Racquet sports are some of the most engaging and accessible games worldwide. Whether you're looking for a fun way to stay active, improve hand-eye coordination, or compete professionally, there’s a racquet sport for everyone. This blog will explore the most played racquet sports globally, beginner-friendly options, and how to choose the right one for you.
What Are Racquet Sports?
Racquet sports are games where players use a racquet to hit a ball or shuttlecock across a net or against a wall. These sports require agility, precision, and strategy. Some of the most popular racquet sports include tennis, badminton, squash, table tennis, and pickleball.
Most Played Racquet Sports Around the World
Racquet sports are widely enjoyed in different regions. Here are the most played racquet sports globally:
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Tennis – Popular in Europe, the US, and Australia.
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Badminton – A favorite in Asia, particularly in China, Indonesia, and India.
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Table Tennis – Extremely popular in China and Japan.
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Squash – Highly played in Egypt, England, and the US.
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Pickleball – Gaining popularity in the US ,Canada and India.
Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing racquet sports globally, especially in the US, Canada, and India. If you're curious about its origins and how it became so popular, you might want to learn more about when was pickleball invented.
First Indian Woman to Win an Olympic Medal in Racquet Sports: A Historic Achievement
India has a rich history in racquet sports, and Saina Nehwal made history by becoming the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal in a racquet sport. She secured a bronze medal in badminton at the 2012 London Olympics, inspiring many young athletes across the country.
Top Most Played Racquet Sports in India
India has a rich tradition in racquet sports, with several games enjoying widespread popularity:
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Badminton - The most popular racquet sport in India, with heroes like P.V. Sindhu, Saina Nehwal, and Kidambi Srikanth inspiring millions of players.
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Tennis - While not as dominant as badminton, tennis has a strong following, with players like Sania Mirza and Leander Paes having achieved international success.
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Table Tennis - Growing rapidly in urban areas, with players like Manika Batra and Sharath Kamal raising the sport's profile.
- Pickleball – Rapidly growing in popularity, especially among urban players and older adults due to its accessibility and fun gameplay.
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Squash - Gaining popularity in metropolitan cities, with dedicated courts in sports clubs and training centers.
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Racquetball - Though less common, racquetball is finding its place in urban sports facilities.
Top Racquet Sports for Beginners
If you're new to racquet sports, starting with an easier game can make the experience more enjoyable. Here are the best racquet sports for beginners:
| Sport | Why? | Gear | Basics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennis | Adaptable to casual or competitive play. | Racquet, tennis balls, comfortable shoes. | Play singles or doubles; aim to hit the ball within the court lines. |
| Badminton | Easy to learn, requires minimal space. | Lightweight racquet, shuttlecock, net. | Hit the shuttlecock over the net without letting it touch the ground. |
| Table Tennis | Fast reflexes and low equipment cost. | Paddle, plastic ball, table. | Keep the ball bouncing on the opponent's side. |
| Squash | Great for cardio and agility. | Squash racquet, rubber ball, enclosed court. | Alternate hitting the ball against the front wall. |
| Pickleball | Simple rules and slower pace. | Pickleball Paddle, perforated plastic ball, net. | A mix of tennis and badminton, played on a smaller court. |
How to Choose the Right Racquet Sport for You
Consider these factors when deciding which racquet sport to pursue:
Physical considerations:
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Fitness level - Squash demands higher fitness; pickleball and badminton can be less strenuous
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Age - Table tennis and pickleball remain accessible throughout life
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Previous injuries - Lower-impact options include table tennis and pickleball
Practical factors:
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Available facilities - What courts are nearby?
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Indoor vs. outdoor preference - Tennis and pickleball are primarily outdoor; squash is indoor
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Budget - Table tennis and badminton typically require less financial investment
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Social aspects - Pickleball has a strong community focus; tennis offers both singles and doubles
Personal preferences:
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Pace of play - Squash and badminton are faster; tennis rallies are longer
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Strategic vs. physical - Table tennis emphasizes technique; squash requires athleticism
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Learning goals - Consider how quickly you want to reach a recreational playing level
Benefits of Playing Racquet Sports
Racquet sports offer numerous advantages for physical and mental well-being:
Physical benefits:
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Cardiovascular health - Regular play improves heart health and endurance
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Weight management - Burns calories (400-800 per hour depending on the sport)
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Bone strength - Weight-bearing activities help prevent osteoporosis
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Coordination - Enhances hand-eye coordination and reflexes
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Balance and agility - Improves through constant movement and positioning
Mental benefits:
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Stress reduction - Physical activity releases endorphins
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Strategic thinking - Planning shots and anticipating opponents' moves
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Focus and concentration - Tracking fast-moving objects improves attention
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Social connection - Building relationships with playing partners and communities
Long-term advantages:
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Lifetime activity - Many racquet sports can be played well into older age
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Transferable skills - Abilities often cross over between different racquet sports
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Competitive outlet - Opportunities for friendly competition at all levels
Essential Equipment for Racquet Sports
Each racquet sport has its essential gear:
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Tennis: Racquet, tennis balls, court shoes.
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Badminton: Racquet, shuttlecock, non-marking shoes.
- Table Tennis: Paddle, table, ping pong ball.
- Squash: Squash racquet, squash ball, court shoes.
- Pickleball: Paddle, plastic ball with holes, court shoes.
Tips for Beginners
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Start with the right equipment – Using the right-sized racquet and ball makes a difference.
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Learn basic techniques – Master proper grip, footwork, and swing.
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Practice regularly – Consistency helps build skills and confidence.
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Take lessons – Professional coaching can improve your game faster.
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Have fun – Enjoying the game is key to improving and staying motivated.
Final Thoughts
Racquet sports are an excellent way to stay active, socialize, and develop skills. Whether you choose tennis, badminton, table tennis, squash, or pickleball, there's a perfect sport for everyone. Start with the one that suits your fitness level and interests, and enjoy the benefits of an engaging and fun-filled sport!
FAQ
What is the most popular racket sport in the world?
Badminton is the most popular racket sport, with over 220 million players worldwide, especially in Asia.
Which racket sport is hardest?
Squash is often considered the hardest due to its fast pace, high endurance demands, and intense movement.
What is the only racket sport not in the Olympics?
Squash is the only major racket sport that is not part of the Olympics, despite multiple bids for inclusion.
Cost to get started with racquet sports in India?
Basic gear for badminton or table tennis starts at ₹1,500–₹5,000, while tennis and squash can cost ₹10,000+ for equipment and court fees.
Which racket sport is most tiring?
Squash is the most tiring due to constant sprinting, lunging, and high-intensity rallies in an enclosed court.
Which racket sport burns the most calories?
Squash burns the most calories, with players expending around 800–1,000 calories per hour due to its intense pace.
Does racquet sports help with stress relief?
Yes, racquet sports reduce stress by improving focus, releasing endorphins, and providing a fun physical workout.
How is table tennis different from other racquet sports?
It's played on a small table with a lightweight paddle, requiring quick reflexes rather than power and endurance.
How is badminton unlike other racquet sports?
Badminton uses a shuttlecock instead of a ball, making it faster and more dependent on agility and precision.
Is pickleball a racquet sport?
Yes, pickleball is a racket sport, but it uses a solid paddle instead of a strung racket like tennis or badminton.