Former ATP pros are taking on a new sport, and it’s not the one you’re thinking of

A new wave is shaking up racquet sports across the country, and its secret ingredient? Padded gloves.

From spikeball to volleyball to tennis to pickleball, Forehand Strike combines the best of these favored sports into one accessible sport, and former ATP players and experienced racquet sport players are trying it out for size.

“With the impressive growth of pickleball as a professional sport, Forehand Strike is a great alternative with a groundbreaking dense foam ball that’s specifically designed for a high bounce rate and versatile play while maintaining a quieter gameplay experience,” said Terrell Green, Creator and Founder of Forehand Strike. “The sport is also very portable and competitive for all age groups and levels. We are grateful to have the best players in the world competing for the inaugural Forehand Strike US Open title.”

The equipment is minimal, the rules are simple, and the space required is limited. Let’s get into it:

The Equipment: Swap a tennis racquet for some padded gloves that offer control, comfort, and ability to handle the dense foam ball. The ball is designed specifically for a high bounce rate and versatile play—and get this, it’s quieter than traditional net sport balls. There is also a 20-foot net that’s adjustable for younger Forehand Strikers in the making. Traditional court size scales 40 feet by 20 feet, resembling a pickleball court. However, there is no kitchen area.

The Rules: A “game match,” as referred to on their website, can be best of any odd number of sets, i.e. 3, 5, 7. Scoring is first too 17 points, win by two, following the same rules of tennis in which both serving and receiving sides can score points, each player serves twice per turn, and volleys are allowed for the entire court. Serving must be underhand, diagonally crosscourt within the boundaries of the court. The ball must be hit off of no more than one bounce and there is only open-hand hitting.

Want to see this sport in action? On Wednesday, December 20^th, there will be a Forehand Strike US Open that will take place at the Sports Haus in Norwalk, Conn. Our ATP loved ones and racquet sport enthusiasts will compete in a three-person round robin event for a chance to win cash prizes and the inaugural Forehand Strike US Open trophy.

“It’s exciting to be showcasing Forehand Strike US Open in-front of a National TV audience and use our innovative production tactics to help capture the excitement of this fast-growing sport,” commented Harry Cicma, TV Executive Producer of event and telecast, who brokered the national television deal.

The Forehand Strike US Open will have a delayed broadcast in 75 million households on January 1, 2024, across NESN TV, MASN TV, and regional NBC TV. The only better way to kick off the new year would be to try this sport out for yourself!