The Paddle Game a Squash Pro Plays Alone, With Kids, on Beaches, and in Streets
Save this article to read it later.
Find this story in your account’s‘Saved for Later’section.
Comment
I fell in love withpaddle-racquet gamesmore than two decades ago on a rockybeach in Provincetownwhen a stranger generously lent me and my best friend, Matt, a set of “beginner paddles” and suggested we try playing some “fierceKadima.” (Kadima is the most well-known brand of paddles — the ubiquitous wooden set available at drugstores and surf shops.) I am a former professional squash player, so the cushion of introductory paddles was, let’s say, slightly unnecessary. In no time, Matt (a skilledtennis player) and I were standing 30 feet apart, whaling on the small rubber ball for rallies that lasted minutes.
TheKadimawas fierce, I assure you. But there’s one problem withKadimaand so many similar paddle games that require you to keep the ball afloat without letting it bounce: They’re difficultfor beginnersto play because the true pleasure comes from extended rallies, which take some skill. I have made countless attempts to engage non-sporting friends in various recreational paddle games on beaches andin parksacross the world, but most times those people are happier watching (or reading a book) because they can’t hit the ball on the fly. That’s why I have always been on the lookout for paddle sports that can get me — and folks with far less experience — playing like we’re fighting for one of squash’s biggest trophies at the British Open or, you know,on the grassat Wimbledon. In other words, games for those who prefer, or need, to let the ball bounce as it does in squash ortennis.
As someone who spends a decent amount of time thinking aboutracquet sports, I’ve developed relationships with others who share my passion for paddles. One of them — Marcel Straub, whom I had first met at the World Student Games back in 1996 — emailed me not long ago to say he created a new game calledStreet Racket.Like traditionalKadima,Street Racketuses wooden paddles and a ball. Its yellow ball, though, is not only bouncier than others but can also be bounced as you play.Street Rackethas simple rules for those who wish to follow them: You begin by drawing your own court (usually with chalk) onto concrete, the side of a building, or even in the dirt — literally whatever relatively hard surface is available. (The spongy ball is so bouncy that I’m told you can even play on hard-packed snow or ice, but living in Los Angeles, I can’t say I’ve tried.) The rectangular playing field is divided into three squares; players stand in the two outer squares and compete over the middle square, which essentially functions as a net. You score a point when your opponent either misses your square or is unable to return your shot from within their square, kind of like tennis. But you do not need to volley the ball on the fly, and because of its soft bounce, even beginners have enough time to react and knock it back.
New! You can now save this product for later.
Here’s the other nice thing aboutStreet Racket: The rules and dimensions of a court aren’t hard and fast. Advanced players can chalk up larger courts for an additional challenge. Solo players can chalk a court against a wall. Four players can draw a court in a cross shape for competitive or cooperative play. The heft of the ball givesStreet Racketa more “real sports” feel thanpickleball. What’s more,the gamedoesn’t require the ferocity or technique (or private courts) that can make other paddle-racquet games forbidding and inaccessible. From the broken sidewalk outside my house in inner city Los Angeles to the exterior wall of the kitchen-supply store down the block, I’ve happily drawn my own court and rallied with my 6-year-old, who has no trouble keeping the ball going— which, instead of scoring points, is how we prefer to play.That I, a former squash pro, can compete with my kid is what makesStreet Racketso delightful. Soon enough, she’ll be beating me, she swears. And I don’t doubt that some fierceStreet Racketis in her future.
The Strategistis designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the bestacne treatments,rolling luggage,pillows for side sleepers,natural anxiety remedies, andbath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
