In recent years, a novel tennis sport has been quietly making waves across the nation. Developed by tennis coach Nate Gross, "Spec Tennis" aims to bridge the gap between the rapidly growing pickleball phenomenon and traditional tennis. As Gross himself explains, "I came up with Spec Tennis in 2016. I was seeking a way to enjoy paddle tennis on pickleball courts. When I tried it with my dad, we realized the equipment wasn't suitable for the court dimensions. So, I began experimenting with different paddles and balls until we found the perfect combination. That summer, I invited some tennis friends to play a tournament, and from there, the sport was born."

Why Spec Tennis Matters

Gross firmly believes that Spec Tennis holds significant value not only in itself but also as a tool for teaching conventional tennis. He emphasizes, "It utilizes the same strokes and strategies as tennis but provides a more favorable learning environment. The Spec Tennis paddle has a low power level, and its weight encourages players to hit through the ball, promoting better biomechanics compared to a regular tennis racquet."

Main Appeals of Spec Tennis

Firstly, "people can relish playing it without having to invest excessive time and money in private lessons. Most players are able to engage in back-and-forth rallies within the first 10 minutes of play. It offers an accessible entry point for those new to the sport."Secondly, "all ages and athletic abilities can find joy in playing it. Due to the small court size, one doesn't need to be exceptionally fast or fit. Yet, for the highly athletic, the small court presents a challenge, leading to incredible rallies."Thirdly, "it can be played anywhere with anyone - on tennis courts, pickleball courts, or gym floors. People enjoy playing with their loved ones, whether it's friends, family, or kids, even if there is a level difference."

Building the Sport's Presence

To enhance the sport's visibility and player base, Gross has joined forces with investor Mike Kulwiec. Kulwiec passionately promotes the sport with his tagline, "Spec Tennis, it's Spectacular!" He states, "The game is incredibly fun to play and watch. We have a steadily growing number of weekly players across the US. Our goal is to make Spec a national and eventually an international sport."There are clear signs of the sport's growth. Chris Luca, a Spec "ambassador" in the Boston area, now has 250 players in his group. Jake Agna, the founder of the "Kids on the Ball" program, notes, "We average 150-200 kids each day. Our program uses the parameters of Spec tennis with red dot balls. This year, we've made a significant change by playing entirely with Spec paddles. The improvement we've seen in kids of all abilities is truly remarkable. They are learning to control ball speed and becoming more comfortable and composed at the hitting zone."It is heartening to witness such dynamism in the sporting industry. Beyond the obvious enjoyment of Spec players, it is also beneficial for the nation's health. The more sporting options children have that they find fun, the healthier they will be. And for parents, the appeal of a game that can be played on a tight budget is a major plus.