Holly Tritt of Western Springs, an instructor for the Hinsdale Paddle program at Katherine Legge Memorial Park, says many tennis players take up platform tennis, but they still have to learn how to play the ball off the fence. | Jerry Daliege—for Sun-Tim

Margret Hawn from Hinsdale and Gwen Farley Green from Chicago practice on the platform tennis courts at Katherine Legge Memorial Park, which are heated to melt snow and ice. | Jerry Daliege—for Sun-Times Media

Susie Mullaney (left) and Margret Hawn, both from Hinsdale, practice platform, or paddle, tennis in KLM Park. The smaller court makes it easier for players to talk than on a regular tennis court. | Jerry Daliege—for Sun-Times Media

In platform tennis, balls can be played off the fence. "The fence is an equalizer," says Holly Tritt of Western Springs, who teaches platform tennis for the Hinsdale Paddle program at KLM Park. | Jerry Daliege—for Sun-Times Media

Mary Doten from Western Spring is director of Hinsdale's platform tennis program and a six-time national champion of the American Platform Tennis Association. | Jerry Daliege—for Sun-Times Media

Allison Pollitt and Ashley Killpack, both from Clarendon Hills, practice on the platform tennis courts in Katherine Legge Memorial Park. The enclosed court, smaller than a tennis court, makes the game more social and fun, players say. | Jerry Daliege—for

Platform tennis players dress in layers. As they play and warm up, they can peel off their jackets and vests, despite playing outdoors in the winter. The courts are heated from below just enough to melt snow and ice. | Jerry Daliege—for Sun-Times Media

Margret Hawn from Hinsdale (left) and Gwen Farley Green from Chicago practice their platform tennis skills Friday morning in Katherine Legge Memorial Park. | Jerry Daliege—for Sun-Times Media

Susie Mullaney (left) and Margret Hawn, both from Hinsdale,practice on the platform tennis courts in KLM Park. The sport is great for socializing and outdoor exercie in the winter, players say. | Jerry Daliege—for Sun-Times Media

Susie Mullaney of Hinsdale takes part in a platform tennis skills drill in Katherine Legge Memorial Park. Platform tennis courts are being built by park districts and private clubs due to the sport's popularity. | Jerry Daliege~for Sun-Times Media