Released by Milton Bradley in 1970, Paddle Pool was a dexterity game that challenged players to defend their own pockets while directing a ball toward their opponents. Marketed as a “Smashing Action Game,” it accommodated two to four players ages seven and up.
The playing surface was raised at the centre and sloped downward toward four pockets positioned at the corners. Each player controlled a paddle that could move from side to side to defend their pocket and rotate to strike the ball.
GAMEPLAY
Each player began a round with five points, recorded by placing a scoring peg in the corresponding hole on the game board. After the ball was served, players simultaneously operated their paddles to keep it out of their own pockets while trying to send it toward an opponent.
Players could move their paddles laterally to block the ball or twist the handles to strike it. If the ball entered a player’s pocket, that player lost one point and served the next ball. A player also lost a point if they caused the ball to leave the playing area.
A round ended when one player’s score reached zero. The remaining players recorded their remaining points, and all scoring pegs were returned to five for the next round. After five rounds, the player with the highest cumulative score won. A tie was settled with an additional round between the tied players.
For games with fewer than four players, cardboard inserts closed unused pockets and adapted the playing surface for two- or three-player competition.
IN THE BOX
A complete game included the playing surface, four paddles (red, blue, green, and yellow), eight clips used to secure the paddles to the board, four red scoring pegs, two red plastic balls, and two cardboard inserts. Printed instructions were included in the box.
COLLECTOR CONSIDERATIONS
Milton Bradley later marketed Paddle Pool under the name Battle Ball. In 2005, Fundex revived the game using the original Paddle Pool name.
Collectors seeking the Milton Bradley edition should look for examples with all four paddles and their mounting clips, four scoring pegs, both balls, and the two cardboard inserts used to configure the game for fewer players. Also check the assembled playing surface for damage that could interfere with ball movement or paddle operation.
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