The biggest mistake people make, she says, is putting the squares too close. "You really need the 42 feet. The speeder flies off the racket."

On the other hand, if young kids (it is recommended for age 8 and above) or beginners are playing, you can easily adjust the field to suit the needs.

People who have played speedminton comment on its versatility and action. Maria Sharapova, former Wimbledon and U.S. Open champion, has become a fan and spokeswoman. "Great fun, great exercise," she says.

The game develops hand-eye-foot coordination. Tom Kosinski, a tennis coach in New Jersey, recommends it as a way for high school tennis players to keep their skills fresh and as a "more inclusive racket sport to teach students" in high school P.E. classes.

Others like the fact that it can be a true family game, involving players of all ages. It's also a great party game, they say, for family reunions, beach parties and backyard picnics.

"I'm impressed by the quality of the equipment," says Masters. "I've worked in tennis for years, so I know there's a lot of variety out there. This is good stuff."

You can order the equipment online. A starter "fun set," which includes two rackets, eight cones and three speeders, sells for around $29.95 plus shipping. Speedminton sets are also making their way into local sporting goods stores. Several that the Deseret News checked with had the sets, although no one knew about any local competitions. It's really just getting started, they said.

Expect that to change soon, says Masters. "It's one of the coolest new sports to hit the U.S. I think it will be bigger than Ultimate Frisbee. Not everyone can throw a Frisbee, but everyone can play this. It's going to be super-popular."

• For more information, visit www.speedminton.com or www.speedmintoncentral.com.

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E-mail: carma@desnews.com