Racquet sports are some of the most dynamic and accessible games in the world. Whether played indoors or outdoors, casually or competitively, these sports test reflexes, strategy, coordination, and endurance. While they all involve a racquet (or paddle) and some kind of ball or shuttle, each game has its own pace, culture, and rules.
From tennis courts to glass-walled squash rooms and the rising popularity of pickleball, here’s a complete comparison of the major racquet sports, what sets them apart, and what they have in common.
Tennis
Overview:
Played outdoors or indoors on a large court, tennis is the most globally recognized racquet sport, played either one-on-one (singles) or two-on-two (doubles).
Court Size: Large (78 ft x 27 ft for singles)
Racquet Type: Strung racquet
Ball: Pressurized rubber ball covered in felt
Scoring System: Unique (15, 30, 40, game)
Played: Outdoors & indoors, recreational and professional
Pros:
- Great cardio workout
- High skill ceiling for advanced players
- Global tournaments and fan following
Badminton
Overview:
Played indoors on a smaller court, badminton is a fast-paced sport using a shuttlecock that flies quickly but decelerates rapidly due to its feathered design.
Court Size: Medium (44 ft x 17 ft for singles)
Racquet Type: Lightweight strung racquet
Ball/Shuttle: Feathered or synthetic shuttlecock
Scoring System: Rally scoring to 21 (best of 3 games)
Played: Mostly indoors, very fast-paced
Pros:
- Quick reflex training
- Lightweight gear and minimal impact
- Easy to learn, difficult to master
Pickleball
Overview:
A hybrid of tennis, ping pong, and badminton, pickleball is played on a smaller court with a solid paddle and a perforated plastic ball. It’s one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S., especially popular among all age groups.
Court Size: Small (20 ft x 44 ft)
Racquet Type: Solid paddle
Ball: Hollow plastic ball with holes (wiffle-style)
Scoring System: Points scored only by the serving team to 11
Played: Indoors & outdoors, casual and competitive play
Pros:
- Easy to pick up for all ages
- Less running and joint impact
- Great for social and doubles play
Squash
Overview:
Squash is a high-intensity indoor sport played inside a four-walled court, where players hit a small rubber ball off the walls. It’s known for its pace and physical demands.
Court Size: Enclosed (32 ft x 21 ft)
Racquet Type: Long-handled, strung racquet
Ball: Small rubber ball
Scoring System: Rally scoring to 11
Played: Indoors only, fast-paced and close quarters
Pros:
- Excellent cardio and workout in short time
- Fast-paced rallies and mental strategy
- Minimal court space required
Table Tennis (Ping Pong)
Overview:
Played on a table with a small paddle and lightweight ball, table tennis is an Olympic sport known for speed, spin, and reflexes. It’s popular worldwide and requires little space.
Court Size: Table (9 ft x 5 ft)
Racquet Type: Small solid paddle
Ball: Lightweight plastic ball
Scoring System: Rally scoring to 11 (best of 5 or 7 games)
Played: Indoors, casual to highly competitive
Pros:
- Space-efficient and affordable
- Great for reaction time and hand-eye coordination
- Suitable for all ages and skill levels
Comparison Chart
| Sport | Pace | Court Size | Gear Type | Physical Demand | Best For |
| Tennis | Moderate–High | Large | Strung racquet | High | Competitive athletes, fans |
| Badminton | Very High | Medium | Strung racquet | Medium–High | Fast reflexes, indoor play |
| Pickleball | Moderate | Small | Paddle | Low–Medium | Beginners, seniors, social |
| Squash | Very High | Enclosed | Strung racquet | Very High | Fitness lovers, intense play |
| Table Tennis | Very High | Table | Paddle | Low–Medium | Indoor fun, fast reaction |
Which Racquet Sport Is Right for You?
- For fitness & endurance: Try squash or tennis
- For quick reflexes & indoor play: Go with badminton or table tennis
- For social, low-impact play: Pickleball is ideal
- For competition & tournaments: Tennis has the biggest global stage
- For fun at home or office: Ping pong can’t be beat
Safety Tips Across All Racquet Sports
- Always warm up to avoid strains
- Wear court-specific shoes to prevent slips
- Stay hydrated, especially in high-intensity sports
- Use protective eyewear in squash
- Know and respect court etiquette and rules
Finding Your Game
Racquet sports offer something for everyone—from the backyard to the professional stage. Whether you love the quiet strategy of pickleball or the high-speed challenge of squash, these sports are great for your body, mind, and competitive spirit.
So grab a paddle or racquet and find the court that matches your game—your next match is waiting.
Learn more at: https://www.menshealth.com/health/a63754928/racquet-sports-guide/
A Comprehensive Guide to Rackets for Different Racket Sports
The Sport Lady has been a lifelong sports enthusiast. She believes that sports have the power to unite people, create common bonds, and foster shared experiences. As a wife and mother of sports lovers, she is passionate about her favorite teams and cherishes every opportunity to watch them play. For her, every day is game day!