Platform (Paddle) Tennis

Imagine bundling up on a brisk November morning only to find yourself in shorts and a tee shirt lunging toward the ball as it rattles against the wires for a winner. Platform tennis aka Paddle, is a great winter sport providing both sports competition and physical exercise akin to skiing or skating.  The sport is a combination of tennis and racquetball played outdoors on lit, heated platforms. The lights and the warmth make play in the evenings, snow and light rain possible.  Each platform is surrounded by chicken wire approximately ten feet high to make it a four wall game.  The sport utilizes a version of tennis rules, it is primarily played as doubles, although singles can also be played.  The game is played with paddles and a sponge ball.

Orange Lawn’s 5 lit heated courts are among the most prestigious platform tennis facilities in Northern New Jersey.  Our facilities include, “The Paddle Hut” as it’s affectionately known. It’s a fully furnished  club space including restroom/shower, kitchenette and television. It’s heated, of course! The Paddle Hut overlooks courts one and four and is ideal for watching tournaments and matches.

Orange Lawn participates in both Men’s and Women’s North Jersey Platform Tennis Association leagues.  In addition, Orange Lawn hosts the New Jersey Men’s Platform Tennis State tournament and the OLTC Women’s State Tournament.  The Orange Lawn Paddle Pro shop provides demo paddles and other equipment.

Orange Lawn Platform Tennis Events: October 1 to March 31

  • Separate Paddle Camps for beginners and experienced players
  • Sunday morning open paddle pick up games arranged by the Pros
  • Mixed paddle nights with dinner in the Clubhouse
  • Men’s night with pizza and beer in the paddle hut
  • Women’s “Get Wired” evenings periodically with snacks and drinks in paddle hut
  • Women’s team practices two mornings a week
  • Women’s and Men’s Turkey Shootouts around Thanksgiving
  • Men’s and Women’s Singles, Doubles, and Mixed Tournaments during the season
  • The Men’s and Women’s Governor’s Cups in which the Paddle Pros select even teams for the tournament
  • Periodic round robins
  • Ladies closing luncheon and paddle