Player Profiles: Scott Freeman and Don Schwake

Scott Freedman was born in 1962 in Venice Beach, California. As a child of the late 60′s, Scott was attracted to the excitement generated by the great paddle tennis players of the era who called Venice Beach their home.

Paddle tennis is (and was) played next to the beach on miniature tennis courts with a playable area 20′ by 50′ and a 31″ high net. In comparison, the playable area of a platform tennis court is 20′ x 44′ with a 34″ high net. Paddle tennis utilizes a tennis ball that is punctured with a hypodermic needle. There are no screens, so points are short and aggressive.

Although Scott had never played tennis or racquetball, the allure of this beach sport appealed to his superior coordination, conditioning and fast hands.

By the age of 18 (1980) Scott had accumulated four World Junior Paddle Tennis titles. After college, Scott returned to the beach and renewed his passion for paddle tennis. In 1984, he made the move to the men’s open division where he conquered his first of many world singles titles.

From the years 1984-2005, Scott accumulated 19 world singles titles, 16 world doubles titles (all with partner Sol Hauptman) and 14 world mixed doubles titles. He is the only player in the sport’s 108 year history (National Championships did not began until 1949) to win the world singles, doubles and mixed titles all in the same year. He has completed this feat a total of six times.

Scott went on to author “Paddle Tennis: Anyone Can Play’ a comprehensive paperback instructional book and video DVD that has sold thousands of copies from California to New York.

When asked about paddle tennis, Scott said, “Paddle tennis is one of the hottest growing sports in the country because its appeal to young players. There has been a major influx of tennis players over the past five years.”

In comparison to paddle tennis Scott added, “Platform tennis is complex because it is so physically and mentally demanding. An average point could last 30-40 shots and positioning is key on each shot. Because of this constant focus, platform tennis is on a whole different level competition-wise.”

Now at the age of 43, Scott is still on top of paddle tennis. In March, Scott will compete for $50,000 in prize money at the 2006 World Championships in Las Vegas. He is the favorite to win the singles, doubles and mixed doubles events.

Don Schwake grew up in Chicago • a product of the public tennis program. In college, Don was a tennis star at Western Illinois University. After school, in 2001, he moved to Venice Beach. His first days in California he witnessed Scott Freedman in a paddle tennis exhibition.

From there he was hooked. “On the court, Scott is a great teacher. Off the court, we talk about life and all the great things going on in our respective endeavors,” Don explained.

A week later Don entered his first paddle tennis tournament and won it, defeating the #3 player in the sport in the first round. Don is now the #2 ranked player in the world. Don’s doubles partner, Pierre Belmont, is also his best friend. Together they are the second ranked doubles team in the country.

Asked about platform tennis, Don said, “Growing up in Chicago, I saw platform tennis and always wanted to give it a try.” He added, “We didn’thave enough money for a country club membership, but I would have played platform tennis if it was publicly available.” He added, “These past few days, I learned that platform tennis is unbelievable difficult.

After one week in paddle tennis I was a top five player in the world. In platform that can not happen. The difference between the sports is in the mental focus.” Don concluded, “People in platform are incredibly nice. The weather is not desirable, but the people are great. You have an awesome thing going here.”

: Source: Platform Tennis Magazine, Vol 7., Issue 4, February, 2006