18 Popular Types of Racket Sports from Around the World
Racket sports are fun and exciting, but many people only know about tennis or badminton. There’s a whole world of racket sports out there waiting to be explored!
I’ve played and watched many of these games, and I can tell you they’re all unique and thrilling in their own ways.
In this article, I’ll introduce you to 18 popular racket sports from around the globe. You’ll learn about their origins, basic rules, and what makes each one special. By the end, you’ll have a great list of new sports to try or watch.
Let’s dive into the exciting world of racket sports and find your next favorite game!
List of Different Racket Sports to Try at Least Once
1. Tennis
Tennis originated in France in the late 12th century as a hand-held game called “jeu de paume. ” In the late 19th century, it spread to England as the racket-based sport we know today.
Known for its fast-paced action and international tournaments, tennis has gained popularity worldwide, especially in Europe, North America, and Australia.
The game can be played individually (singles) or in pairs (doubles). Players hit a felt-covered rubber ball over a net with rackets, aiming to score points by making it difficult for their opponent to return the ball within the court boundaries.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Popular In Which Region | Worldwide |
| No of Players | 2 (singles) or 4 (doubles) |
| Key Equipment | Tennis racket, tennis ball, net |
| Court Dimensions and Scoring | 78 feet x 27 feet (singles) or 78 feet x 36 feet (doubles); point-based scoring (15, 30, 40, game) |
| Popular Tournaments | Wimbledon, US Open, Australian Open, French Open |
| Notable Athletes | Roger Federer, Serena Williams, Rafael Nadal |
| Benefits | Enhances agility, cardiovascular health, coordination |
2. Badminton
Badminton has roots tracing back to ancient civilizations in Asia and Europe but became formalized as a competitive sport in British India in the mid-19th century.
The game is particularly popular in Asia, with countries like China, Indonesia, and Malaysia producing many world champions.
Badminton is played with lightweight rackets and a shuttlecock. Players (either singles or doubles) aim to hit the shuttlecock over the net, trying to land it in the opponent’s half of the court.
The game requires quick reflexes, as the shuttlecock can reach speeds over 200 mph.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Popular In Which Region | Asia, Europe |
| No of Players | 2 (singles) or 4 (doubles) |
| Key Equipment | Badminton racket, shuttlecock, net |
| Court Dimensions and Scoring | 44 feet x 20 feet (doubles); rally scoring to 21 points |
| Popular Tournaments | All England Open, BWF World Championships, Olympics |
| Notable Athletes | Lin Dan, P. V. Sindhu, Lee Chong Wei |
| Benefits | Improves speed, hand-eye coordination, aerobic fitness |
3. Squash
Squash originated in the mid-19th century in England and quickly became a popular indoor sport in Europe and North America.
Played in an enclosed court, squash involves two players who take turns hitting a small rubber ball against the front wall. The aim is to make the ball rebound so that the opponent cannot return it.
Squash is known for its intense pace and is one of the most physically demanding racket sports, providing a full-body workout.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Popular In Which Region | Europe, North America |
| No of Players | 2 (singles), 4 (doubles) |
| Key Equipment | Squash racket, squash ball, indoor court |
| Court Dimensions and Scoring | 32 feet x 21 feet (singles court); point-based scoring to 11 points |
| Popular Tournaments | British Open, PSA World Championships, US Open |
| Notable Athletes | Jahangir Khan, Nicol David, Mohamed ElShorbagy |
| Benefits | Enhances endurance, flexibility, reflexes, and core strength |
4. Table Tennis (Ping Pong)
Table Tennis, or Ping Pong, originated in England in the late 19th century as a parlor game. Today, it is among the most popular indoor sports, particularly in China and East Asia.
The game is played on a rectangular table divided by a net, with players using small paddles to hit a lightweight ball back and forth.
The objective is to make the ball bounce on the opponent’s side of the table, where they cannot return it. Table tennis is fast-paced and requires quick reflexes and hand-eye coordination.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Popular In Which Region | East Asia, Europe |
| No of Players | 2 (singles) or 4 (doubles) |
| Key Equipment | Table tennis paddle, table tennis ball, net |
| Court Dimensions and Scoring | 9 feet x 5 feet (table size); match played to 11 points |
| Popular Tournaments | World Table Tennis Championships, Olympics, ITTF World Tour |
| Notable Athletes | Ma Long, Jan-Ove Waldner, Ding Ning |
| Benefits | Improves reflexes, mental acuity, coordination, and agility |
5. Racquetball
Racquetball originated in the United States in the 1950s and has since gained popularity in North and South America.
Played on an indoor court, the game involves two or four players who use short-handled rackets to hit a rubber ball against the walls.
The objective is to make the ball bounce twice before the opponent can return it. Racquetball is known for its high-energy, fast-paced nature, making it an intense cardiovascular workout.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Popular In Which Region | North and South America |
| No of Players | 2 (singles) or 4 (doubles) |
| Key Equipment | Racquetball racket, racquetball, indoor court |
| Court Dimensions and Scoring | 40 feet x 20 feet; games typically to 15 points |
| Popular Tournaments | US Open Racquetball Championships, Pan American Games |
| Notable Athletes | Kane Waselenchuk, Paola Longoria |
| Benefits | Builds endurance, speed, and hand-eye coordination; full-body workout |
6. Padel (Paddle Tennis)
Padel, also known as Paddle Tennis, originated in Mexico in the 1960s and has since become extremely popular in Spain and other parts of Latin America.
Padel is often described as a mix of tennis and squash, played in an enclosed court with walls that players can use for rebounding shots. Played in doubles, the game combines strategic elements and fast reflexes.
The goal is to hit the ball over the net and within the boundaries in such a way that the opposing team cannot return it.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Popular In Which Region | Spain, Latin America |
| No of Players | 4 (doubles) |
| Key Equipment | Padel racket, low-pressure tennis ball, net |
| Court Dimensions and Scoring | 66 feet x 33 feet; scoring similar to tennis |
| Popular Tournaments | World Padel Tour, International Padel Federation Championships |
| Notable Athletes | Fernando Belasteguín, Alejandra Salazar |
| Benefits | Improves coordination, teamwork, agility, and cardiovascular fitness |
7. Pickleball
Pickleball was invented in the United States in 1965 and has recently gained immense popularity across North America.
It’s often described as a blend of tennis, badminton, and ping pong, played on a badminton-sized court with a perforated plastic ball.
Players use paddles to hit the ball over a net, with the goal of scoring points by making the ball land in the opponent’s court in a way they cannot return.
Known for being easy to learn, Pickleball is played both recreationally and competitively by people of all ages.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Popular In Which Region | North America |
| No of Players | 2 (singles) or 4 (doubles) |
| Key Equipment | Pickleball paddle, perforated plastic ball, net |
| Court Dimensions and Scoring | 20 feet x 44 feet; games to 11 points, win by 2 |
| Popular Tournaments | US Open Pickleball Championships, National Pickleball Championships |
| Notable Athletes | Ben Johns, Simone Jardim |
| Benefits | Enhances agility, balance, coordination, and social interaction |
8. Soft Tennis
Soft Tennis originated in Japan and is widely played in East Asia. It resembles traditional tennis but is played with softer, rubber-based balls and lighter rackets, making it slower-paced and easier on the joints.
The objective is the same as in tennis: players hit the ball over the net, aiming to land it in the opponent’s court, where they cannot return it.
Soft Tennis is often used in schools for physical education because of its accessibility and gentle pace.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Popular In Which Region | East Asia |
| No of Players | 2 (singles) or 4 (doubles) |
| Key Equipment | Soft tennis racket, rubber ball, net |
| Court Dimensions and Scoring | 78 feet x 27 feet (singles); similar scoring to tennis |
| Popular Tournaments | Soft Tennis World Championships, Asian Games |
| Notable Athletes | Koji Kakiki, Kim Dong-ho |
| Benefits | Low-impact cardio improves coordination and flexibility |
9. Beach Tennis
Beach Tennis combines elements of tennis and volleyball. It is played on sandy beaches with a low net. Originating in Italy and Brazil, it has become a popular sport on beaches worldwide.
Played with paddles and low-pressure tennis balls, the game’s objective is to score points by hitting the ball over the net and landing it in the opponent’s court.
Due to the sandy terrain, beach tennis requires balance and stamina and is typically played in doubles.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Popular In Which Region | Brazil, Italy, Spain |
| No of Players | 2 (singles) or 4 (doubles) |
| Key Equipment | Beach tennis paddle, low-pressure tennis ball, net |
| Court Dimensions and Scoring | 52 feet x 26 feet; games to 6 points or similar to tennis |
| Popular Tournaments | Beach Tennis World Championships, ITF Beach Tennis Tour |
| Notable Athletes | Vinicius Font, Sofia Cimatti |
| Benefits | It is a great cardiovascular workout, enhances leg strength and balance |
10. Real Tennis (Court Tennis)
Real Tennis, often called the “sport of kings,” dates back to the Middle Ages in France and is the precursor to modern tennis.
The game is played on an asymmetrical indoor court with high walls and galleries, and players can use the walls for rebounding shots.
Unlike traditional tennis, the scoring and court layout are unique, giving Real Tennis a strategic twist.
Though no longer mainstream, it remains popular among enthusiasts in the UK, Australia, and France.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Popular In Which Region | UK, France, Australia |
| No of Players | 2 (singles) or 4 (doubles) |
| Key Equipment | Real tennis racket, handmade balls, indoor court |
| Court Dimensions and Scoring | Asymmetrical, approx. 110 feet x 30 feet; unique scoring system |
| Popular Tournaments | British Open, US Open, French Open (Real Tennis) |
| Notable Athletes | Rob Fahey, Camden Riviere |
| Benefits | Develops strategy, endurance, and hand-eye coordination |
11. Fives
Fives is a traditional British sport played by hitting a ball with gloved hands against the walls of a court. Originating in the UK, it is played in schools and universities nationwide.
Variations include Eton Fives and Rugby Fives, each with slightly different rules and court layouts.
The objective is to score points by making the ball hit specific areas of the wall that make it hard for the opponent to return.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Popular In Which Region | United Kingdom |
| No of Players | 2 (singles) or 4 (doubles) |
| Key Equipment | Gloves, fives ball, wall court |
| Court Dimensions and Scoring | Varies; typically small courts with specific wall features |
| Popular Tournaments | Eton Fives Championships, Rugby Fives National Singles |
| Notable Athletes | Will Ellison, Guy Disney |
| Benefits | Builds hand strength, reflexes, and coordination |
12. Frontenis
Frontenis is a hybrid racket sport combining elements of tennis and fronton (a Spanish handball game).
Originating in Mexico, it’s popular in Spain and Latin America. Similar to squash, players use rackets to hit a rubber ball against a front wall, aiming to rebound it so that the opponent cannot return it.
The sport is usually played in singles or doubles on a three-walled court.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Popular In Which Region | Mexico, Spain |
| No of Players | 2 (singles) or 4 (doubles) |
| Key Equipment | Frontenis racket, frontenis ball, three-walled court |
| Court Dimensions and Scoring | 98 feet x 20 feet; points scored by rally wins |
| Popular Tournaments | Pan American Games, World Fronton Championships |
| Notable Athletes | Rodrigo Ledesma, Mónica Rodríguez |
| Benefits | Enhances agility, speed, and coordination; full-body workout |
13. Racketlon
Racketlon is a multi-sport that combines four racket sports: table tennis, squash, badminton, and tennis, played sequentially in that order.
Originating in Finland and Sweden, it has a growing community in Europe. Each player competes against their opponent in all four sports, and the winner is the one with the most cumulative points across all disciplines.
Racketlon is known for its versatility and challenges the overall racket skills of its participants.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Popular In Which Region | Europe |
| No of Players | 2 |
| Key Equipment | Table tennis paddle, squash racket, badminton racket, tennis racket, balls/shuttlecocks |
| Court Dimensions and Scoring | Standard courts for each sport; cumulative point scoring |
| Popular Tournaments | World Racketlon Championships, European Racketlon Championships |
| Notable Athletes | Jesper Ratzer, Natalie Paul |
| Benefits | Improves versatility, endurance, and adaptability across multiple racket sports |
14. Matkot
Matkot, also known as Israeli beach paddleball, is a popular beach sport in Israel.
Often called the country’s unofficial national sport, Matkot has simple rules: two players use paddles to hit a rubber ball back and forth without letting it fall.
Although there are no points or official scoring, the challenge lies in maintaining long rallies. Matkot is fast-paced and requires good hand-eye coordination, agility, and reflexes, making it a great social and recreational beach game.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Popular In Which Region | Israel |
| No of Players | 2 |
| Key Equipment | Wooden or composite paddles, rubber ball |
| Court Dimensions and Scoring | There is no specific court; it is typically played on the beach without scoring |
| Popular Tournaments | Informal competitions at various beaches |
| Notable Athletes | Recreational; no professional players |
| Benefits | Improves coordination, reflexes, and social interaction; low-impact exercise |
15. Paddleball
Paddleball is a North American sport, particularly popular in New York City. Played on a wall with paddles and a rubber ball, it shares similarities with racquetball but uses a solid paddle instead of a racket.
The objective is to hit the ball so it rebounds off the wall, making it challenging for the opponent to return.
Paddleball can be played in singles or doubles and is usually played outdoors, making it a popular recreational activity in urban parks.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Popular In Which Region | United States, especially New York City |
| No of Players | 2 (singles) or 4 (doubles) |
| Key Equipment | Solid paddle, rubber ball, wall court |
| Court Dimensions and Scoring | 34 feet x 20 feet; games to 21 points |
| Popular Tournaments | New York Paddleball Championships |
| Notable Athletes | Various recreational and semi-professional players |
| Benefits | Enhances agility, strength, and coordination; outdoor activity benefits |
16. Qianball
Qianball is a relatively new racket sport developed in China, incorporating elements of badminton and tennis.
Played on a badminton-sized court, players use rackets to hit a ball similar to a tennis ball. The aim is to land the ball in the opponent’s court, making it difficult for them to return.
Qianball has yet to gain widespread international popularity, but it is growing in Chinese schools and sports clubs due to its fast-paced play and lower physical impact.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Popular In Which Region | China |
| No of Players | 2 (singles) or 4 (doubles) |
| Key Equipment | Qianball racket, tennis-like ball, net |
| Court Dimensions and Scoring | Similar to badminton courts, points scored by rally wins |
| Popular Tournaments | Regional tournaments in China |
| Notable Athletes | Primarily recreational players |
| Benefits | Builds speed, hand-eye coordination, and cardiovascular health |
17. Platform Tennis
Platform Tennis, also known as paddle tennis, originated in the United States and is popular in the colder regions of North America.
Platform Tennis uses paddles, and a perforated ball is played on a raised court surrounded by chicken wire fencing.
Platform tennis combines elements of tennis and racquetball, with players using the walls to rebound shots. It is typically played in doubles, and due to its heated court surfaces, it is often enjoyed in winter.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Popular In Which Region | North America, especially Northeastern United States |
| No of Players | 4 (doubles) |
| Key Equipment | Solid paddles, perforated ball, net, fenced court |
| Court Dimensions and Scoring | 44 feet x 20 feet; points scored similar to tennis |
| Popular Tournaments | Platform Tennis Nationals, APTA Tour |
| Notable Athletes | Drew Broderick, Lauren Gebbia |
| Benefits | It enhances agility, hand-eye coordination, and balance; great winter sport |
18. Pelota (Basque Pelota)
Pelota, or Basque Pelota, is a traditional sport from the Basque region of Spain and France, played by hitting a ball against a wall using either a racket, a wooden paddle, or a basket-like glove.
The game has several variations, including Jai Alai, the fastest ball sport in the world. Pelota is typically played in singles or doubles, with players aiming to make the ball bounce so that the opponent cannot return it.
Pelota courts, known as frontons, are commonly found in Basque regions, and the sport remains a cultural staple.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Popular In Which Region | Basque Country (Spain, France), Latin America |
| No of Players | 2 (singles) or 4 (doubles) |
| Key Equipment | Racket, wooden paddle, or basket-glove (for Jai Alai); pelota ball |
| Court Dimensions and Scoring | Varies by variation; typically played on a three-walled court |
| Popular Tournaments | Jai Alai World Championships, Basque Pelota World Championships |
| Notable Athletes | Iñaki Osa Goikoetxea, Juan Martinez |
| Benefits | Builds agility, reflexes, and speed; enhances upper body strength |
Conclusion
Each game offers its unique thrill, from the fast-paced action of squash to the graceful moves of soft tennis. These sports aren’t just fun to play – they’re great for your health, too!
I hope this list has sparked your interest in trying something new. Maybe you’ll pick up a pickleball paddle or try speedminton. Or perhaps you’ll become a fan of jai alai or real tennis.
What’s your next move? Why not head to your local sports center and ask about these games? You might find a new hobby or even your next sports passion.
Share your experiences in the comments below – I’d love to hear which racket sport caught your eye!
