Most Popular Types of Racket Sports

Racket sports have been enjoyed by people of all ages for centuries, offering a fun and engaging way to stay active and socialize. From the fast-paced thrill of tennis to the strategic precision of badminton, there is a racket sport out there for everyone. 

Today, we will explore some of the most popular types of racket sports played around the world. Whether you’re a seasoned player looking to try something new or a beginner eager to pick up a racket for the first time, this informative guide will give you an overview of each sport, its rules, and what makes it unique. So, grab your racket and let’s dive into the exciting world of racket sports!

What are Racket Sports ?

 A racket sport is a field or court game where players use rackets to hit a ball or shuttlecock into the opponent’s half, aiming to make it unreturnable. These are individual or team sports that involve fast responses, agility, and hand-eye coordination.

Common examples of racquet sports are tennis, where a stringed racket is used to hit a felt-covered rubber ball over a net; badminton, in which a light weight shuttlecock is hit on either side of the net; and table tennis (ping pong), in which players use small paddles to hit a light weight ball in a table divided by a net.

Squash, played on a four-walled court where the ball must strike the front wall, is another common racket sport, alongside pickleball, a newer game that fuses tennis and badminton and ping pong. Other sports are racquetball and paddle tennis, which have slight differences in rules, court size and equipment.

This, obviously, varies considerably, but all racket sports have the same aim in common: control the ball or shuttlecock to make it more difficult for the opponent to hit it back. Be it for fun or a more competitive play, these sports provide an exciting balance of physical fitness and strategic game, making them popular among a diverse player base across various skill levels.

Popular Types of Racket Sports

Racket sports are games in which players use a racket or paddle to strike the ball or other object. A racket is  a tapered frame with an open hoop to hold a network of tightly stretched strings, usually comes in various sizes. These sports can be played on indoor and outdoor courts.

Tennis

Singles and doubles are the formats of tennis, a widely played racket sport that is played with a net on a rectangular court. Players hit a felt-covered rubber ball with a stringed racket over the net into the opponent’s court. The goal is to score points by having the ball fall within the opponent’s designated court limits yet  not making a successful return. After one bounce or out of the air (a volley), players can hit the ball.

Traditionally tennis is played in sets and a player needs to win a specified number of games to win the set. The scoring system is unique: 15, 30, 40 and game, with deuce and advantage rules in close ones. Tennis can be played on variety of surfaces, including- grass, clay, hard and synthetic surfaces, which supply various ball speeds and participating in scenarios.

Balance of physical endurance, strategic shot-making and mental fortitude are tennis’s hallmark; it requires footwork, power, poise. Players use different shots to outsmart their opponents, such as serve, forehand, backhand, volley and lob. The prestigious Grand Slam series consists of major tournaments including the Wimbledon, the US Open, the French Open and the Australian Open.

Pickleball

Pickleball  is a fast-growing racket sport that blends aspects of tennis, badminton and table tennis. It is played on a smaller court, roughly the size of a badminton court, with a net that is just a little lower than the one used in tennis. Players hit a lightweight plastic ball with holes in it, similar to a wiffle ball, with solid paddles made from wood or composite materials. Sets are played in singles or doubles, although the latter is by far the most popular format for the game.

The aim of pickleball is to score points by hitting the ball, bounced or volleyed, over the net into the opponent’s court in such a way that it is difficult to return. Its unique design creates slower, more controlled play than tennis, and is accessible to players of all ages and skill levels. A defining feature of pickleball is the “kitchen,” or non-volley zone near the net, where players may not hit the ball unless it has first bounced, encouraging strategic gameplay and limiting the number of aggressive volleys.

The combination of Pickleball’s basic rules and smaller court size makes it simple to learn, however a focus on strategy, accuracy and quick reflexes guarantees a difficult experience for seasoned players. Its soaring popularity has spurred professional tournaments and leagues around the world.

Squash

Squash is an indoor racquet sport played by two or four players on a four-walled court with a small hollow rubber ball. Players take turn to hit the ball against the front wall ,ensuring it bounces within the lines before their opponent can hit it   again. Hitting the side or back walls after hitting the front wall allows for a more complicated game. Players use strategic placement of the    ball to keep the opponent from returning it effectively, and rallies continue until one player fails to return the ball or commits a fault.

The score in squash is generally either point-a-rally (PAR) or traditional hand-in-hand-out, with most professional matches being played to 11 points using PAR. Initiative and momentum are achieved or lost through a mixture of strong drives, lobs, drop shots and volleys. The sport requires a great deal of endurance, dexterity and planned response, as participants need to keep changing their placement and predict their opponent’s actions.

People play the sport of squash both recreationally and at professional levels, with international tournaments, such as the British Open and the PSA World Championships, drawing many of the top players. Squash, one of the healthy sports in terms of physical benefits, has been known for its intense cardiovascular workout and quick decision-making. The game is fast, demanding quick reflexes and making it popular with fitness enthusiasts and competitive athletes alike.

Badminton

Badminton is a high-velocity racket game, played by either two players (singles) or four players (doubles), who hit shuttlecocks back and forth over a net on a rectangular court. Unlike most racket sports that feature a ball, badminton employs a shuttlecock, a cone-shaped projectile formed from feathers or synthetic materials. The shuttlecock’s unique aerodynamic characteristics cause it to decelerate rapidly after being hit, so precision, speed and agility are central tenets of the game.

Players rack up points by forcing the opponents to miss a return or place the shuttlecock out of their reach, but still within the allotted area of the opponent’s court.   Long rallies often include whacking smashes, awkward drop shots and tactical clears. Matches are usually the best of three games, with games played to 21 points in a rally-point scoring system.

Badminton is about reflexes, explosive movements, and strategic placement of shots. Players need great footwork to get shot around the whole court and react to quick, unexpected plays. While casual badminton can be played in outside conditions, competitive badminton is usually played indoors, as wind does interfere with the travel of the shuttlecock.

Badminton is very popular in the world, especially in China, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Denmark. It is also a major Olympic sport, with the sport’s top international tournaments, such as the All England Open and the BWF World Championships, drawing elite competitors. It is known as one of the fastest racquet sports where you will be provided with an exhilarating mix of athleticism, skill and strategy.

Racquetball

Racquetball is a fast-moving indoor racket sport played with a hollow rubber ball in an enclosed court having four walls, including the ceiling.    Unlike tennis or badminton, there are no nets, and players can use all the walls to play, making it a dynamic game that requires strategic shot placement. It is most often played either in singles (one-on-one) or doubles (two-on-two) format.

Players use a short-handled racket to serve and     return the ball by hitting it against the front wall. The ball also must bounce off the front wall before touching the ground, and players try to stop their opponents from making a legal return. The ball can also bounce off      the side and back walls, making the game more difficult and pushing players to anticipate chaotic rebounds.

Games are played to a specific number of points, commonly 15, and matches are typically played in a best-of-three format. Racquetball focuses on speed and agility, requiring players to quickly make decisions and adjust to the ball’s rapid movement and quick changes in direction.

Racquetball is a great cardiovascular workout that will improve reflexes, coordination, and endurance. Popular in the United States, Latin America and parts of Europe, it is played recreationally and competitively, with professional tournaments sanctioned by bodies such as the International Racquetball Federation (IRF).

Table Tennis

Table Tennis, commonly known as ping pong, is a fast-paced racket sport played on a table divided by a net. Two (singles) or four players (doubles) use small, lightweight paddles to hit a hollow plastic ball back and forth over the table. The aim is to accrue points by having the ball hit the opponent’s side of the table in a such a way that they are left unable to return it successfully.

Most competitive matches are played to 11 points, with players alternating serves every two points. A match is usually best of five or seven games. Players can use a variety of techniques, such as topspin, backspin, slices and smashes, to control the speed and spin of the ball, rendering it difficult for an opponent to respond.

Table tennis is a sport that requires fast reflexes, superior hand-eye coordination, and precision over where to place the shot. The confined playing area and speed of the ball necessitate split-second decision-making. Popular worldwide, the sport is played internationally and is governed by the International Table Tennis Federation, ITTF, with events such as World Table Tennis Championships and the Olympics. Additionally, table tennis is a sport that’s both recreational and highly competitive, accessible to all age groups.

Padel

Padel is a rapidly growing racket sport with elements of both tennis and squash, usually played in duos on an enclosed court roughly a third the size of a tennis court. Players use the walls to rebound the ball, like in squash. The court itself is surrounded by walls of glass or mesh. Such players use solid, stringless paddles and a pressurized ball, similar to a tennis ball but with a smidgen less bounce.

Play starts with an underhand serve and points are scored when players hit the ball over the net onto their opponent’s side, trying to make it difficult for them to return. Players can use the walls to their advantage, as the ball can rebound off them . The scoring is the same as in tennis, with games, sets and tie-breakers.

Padel tends to favor teamwork, strategy and tactical shot placement above pure power. It’s easy to learn, making it popular with beginners, although advanced players can exploit the sport’s depth with exact lobs, volleys and defensive wall work. Beginning in Latin America and Spain, padel has gained popularity worldwide, with professional tours and leagues pushing its increasing popularity across the globe.

Beach Tennis

Beach Tennis is an energetic and fun racket activity and its a combined form of tennis, volleyball, and badminton, played on a sand court with a net similar to that of beach volleyball (between 64 and 88 cm). Doubles are the most common types of play (singles matches can also be played). Players use solid, paddle-like rackets and a low-pressure tennis ball that is intended to minimize bounce, which makes it well suited for sand play.

Players hit the ball over the net without letting it touch to sand. This is different from traditional tennis where there is a bounce, it requires quick reactions, agility and strategic shot placement. The system for scoring the matches (points go into games, games into sets, sets into matches) remains just the same as with traditional tennis.

Beach tennis places an emphasis on strong serves, smashes and volleys, and players often find themselves diving or sprinting through the sand to return shots. The sport requires not only speed, stamina and teamwork, but also precision in hitting to direct the speed and placement of shots.

Beach tennis is especially prevalent near the coast, with a significant fanbase in nations such as Italy, Brazil, and Spain. It has grown rapidly, its social and recreational factors, as well as its competitive elements, contributing to its popularity with international tournaments regulated by the International Tennis Federation (ITF).

Crossminton

Crossminton (once called Speedminton) is a high-speed racket sport that’s a cross between badminton and tennis and squash. The rules are similar to those in volleyball, and it is a netless game, so can be played anywhere and in any environment, such as a field, beach, or indoors in a court. Players wield specialized rackets and a unique shuttlecock called a speeder, which is heavier and faster than a conventional badminton shuttlecock, so that games can be played even in the wind.

The sport is played between two opposing square shaped courts, measuring 5.5 meters each, separated by a 12-meter gap. The goal is to hit speeder into the opponent’s court, this way point is scored and your opponent should return the speeder before it touched the ground. Matches are typically played to 16 points, and players serve alternately every three points.

Crossminton requires a combination of speed, agility and precision. Players require superior hand-eye coordination, fast foot speed and strategic placement of each shot to dominate the fast-paced rallies. While the shuttlecock’s flight is slowed by its feathered design, the speeder stays on target with its provided goal, which makes the sport way faster, more intense, and physically demanding compared to badminton. International crossminton is promoted by the International Crossminton Organisation (ICO), with tournaments and leagues being held internationally.

Paddle Tennis

Paddle Tennis a racket sport that has a lot in common with traditional tennis, but played on a smaller court with solid paddles vs stringed rackets. The court is about a third the size of a normal tennis court, and is enclosed by a surrounding fence or walls. The paddle tennis ball is depressurized, unlike a tennis ball, so it’s less bouncy and easier to control.

The game is played in either singles or doubles, but doubles is the most common format. The scoring is the same as tennis, consisting of games, sets and matches. The serve is underhanded, and players employ several shots to beat their opponents, from volleys to smashes to lobs. A smaller playing court and different orientation of the ball to the racket promotes strategic thinking, placement and reflexes over brute strength.

A form of paddle tennis, called platform tennis, is played on a raised, heated court and can be played year-round, even in cold weather. Countries including the United States, in addition to Spain and Argentina, have a affinity for this widespread sport. Its accessibility, fast pace, and emphasis on teamwork appeal to recreational and competitive players alike, and a number of local and international tournaments are held around the world.

Qianball

Qianball is a racket sport combining elements of tennis and squash based on the Chinese game of Qianlongball. It was also popularized in Denmark, where it is organized through the Danish branch of the YMCA sports, KFUM (Kameratene Oslo).

A rectangular court a bit smaller than a regular tennis court, is divided into two areas a player zone and a ball zone, with a net between them. The area where players stand is about 7.6 by 7.8 meters and the area for the ball itself is about 10 by 12 meters. Players are on the same side of the net as if squash had no walls.

Each player uses their own Qianball racket and hits a ball attached to a rubber band mounted at a point 2.1 meters from the net, called the Qianball point. The goal is to strike the ball over the net to the ball zone, making sure that the ball lands in the ball zone. In the ball zone, a ball can bounce up to once; however, it is not allowed to touch the ground in the player zone, otherwise, the opponent scores a point. Matches are generally played in a best-of-three sets format, with each set played to 15 points.

As a sport, it can be played wherever you have a hard flat surface either indoors or out. The blend of equipment, along with the court layout, provides a unique experience for its players compared to other, more traditional racket sports.

Basque pelota

The only sport to be invented in Spain is Basque Pelota, a traditional racket sport originating in the Basque region of Spain and France. Various equipment are used to play the game which include rackets, wooden bats, or bare hands depending on the variant type. The sport is typically played on a court, called a “fronton,” a three-walled court on which players or teams seek to strike a rubber ball against the front wall, so it is not returned by opponents.

Basque Pelota has different versions including rebot (with a racket), pelota de mano (handball) and paleta (using a wooden bat) and each presents a unique challenge with different techniques. The game can be played in singles or doubles format, the objective being to score points in a number of ways, primarily making the ball bounce on the opponent’s side of the court or forcing your opponent into an error.

The game is quick and requires excellent reflexes, speed and accuracy. Basque Pelota also, is a competitive sport, but cultural tradition as well, which has great popularity in Spain (especially in the Basque Country) and some Latin American countries. Competitions, like International tournaments and the World Basque Pelota Championships, showcase its competitive nature, contributing to its prestige as a historic racket sport internationally.

Frontenis

Frontenis is an active racket game that includes parts of tennis and Basque pelota. It is usually played on a fronton, a three-walled court similar to that used in Basque pelota. The game has its roots in Mexico in the early 20th century and quickly became popular in many other Spanish-speaking countries, though it remains especially popular in Mexico and Spain.

Frontenis is played with a tennis racket and a special rubber ball. It can be played as singles or doubles (the more popular format). The goal is to hit a small rubber ball so that it bounces in such a way that  cannot return the ball. The ball is allowed to bounce off the side and back walls, increasing the complexity of the game and requiring fast reflexes and strategic placement.

Frontenis follows a scoring system used in most other racket sports, whereby players or teams score points when the opposing side fails to return the ball in a lawful manner. The game requires a combination of speed, control, and precise shot placement; against their opponents, players can hit powerful smashes, controlled lobs or angled shots. Frontenis is regulated at the international level by the International Federation of Basque Pelota (FIPV).

Soft tennis

Soft Tennis is a form of tennis played primarily in East Asia, most notably Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. Played on a traditional tennis court, it uses softer, lightweight rubber balls and slightly lighter rackets, leading to a slower game than traditional tennis. That soft-ball play allows for better control and longer rallies and at least some more strategy than smash and run, making it easier for novices to learn as well as providing depth for more advanced players.

Soft tennis is played with singles and doubles formats and scoring based on games and sets, much like traditional tennis. The underhand serve, however, is required, thus eliminating power serve (and returning a power serve) as a game strategy altogether. Players frequently use all manner of shots, including drop shots, slices and touch volleys, to overthrow the opponent.

Soft tennis encourages agility, footwork, and strategic shot placement, making it an energetic sport for people of all ages to enjoy, both for fun and professionally. Internationally, it is governed by the International Soft Tennis Federation (ISTF), with regular international competitions, such as the Asian Games and Soft Tennis World Championships, contributing to increasing its global presence significantly.

Platform Tennis

Platform Tennis A fast-paced racket game played on a smaller court (half the size of a traditional tennis court) than a standard tennis court, Platfrom Tennis uses solid paddles instead of stringed rackets and a depressurized tennis ball that bounces.

Its smaller court dimensions, surrounded by walls or fences, encourages faster rallies and a more game theory approach to gameplay. The game is almost always played in doubles, but singles matches are frequent.

The laws of platfrom tennis are very similar to that of traditional tennis with the same scoring system in place, utilizing the same games, sets and tie-breakers system. 

But there are key distinctions: the serve is underhand, and the use of walls or fences (in some variants) allows for rebounds, requiring precision and anticipation. Players partake of various types of shots, like lobs, smashes and volleys, but because of the court’s size, raw power takes a back seat to precision and strategy.

A well-known variant called platform tennis is played on heated, elevated courts that permit year-round play, including in cold-weather environments. Platfrom tennis was developed in the United States in the early 20th century, but is now a popular sport in countries including Spain, Argentina and the U.S. The game’s social and competitive nature, in addition to its recreational appeal, has seen it adopted worldwide through leagues and tournaments.

Racketlon

Racketlon is an individual sport combining four racket sports – table tennis, badminton, squash, and tennis played one after another in a single match. It is popularly known as the “decathlon of racket sports” since it challenges a player’s versatility, endurance and ability at several disciplines. The aim is to have the most points across all four sports rather than to win individual matches.

Standard rules apply for each sport, with games going to 21 points and players switching courts and equipment as they advance through the match. These four collectives have different games with point systems, but the winner will be the team with the most points overall; so being consistent across several games is important to score well. Therefore, players will need to adapt swiftly, as the move from the small, high-pace table tennis environment to the much larger courts of tennis and squash would require a range of coordination skills and tactical changes.

Racketlon requires not just physical stamina and coordination but mental agility too  players must navigate the different flows of action in each sport. It has become popular across Europe and the world, with international tournaments recognised by the Federation of International Racketlon (FIR). Notable events include the Racketlon World Championships, which sees the best players put their skills to the test across all four racket sports.

One wall paddleball

One Wall Paddleball is a fast, lively racket sport played on an outdoor or indoor court with only one wall. It is a variation of traditional paddleball games originating in the United States, dating back to the early 20th century in New York City. The players rely on a solid paddle and a small rubber ball that is struck against the wall, with the aim of making it difficult for the opponent to return.

There is no back wall, only a front wall and boundaries marked on the floor, so the gameplay is relatively simple but very dynamic. The game can have singles (one-on-one) or doubles (two-on-two) formats. The objective is for the players to alternatein hitting the ball to the wall in such a manner that the ball comes back within the court and the opponent fails to return the ball legally. If the ball bounces twice before being hit back, the player opposite scores a point. The game is won by the first player or team to reach the target score (normally 21 points).

One wall paddleball is a game of speed and agility and reflexes, where players are forced to anticipate the direction of the ball and react fast. The uncomplicated nature of the court layout and equipment allows for accessibility, but the game’s intensity and strategic moves have led to its appeal with both casual players as well as competitive athletes. It has remained a popular urban sport, particularly in parks and recreational centers in the U.S., with organized tournaments and leagues propelling its growth.

Stické

Stické (or stické tennis) is an indoor racket sport that originated in the late 19th century as a hybrid of real tennis, racquets, and lawn tennis The name comes from “sphairistikè,” the name originally used for lawn tennis by Walter Clopton Wingfield.

The game can be played on any enclosed court, which is roughly 78 feet long and 27 feet wide, with a net in the middle and walls on either side. It is played with standard lawn tennis rackets and low-pressure balls. The scoring system is similar to that used in lawn tennis, though it has the unusual addition that balls may bounce off the walls and stay in play, giving the game an extra spin.

Stické was historically a game for the British aristocracy and over 50 courts have been built all over the British Empire since 1875. Grange continues: “The sport became popular for its accessibility, being played by both sexes, and it provided rigorous exercise without the need for large facilities of a full-sized tennis court. However, its popularity waned over time, and today only a handful of playable courts remain, especially in places like Hartham Park in Wiltshire and Knightshayes Court in Devon, England.

Stické has some elements of a sport, some of it a board game, making it an interesting fusion of physical activity and battling classes at a hall in Ancient Rome with all of Glauco’s wits.

Frescobol

Frescobol is played mainly on sandy beaches, and is an iconic cooperative form of beach racket sport, particularly popular in Brazil. The sport is played by 2 or more players with solid wooden or composite rackets, who hit a small rubber ball back and forth without letting the ball touch the ground. Unlike most racket sports, in Frescobol there is no winner or loser — simply a pair of players battling in unison to see how long they can keep a rally alive.

It aims for constant play as each player returns the ball over the net to the other player under controlled force and accuracy. Players typically stand several meters apart, and as the rally continues, the ball can be hit with greater velocity and force, demanding nimble reflexes, quick movements and specificity when it comes to both power and placement.

Frescobol is played as an informal activity, with no fixed court rules or competitive scoring system, although competitive variations do exist, grading rallies by distance and skill. Fun, fitness, and cooperation are what this game is all about, but beachgoers and sports enthusiasts alike love it!

The sport’s roots trace back to the 1940s in Rio de Janeiro, where residents would meet on beaches such as Copacabana to play. Today Frescobol has an international presence, becoming a sport seen in tournaments and exhibitions around the world that demonstrate the sport’s mirror dynamic, rhythmic play and cultural roots.

Matkot

Matkot is a well-known beach paddle game coming from Israel, and is common described as the unofficial national sport of the country. It is played on sandy beaches with flat wooden or composite paddles and a small rubber ball. The game is quite similar to Frescobol, with minor differences in gameplay and style. Matkot’s emphasis is on keeping a rally going, not scoring points, with the game played in a spirit of cooperation and recreation.

Matkot is a simple game with a very simple objective of returning the ball between players without letting it fall to the ground. Players generally stand several meters apart on the beach, and try to keep the rally going as long as they can. The game can actually get very fast-paced and demands good reflexes, hand-eye coordination, and pinpoint shot delivery. Players often begin with slow, controlled hits but build over time into a more vigorous sweat, making it a dynamic workout.

Matkot is easy to learn and doesn’t require dozens of strict rules, making it accessible to people of all ages and skill levels. Its appeal is the mix of fun and exercise, as well as the social interaction it provides among players. While mostly for fun, organized tournaments are held from time to time in Israel and other coastal areas, where the sport has gained popularity. Matkot is a central part of beach culture, played not just by locals but also tourists vacationing on Mediterranean beaches.

Final Words

Racket sports include a variety of sports that enthusiasts can play to stay active and have fun, like tennis and badminton. Here’s a look at all the sports available to bet on ahead of the football season and beyond, from football to horse racing and every sport in between. From squash to table tennis, find the right racket sport for you Whether you love fast-paced action or a more strategic game, there is a racket sport for you. So pick up your racket, hit the court, find sports and see which one resonates with you. Time to tee up some fun!