Hi-bounce or Low-bounce ball?

Many players liked a more bouncy ball, especially when it became very cold. To accommodate them, Vittert made both a lo-bounce (V-30) and a hi-bounce ball. The APTA had approved the V-30 for all National ranking tournaments and the hi-bounce ball only for singles. The January edition of Platform Tennis explained the APTA position and provided guidance for using the V-30 ball in cold.

When it’s really cold, the standard V-30 needs a respectable warm-up, or it will just dribble when you expect a bounce. Nevertheless, cold is part of life on the platform. So, what do you do about ball selection? Well, the “book on bounces” says:

• For virtually all doubles tournaments or matches, use the standard, low-bouncing V-30.

• Always warm up with two balls. When you start to play, put the second ball in the warming hut, a warm car, a ball-warmer, or perhaps a down jacket — but never on the court.

• For the kind of tournament that sometimes coincides with a bitter cold spell (Chicago had one with wind chill of minus-22° and the players in ski masks or protective Vaseline), the National Tournament Committee may okay the use of Hi-Bounce. The local committee has to have this option
on its list of “things to do.” If the forecast reads “below-zero temperatures expected,” then someone will have to put in a fast order for the Hi-Bounce.

• In very cold conditions, for play among beginners, or at any social get together, or even in local tournaments (not on the APTA-sanctioned list), use the Hi-Bounce. Why not? It means longer rallies, a livelier ball, and more enjoyment all the way.

• For teaching in the winter, Hi-Bounce is recommended. It’s easier for the new player to reach. And he or she may not be able to keep a standard V-30 in play long enough to warm it up and thus make it more active.

Source: Platform Tennis, January 1981