A list of the best racket sports: The world of rackets

Sports with rackets encompass a diverse array of activities, holding a cherished place in the world of sports. These engaging games all share one common element: the use of specialized rackets to strike balls or shuttlecocks. While tennis, arguably one of the most popular racquet sports globally, takes centre stage, there are several other captivating options within this category.

These sports, united by the thrilling use of specialized rackets, provide an avenue for athletes and enthusiasts of all levels to immerse themselves in the thrill of the game. Whether you are a seasoned player or a curious beginner, the world of racquet sports has something to offer everyone.

A list of sports with rackets in the world currently

In this comprehensive list, we delve into 15 different sports with rackets, providing insight into each and offering a glimpse into the fascinating world of sports with rackets and balls. From the elegance of tennis to the agility demanded by badminton and the sheer intensity of squash, each sport presents a unique experience.

1. Tennis

This stands as one of the most popular racquet sports globally, captivating millions of enthusiasts. It pits two players (singles) or four (doubles) against each other, armed with tennis rackets, in a quest to volley a ball back and forth over a net.

Being an Olympic sport, boasts inclusivity, appealing to individuals of all ages and backgrounds. It welcomes participants of varying abilities, even accommodating wheelchair users, emphasizing its accessibility and widespread popularity. The goal is to strategically land the ball within the opponent's court without facing their return.

2. Badminton

Badminton, a racquet sport, involves players using racquets to volley a shuttlecock across a net. It can be played in singles or doubles, with the latter being the most common format.

While it is enjoyed casually outdoors in yards and on beaches, formal matches take place on rectangular indoor courts. Points are scored by skillfully striking the shuttlecock with the racquet and ensuring it lands within the opposing team's half of the court. It is a sport that combines skill, agility, and precision.

3. Squash

Squash is another exhilarating sport that uses rackets. The game traces its origins to England's Harrow School in the 19th century. Its global popularity extends to countries like England, Egypt, and Australia.

Squash, an intense and exhilarating racket sport, unfolds within the confines of a four-walled court. Players take turns launching a small rubber ball against the front wall, ensuring it stays above a tin at the bottom and below an outline on top. The pace is relentless, requiring physical prowess and astute shot selection.

4. Table tennis

This stands as one of the most popular on the list of all sports with rackets. Commonly known as ping-pong or whiff-whaff, it is a captivating racket sport with origins rooted in tennis. What sets it apart is the playing surface, which consists of a stationary table rather than a traditional court.

Points are awarded when one fails to return the ball successfully. The essence of table tennis lies in its rapid gameplay, demanding quick reactions and unwavering focus. Notably, spin plays a pivotal role, differentiating it from other ball sports and influencing the ball's path significantly.

5. Racquetball

Racquetball is a dynamic racquet sport played with a hollow rubber ball on indoor or outdoor courts. Invented by Joseph Sobek in 1950, it combines elements of paddleball with the use of a stringed racquet for increased speed and control.

Unlike traditional racquet sports, there is no net to clear, and the court's walls, floor, and ceiling are all fair play surfaces. Players aim to bounce the ball off the walls to make it difficult for their opponents to return, making racquetball a fast-paced and engaging sport.

6. Paddleball

Paddleball, a distant cousin of racquetball, finds its arena outdoors, often gracing handball courts. Participants use solid paddles to engage in brisk exchanges with a small rubber ball against the front wall. With an array of shot angles, paddleball tests reflexes, and coordination.

Paddleball is typically played on a court measuring 20 feet in width and 50 feet in length, featuring a 16-foot-high wall. This court includes key elements such as a short line, service markers, two side lines, and a long line to facilitate the game. Paddle tennis differs from padel tennis mainly in that it is played with a thinner racket and softer balls.

7. Pickleball

Pickleball, a sport uniting tennis, badminton, and table tennis elements, unfolds on a rectangular court divided by a net. Players wield solid paddles to strike a perforated plastic ball over the net. It is renowned for its accessibility and can be enjoyed by individuals of all ages.

The pickleball court measures 44 feet (13.4 meters) in length and 20 feet (6.1 meters) in width. Additionally, the pickleball paddle is larger compared to the one used in table tennis. Another notable difference is the use of a hard plastic ball in pickleball, which results in lower bounce compared to tennis balls.

8. Platform tennis

The platform one, conducted on a raised platform enclosed by screens, mirrors tennis with a distinctive twist. Specialized paddles are employed to hit a spongy ball over the net. The screens keep the ball in play after contact, creating an exciting and strategic facet.

Being one of the different sports with rackets, it was developed in 1928 at Fox Meadow Tennis Club in Scarsdale, New York, by James Cogswell and Fessenden Blanchard. The platform uses the same scoring rules for game, set, and match.

9. Beach tennis

Beach tennis, a fusion of tennis and beach volleyball, takes place on sandy shores. It employs tennis rackets and a depressurized tennis ball, which gracefully crosses over a beach volleyball net. It's a delightful combination of sun, sand, and sportsmanship.

Beach tennis largely retains the rules and scoring system of traditional tennis, although adjustments have been implemented to suit the sand court environment and the faster-paced nature of the sport. In beach tennis, the ball must not touch the ground, leading to gameplay comprised entirely of volleys. This unique characteristic results in a faster-paced game compared to traditional tennis.

10. Padel tennis

Padel is a racket sport with Mexican roots, predominantly played in doubles within an enclosed court slightly smaller than a doubles tennis court. Despite sharing a similar scoring system with tennis, padel features distinct rules, strokes, and techniques.

The balls used in the padel are similar but possess slightly less pressure. Notably, the court in padel is equipped with walls, allowing players to use them for ball rebounds, akin to squash. Furthermore, padel employs solid, stringless bats in contrast to traditional tennis rackets. One of the key regulations in padel is that the ball served must be at or below waist level.

11. Speedminton (Crossminton)

Crossminton, formerly referred to as Speed Badminton, is a unique racket game that amalgamates aspects from various sports such as badminton and squash. Notably, Crossminton is played without a net, and its gameplay does not adhere to specific court dimensions, making it adaptable for various locations, including tennis courts, streets, beaches, fields, or gyms.

The sport is closely associated with Speedminton, owing to their historical ties. Starting from the 1st of January 2016, the sport underwent a name change, transitioning from Speed Badminton to Crossminton.

12. Soft tennis

A delightful racket game, it unfolds on a court divided into two halves, bridged by a net. Originating in Japan in 1884, this sport shares similarities with traditional tennis. This soft version can be enjoyed as a solitary endeavour (singles) or a collaborative effort (doubles).

There is a big difference between normal tennis and soft one, with the main differences being in the rackets and the balls used. A tennis ball is hard, and on the other hand, a soft tennis ball is soft. The racket for the soft one is also slimmer.

The primary objective remains consistent: players strive to adeptly send the ball over the net, ensuring it lands within the court's boundaries, thus making it arduous for their opponents to return the shot. Matches in soft tennis typically adhere to best-of-seven or best-of-nine formats.

13. Frescobol

Our number thirteen on the list of types of sports with rackets is Frescobol. It sprung to life in Brazil during the 1950s and is a lively racket game with a focus on fun and togetherness. Typically, it involves two, or occasionally three, players equipped with sturdy rackets, often made from wood or fibreglass.

The goal in Frescobol is simple: keep a small rubber ball in play by hitting it back and forth between players for as long as possible. This energetic sport is closely linked to beachside enjoyment, where the sun, sand, and the rhythmic sound of the ball hitting the rackets combine to create a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

14. Real tennis

Often referred to as "the sport of kings," stands as the original racquet sport that laid the foundation for the contemporary game of tennis, also known as "lawn tennis." In the United States, it goes by the name of court tennis, while it was once known as royal tennis in England and Australia.

The term "real" was coined by journalists during the early 20th century, serving as a retronym to set apart this ancient game from the modern version of lawn one. It is worth noting that today it is rarely played on actual lawns, with most matches taking place on specially designed courts, such as the hallowed grounds of Wimbledon.

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Other Sports

15. Racketlon

Racketlon, a multisport extravaganza, combines four racquet sports: table tennis, badminton, squash, and tennis. Participants engage in each sport sequentially, with the overall winner determined based on total points earned. This sport traces back to Finland and Sweden, drawing inspiration from combination sports like the triathlon and decathlon.

Final word

These sports with rackets encompass a wide spectrum of challenges and excitement. From the elegance of tennis to the agility demanded by badminton and the sheer intensity of squash, each sport presents a unique experience. Racquet or racket sports, in all their diverse forms, offer something for everyone to relish.

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The German national is recognized as one of the best table tennis players ever and started playing before turning five. What is Timo's story? Click the above link to discover more about the athlete's biography.