What is Masters Tennis and What the HECK is Pickleball?

Masters Tennis may sounds like it would be reserved for seasoned champions (like the Master’s Tennis Tournament is for Roger Federer) but in reality it is almost the opposite. 

Masters Tennis is a new spin on the tennis game, using lower compression balls (which move slower) on a modified, smaller court (so there is less ground to cover). In other words, there is less court to cover and the ball speed is easier to keep up with. It first gained popularity in Florida and has quickly been migrating North.

Pickleball is similar to Masters Tennis in that it, too, is played on a smaller tennis court with a net, but in Pickleball the net is lowered and players use a plastic ball and paddles that are akin to oversized ping pong paddles. 

Both games are excellent for beginning players and for tennis players who may be recovering from injuries or who find themselves with less mobility/agility than they used to have. 

Many communities are now offering either Masters Tennis or Pickleball and find that the sports are wildly popular. 

Dataw Island Club has opted to offer Masters Tennis. Players can use the tennis racquet that they already own, and can more easily move between traditional tennis and Masters Tennis. Additionally, by nature of the harder racquets and balls, Pickleball is a much louder sport that can disrupt tennis play on adjacent courts. 

So who plays Masters Tennis? 
• Anyone who wants to benefit from the fun, fitness and friendship you’ve always enjoyed about tennis! 
• Those who want to shed a few pounds
• “Newbies” who have not played in the past who have an interest in finding a new exercise avenue, that is also social and fun!

Ask your Club’s Tennis Pro if Masters Tennis is offered or if they would be willing to modify a court. You may be surprised how much fun you’ll have making new friends and getting some extra exercise!