The APTA has introduced new Junior formats to be played with the New Training Ball!
The new ball is lighter, bigger and bouncier
making it easier, safer and more fun to learn!!!
Here are the guidelines for the APTA'S POP UP Paddle
2, 3 or 4 Players - Singles, Doubles or 2 on 1.
Recommended Equipment:
The new Viking Training Ball and any lighter adult paddle with a small grip or a Junior Paddle.
1) Players get 2 serves to get it in the correct box with an overhand serve.
2) Scoring could be "No Ad" or scoring could be like Ping Pong with games to 11 or 21 depending on number of kids and number of courts.
For the stronger kids, players could play "No Ad" with winner being the first team or player to win 6 games.
3) Players get two bounces instead of one!
Length of time of Event: an hour!!!
Here are the Guidelines for 4-8 year old kids:
Number of Players:
2 players (singles) or 4 players (doubles)
Singles play is great way for the younger kids to run around, stay warm and have instant success!!!!
Rules and suggested formats:
1) Give the kids 10 or 15 minutes to play as many points as they can.
2) Play Games scoring 1-2-3-4 to 11 or 21, like Ping Pong.
3) Whoever picks up the ball serves the next point.
4) A "good serve" is an overhand serve that goes over the net . Players can serve from anywhere from the service line back to the baseline! Players can bounce the ball and hit it over to start a point.
Progression for Kids: When the kids start getting serves over but deep, progression then would be to back them up until they can make serves in from the baseline.
A point ends when the ball rolls on the court or if a baseline shot hit the back screen on the other side of the court. Unlimited number of bounces are ok as long as the ball is not rolling.
7) We highly recommend having kids play baseline shots off of the back screen to get a real feel for the game so have kids forget about the baseline. Shots hit long are "in play" for the younger kids.
Length of Play for POP UP Paddle: one hour!
The APTA recommends this ball for any player between
the ages of 4 and 94 who need a slower and safer way to
learn paddle!
The Training Ball gives platform tennis our very
own version of "Pickelball with year round play!!!!
Check out the size difference from a traditional ball
on the left to the NEW Training Ball!
Contact the APTA for help setting up a
a POP UP PADDLE event in your area!!!