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GCPTA Frequently Asked Questions:

What is platform tennis or (“PT”)?
Platform Tennis is a racquet sport that combines the skills and concepts of tennis, racquetball and table tennis into a fast-paced and highly-addictive game.

When is it played?
The game is played in the winter from October 1 to March 31, or anytime the air temperature is in the 40’s (F) or below.

Where can I play?
Currently, there courts at 8 private country clubs and 5 sports clubs. We do have a group of "traveling teams", both mens' and womens' teams that do not have courts and play all matches on the road. If you are interested in playing and don’t belong to a club you can go to the Directions - Where to Play section of this website to obtain information about all of the clubs as well as contact information for the traveling teams.  You may also contact Mark Kebe at mkebe@fuse.net.

Do we have any public PT courts in Cincinnati?
Currently, no. There is a group of players that are in the process of obtaining public PT courts. If you are interested in this organization please contact Andy Giannella at 513-533-1215.

What type of racquet is used?
The racquet is short and solid - similar to a large Ping-Pong paddle. You can find a full list of platform paddles here.

What is the best clothing to play PT?
Loose fitting pants or sweat pants, the rest is up to you. Some players prefer shorts and since they stay active, they stay warm. Please remember the playing deck service is very rough and can scrape skin very easy if you fall.

What type of shoe is best for PT?
Athletic shoes. Tennis shoes are the best. Running shoes or other types of cross training athletic shoe could roll on the deck surface grit and you could fall. You are lucky to have a pair of shoes last one season due to the deck surface grit.

How do I keep score?
Scoring is like tennis. The difference is that you only get one serve and lets count.

Where could I purchase a PT paddle or other equipment?
Please check the clubs listed on our site. The pros carry an inventory of PT equipment and appreciate the business. If you do not have a club pro please purchase from paddlepro.com to help keep this website free.

Where was this game started?
The sport started in Scarsdale New York and has matured on the east coast. Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Chicago continue to field strong national teams.

What is the PT sports environment?
PT is social like golf and continues to be enjoyed at a competitive level well into mid-life. The current 6 time national champs are both approaching 40.

Who runs PT in Cincinnati?
The Greater Cincinnati Platform Tennis Association (“GCPTA”) is the governing organization over league play and all area tournaments.