Mastering the Basics Racquet Sport: Best Techniques 2025

A racquet sport is a sport where players use a racquet to strike a ball or shuttlecock to one another over a net or within a court. Common racquet sports are tennis, badminton and squash. Each sport has its own set of rules, equipment and courts.

These sports appeal to players of all abilities and ages. To know the fundamentals, different types, and tips for each sport, see the following sections.

Defining The Game

Racquet sports are quick, energetic games involving the player utilizing a racket or paddle to hit a ball or shuttlecock over a net or against a wall. The objective is to score points by hitting the ball in such a way that your opponent or opponents are not able to play a valid return. Most games, like tennis, squash and badminton, can be played singles or doubles, so they have built-in mechanisms to either play with friends or play head to head.

Social play is a big part of these sports too, with clubs and casual leagues everywhere. There are many types of racquet sports and each has their own flavor, equipment and expertise. Here’s a quick look at some of the most known types and what sets them apart:

Most racquet sports use points as a measure of lead. Tennis employs the 15-30-40 system, whereas squash and table tennis typically play to 11 points. Certain games are to 16. Your scoring system can make the game feel totally different; some sports excel with long rallies and others strive for short points.

The courts, where you play, they can look so different. Squash courts are four-walled and usually larger than racquetball courts. Pickleball courts are significantly smaller than tennis courts, which means they’re easier to set up in tight spaces. Beach tennis is on sand, whereas all the others are on hard or grass courts.

This means they can pick a sport that suits their local temperature, room, or even joint condition. Equipment varies from sport to sport. Tennis and squash have string rackets, while pickleball and ping pong have solid paddles. What you strike also varies — tennis ball is fuzzy and rubber, the squash ball is tiny and hollow, and pickleball is a hard plastic ball with holes.

Racquet sports improve balance, speed and hand-eye coordination. The requirement to move quickly, shift direction, and follow the ball or shuttle exercises muscles and mind in harmony. These games are all pick-up-at-practically-any-age and lend themselves well to group or individual play.

The Core Five

Racquet sports are a staple of the world of athletics, and The Core Five are the most popular and far reaching. Each brings its own distinct gameplay, gear and culture. These are sports played by millions—pick-up games and pro leagues. They bring together wide-ranging ages, ability levels and backgrounds from across the globe.

The list below highlights each sport’s key traits, showing what makes them distinct:

• Tennis: Played on outdoor or indoor courts, uses stringed rackets and pressurized balls, scoring in sets and games.
• Badminton: Features feathered shuttlecocks, lightweight rackets, played on a smaller indoor court, fast-paced rallies.
• Squash: Played in an enclosed court, rubber ball, rackets with smaller heads, focus on speed and endurance.
• Racquetball: Short-handled rackets, bouncy rubber balls, indoor courts with no net, continuous play off walls.
• Table Tennis: Small paddles, lightweight balls, played on a table with a net, quick reflexes needed.

As sports for both genders and all ages, from youth to seniors, these are popular in North America, Europe, Asia and other regions. With such a variety of racquet sports to choose from, there’s something for everyone to perfect their game, get fit, and have fun.

1. Tennis

Tennis, with its centuries of tradition and refinement, was first played in France in the 12th century. What began as a handball game eventually morphed into the racket-based sport of today. It is contested on rectangular, 23.77-meter-long by 8.23-meter-wide for singles, grass, clay or hard courts with rackets and felt-covered balls.

Scoring follows a unique sequence: love, 15, 30, 40, and game. Players employ graphite or composite rackets. Balls are subject to tight bounce and weight regulations. Competitive tennis scales perfectly from local clubs to Wimbledon.

It’s an Olympic staple and has created global legends. Tennis promotes skill, endurance and grit.

2. Badminton

Badminton dates all the way back to ancient Greek and Asian games, eventually formalized in 19th century British India. Players wield sub-100 gram rackets and feathered or nylon shuttlecocks. Courts are 13.4 meters long and 5.18 meters wide for singles.

The game’s fast paced action requires quick hands and feet. Asia, particularly China and Indonesia, dominates badminton, but it’s catching on elsewhere. Its rapid rhythm and strategic complexity place it in a unique niche amongst racquet sports.

3. Squash

Squash was created in mid-19th century England at Harrow School. It’s played on four walled courts, with a small rubber ball and rackets that are a bit smaller than tennis rackets. The ball bounces off of every wall, maintaining the flow.

Squash rules emphasize rallies and court sense. Squash stands out for fitness: it builds cardiovascular endurance, core strength, and agility. It’s a social game, with leagues and tournaments in more than 185 countries.

The sport’s fast pace and compact court help players develop lightning reflexes and enhance their fitness.

4. Racquetball

Racquetball emerged in America during the 1950s as a new, easy-to-learn racquet sport. It employs a walled indoor court, no net and a rubber ball. Rackets are shorter and wider than tennis rackets.

Players serve and rally by bouncing the ball off walls, keeping play fast and dynamic. It’s quick to learn, regardless of experience or age. The game incentivizes fast play and fast thinking.

Racquetball’s emphasis on velocity and positional sense captivates not only leisure players but athletically inclined competitors.

5. Table Tennis

Table tennis, or ping-pong, began as a parlor game in England in the late 1800s. Now it’s played across the globe on 2.74 meter-long tables, separated by a net. Players utilize small paddles to strike a light celluloid ball.

The game is characterized by fast-paced rallies and nuanced spin techniques. Table tennis is incredibly popular in Asia, particularly China and Japan. It demands accuracy, quick reflexes and a rock hard core for balance.

Good serves and volleys are crucial in elite matches. It’s for all ages, and you can play it casually or competitively.

Racquet or Racket?

Racquet” and “racket” both refer to the implement used to strike a ball or shuttle in tennis, squash or badminton. They tend to be confused, but they refer to the same concept. It’s not a matter of meaning, but rather about spelling and context clues from where you encounter the word.

Racquet, on the other hand, derives from the French raquette, which was borrowed from an archaic English word. We have no evidence that English used the word to describe the game or the implement until after the French word was in use. By the 15th century, “racket” was in English to refer to both the sport and the implement for striking balls, whether the game was played against a wall or not.

Today, “racket” is more prevalent globally. You’ll find it everywhere, from tennis to squash to badminton. This is true in both writing and speech. The former tends to arise more in formal or old-fashioned contexts.

For instance, the sport of ‘racquetball’ adheres to the French spelling, and a few clubs and organizations still utilize ‘racquet’ in their monikers. In colloquial usage, ‘racket’ tends to win out. If you consider news articles, sports shops and even rule books, ‘racket’ is generally the term that you’ll encounter.

Both are correct, and as of 2018 there’s no hard and fast rule about it. It’s a matter of what feels right for the locale or the crew. For players and fans, it’s helpful to know these terms when reading rules, chatting with other players, or going gear shopping.

Other countries probably favor one, and older books use racquet more, newer books may use racket. In other languages, the term corresponding to ‘racquet’ or ‘racket’ also refers to the implement used in racket sports. So, if you travel or play with people from other cultures, you’ll encounter both spellings.

Knowing both words can grease the wheels for anyone who plays, teaches or discusses racket sports. It’s a minor point, but it can prevent confusion and honor the tradition of the game. If you write/speak about these sports frequently, it’s clever to understand when to use each spelling. Certain clubs/rulebooks might care, others don’t.

Beyond The Court

Racquet sports make more than fitness—they impact the mind, body, and spirit. Deriving from ancient games played in Egypt & Greece, they’ve evolved into COURT SPORTS as we know them today, like tennis, badminton and table tennis. They provide individuals around the globe with means to develop discipline, remain physically engaged and create meaningful connections.

The Mind

Mental toughness is the ace of racquet sports. Each point demands acute concentration, spontaneous strategy and the toughness to recover from errors or missed attempts. Matches can turn in seconds, so players need to remain present-minded and adapt their strategies on the fly.

Visualization is useful, as a lot of the best players visualize their serves/shots before they occur. This mental repetition develops muscle memory and instills confidence.

• Use breath work before every serve or rally to reset focus.
• Break matches into micro-objectives, like winning one point at a time.
• Develop pre-match routines to set a steady mindset.
• Minimize distraction by focusing and blocking out the noise.

Developing a positive mentality counts as well. Players who view adversity as an opportunity to learn tend to bounce back quicker and perform better.

The Body

Racquet sports require strength and flexibility. They require strong legs for mobility, a firm core for equilibrium and nimble arms for swings. Tennis elbow, muscle strains and ankle sprains are all too familiar, especially without proper preparation.

We need a proper warm-up every damn session.

1. Planks and side planks increase core strength and inhibit back pain.
2. Lunges with a twist aid legs and hips, decreasing risk of strains.
3. Resistance band exercises work wrists and forearms, protecting against tennis elbow.
4. Dynamic stretches—such as high knees or arm circles—prime muscles for quick action.

These rituals don’t just keep him from getting hurt, but help his body recover and stay strong for every match. Even racquet sports can torch 400 – 800 calories an hour, so it’s a winner for weight control and heart health. They rock the entire body, providing a blast for fitness lovers of all ages.

The Spirit

Racquet sports are unifying. Clubs, leagues and local courts are usually brimming with players from all demographics. The social aspect is powerful—most players participate in more than one sport a year and around 65% play two or more.

• Builds teamwork and respect through doubles and mixed matches.
• Offers a safe space for friendly rivalry and growth.
• Encourages new friendships across age and skill levels.
• Brings people together at events and tournaments.

Sportsmanship is nothing. Handshakes post-match, respect for rivals and fair play rules all establish trust between players. Racquet sports are for all ages with tons of youth and 30-45 year olds getting involved.

They provide players an escape from stress, a means to connect and a taste of a global tradition.

Choosing Your Sport

Racquet sports provide broad options for anyone looking to keep active, make connections or challenge themselves. Each sport has its own fast, rules, and style so choosing your sport really depends on what you seek in a game and what suits your objective. Some of you like speed, high-action play, others prefer a more relaxed tempo and ambiance.

Consider what you desire from the sport. If your primary objective is burning serious calories and increasing your fitness, tennis rules. It’s played on grass, clay, or hard courts, and demands nimble footwork, strong legs, and lightning fast thinking. Though it’s hard to learn initially, it pays to persevere.

Squash is even crazier because it’s in a small enclosed room with four walls. The ball is fast, so lightning reflexes and great stamina are required. On the opposite side, pickleball is more gentle to your body and mind. The smaller court and slower pace make it excellent for novices or anyone wanting a light workout.

Padel offers you a middle ground, mixing tennis and squash into a wall-played game on a signature glass court. Accessibility is key, too. A few racquet sports require less gear or more affordable equipment. Pickleball paddles and balls are basic and not expensive.

Tennis or squash equipment can be pricier, particularly if you purchase premium racquets or footwear. Explore your immediate vicinity for convenience. Tennis courts are found in many cities, but padel or squash courts might be more difficult to locate. Some clubs have everything under one roof, others might be a one sport operation.

Experimenting with racquet sports is clever before you commit. Most clubs allow you to rent equipment or attend trial sessions. It at least allows you to see which game you like best, and which suits your fitness or time. For instance, if you enjoy games filled with a lot of camaraderie, pickleball’s social scene is famed.

If you like history and tradition, tennis and squash go back to ancient times and have an international following. Discovering a tribe around the sport can make a huge impact. There’s nothing like a terrific local club or social league to give you support and keep you returning.

Many players discover that the camaraderie and common practice is just as fulfilling as the play. Regardless of your proficiency or how old you are, racquet sports have a home waiting for you.

Universal Techniques

Universal techniques for all racquet sports, be it tennis, badminton, squash or table tennis. The correct grip and swing get you going. How you grip the racquet determines the trajectory of the ball or shuttle and influences control and velocity.

Most sports utilize a primitive grip—such as the handshake grip—in which you grasp the handle as if you were shaking hands. This grip allows you to effortlessly transition between forehand and backhand shots. Your swing, flowing and in harmony with your grip, rip safe and keep errors down.

The swing should be abbreviated and stiff for low shots but long and loose for deep or powerful ones. Most coaches say to keep your wrist firm but not stiff, so you can move it easily and impart extra spin or slice.

Footwork and position on the court are very important. In all racquet sports, it’s crucial to dart into position before every shot. Good footwork means small, quick steps, so you can change direction fast and prepare for the next shot.

For instance, in badminton, players perform a split-step to respond to rapid-fire rallies. In tennis, players bend their knees and stay low, which helps to increase balance and reduce injury. Research indicates that increased knee flexion reduces the knee joint’s stress, minimizing typical knee and leg injuries.

Since knee and leg injuries are most common, with knees accounting for more than 22% of injuries, small changes in your movement can have a significant impact.

Racquet sports demand a lot from your body. Majority of the energy you expend–60-70%–is from your aerobic system and the remainder from anaerobic bursts. That is, you have to grow both stamina and fast-strength.

Your heart pummels; in an ordinary match, your average heart rate can reach more than 90% of your max. Basic drills, such as shadow swings, ladder or cone footwork, go a long way in building these skills. Plyometric exercises—like jump squats or box jumps—are great for explosive power and speed.

Research illustrates as little as three weeks of plyometric work can increase your agility and reaction speed in badminton and other racquet sports.

To reduce your injury risk, supplement with core strength training and maintain clean technique. For garden variety lateral elbow pain, the majority of players recover with rest and consistent rehab, with most improving within a year.

Fundamentals, frequent drills and clever training establish a robust foundation for all racquet sports, regardless of your level.

Final Thoughts

Racquet sports provide great opportunities to get active, socialize, and learn new skills. Play tennis in a city park, sample squash at a gym or join a local badminton group. Both sports utilize minimal equipment and accommodate multiple skill levels. Take it slow or bust out with a buddy for a fast match.

The rules remain simple for the majority of games, allowing you to focus more on movement and less on minutiae. Ready to schuss, schmooze, or simply spectate a new sport? Discover a local venue or explore a local group. Have a great game, make some new friends and discover what you like most.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a racquet sport?

Racquet sport, any game in which players use a racquet to strike a ball or shuttlecock. Common ones are tennis, badminton, squash, table tennis, and padel.

What are the core five racquet sports?

The big five racquet sports are tennis, badminton, squash, table tennis, and padel. Racket sports are games that are played worldwide and have their own rules.

Is it spelled racquet or racket?

Both are correct spellings. Racquet” is primarily for sports, whereas “racket” can mean sports equipment as well as noise.

What skills do all racquet sports share?

All racquet sports need hand-eye coordination, agility, fast reflexes, and timing. These abilities assist players in response shots and the handling of their strokes.

Are racquet sports good for health?

Yup, racquet sports boost heart health, coordination and focus. They encourage sociability and exercise.

How do I choose the best racquet sport for me?

Think about your fitness, your interests, your access to facilities and whether you want to play solo or team. Sampling some of the sports will assist you in making this decision.

Can anyone play racquet sports?

Nearly all racquet sports are appropriate for every age and ability level. With most clubs providing beginner lessons, it’s simple to begin and advance.