now they’ll scout for new players or just garner interest from curious onlookers at the courts. The group hosts an end-of-year paddle party as well as special tournaments throughout the year.
As for the warming hut, Mingoia views it as the best public one in the county. “We have a TV, fridge, refreshments. etc. People are always in the hut and hanging out.” And even if you’re not the most skilled paddle player, everyone’s an equal when it comes to enjoying some post-game fun.
