If you’re a fan of tennis, you know that there’s nothing quite like the thrill of a great match. But did you know that there are a whole host of alternative sports out there that offer a similar level of excitement and competition?
Whether you’re looking to try something new or just want to mix up your training routine, there are plenty of alternative sports to tennis that are worth exploring. In this blog article, we’ll be taking a closer look at some of the most popular alternative sports to tennis, from racquetball and squash to paddleball and beach tennis.
We’ll explore the unique challenges and benefits of each sport, as well as the skills and techniques that are required to excel at them. So whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just looking for a fun new way to stay active, be sure to read on and discover the amazing world of alternative sports to tennis.
13 Alternative Sports to Tennis
If you enjoy playing tennis, there are many other racquet sports out there that you might also enjoy. Here are some racquet sports similar to tennis:
Badminton
Badminton is a fast-paced racket sport played by either two opposing players (singles) or two opposing pairs (doubles), who take positions on opposite halves of a court that is divided by a net. The objective of badminton is to hit a shuttlecock over the net and onto the opponent’s side of the court in such a way that the opponent is unable to return it.
Crossminton
Crossminton, also known as speed badminton, is a fast-paced racquet sport that is similar to badminton. It is played with a shuttlecock as well, but the court is smaller and there is no net. The aim is to hit the shuttlecock back and forth over a distance of up to 12.8 meters, and the game can be played in singles or doubles.
Squash
Squash is a racquet sport that is played in an enclosed court with glass walls. The aim is to hit the ball against the front wall and make it bounce back towards the opponent. The game can be played in singles or doubles, and it requires speed, agility, and good hand-eye coordination.
Frescobol
Frescobol is a popular beach sport in Brazil that is similar to tennis. It is played with wooden paddles and a rubber ball, and the aim is to hit the ball back and forth over a distance of up to 20 meters. The game can be played in singles or doubles, and it requires good hand-eye coordination and quick reflexes.
Table Tennis
Table tennis, also known as ping pong, is a racket sport played by two opposing players or pairs who stand at opposite ends of a table divided by a net. The objective of table tennis is to hit a lightweight ball back and forth over the net, with the aim of making the ball land on the opponent’s side of the table in such a way that they are unable to return it.
Basque Pelota
Basque pelota is a popular racquet sport in Spain that is similar to tennis. It is played with a hand-held basket called a chistera and a small rubber ball. The aim is to hit the ball against a wall and make it bounce back towards the opponent. The game can be played in singles or doubles, and it requires good hand-eye coordination and quick reflexes.
Pickleball
Pickleball is a racquet sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. It is played on a smaller court with a lower net, and the aim is to hit a plastic ball over the net and onto the opponent’s side of the court. The game can be played in singles or doubles, and it requires good hand-eye coordination and quick reflexes.
Padel
Padel, also known as padel tennis or paddle tennis, is a racket sport that originated in Mexico in the 1960s and has since become popular around the world. The game is played on a smaller court than traditional tennis, surrounded by glass or mesh walls, and is typically played in doubles format.
The objective of padel is to hit the ball over the net and onto the opponent’s side of the court in such a way that they are unable to return it. The unique playing surface and walls make for a fast-paced game that requires quick reflexes, agility, and strategic shot-making.
Platform Tennis
Platform tennis is a unique racket sport that is played outdoors on a smaller court, typically surrounded by a wire fence and heated to prevent ice from forming on the court during colder weather. The game is played with solid paddles and a spongy ball, and is typically played in doubles format.
The objective of platform tennis is to hit the ball over the net and onto the opponent’s side of the court in such a way that they are unable to return it. The smaller court and unique playing surface make for a fast-paced game that requires quick reflexes, agility, and strategic shot-making.
Pop Tennis
Pop tennis, until recently was called Paddle Tennis, is a racket sport that has been played for over a century. The game is played on a smaller court than traditional tennis, with a solid paddle and a lower compression tennis ball. It is typically played in doubles format.
The objective of pop tennis is to hit the ball over the net and onto the opponent’s side of the court in such a way that they are unable to return it. The smaller court and unique playing surface make for a fast-paced game that requires quick reflexes, agility, and strategic shot-making.
Touch Tennis
Touch tennis is a modified version of tennis that is played on a smaller court with foam balls and shorter rackets. The game is typically played in singles format, with each player starting the game by serving to the opponent’s service box. There are no second serves or lets in touch tennis.
The objective of touch tennis is to hit the ball over the net and onto the opponent’s side of the court in such a way that they are unable to return it. The smaller court and unique playing surface make for a fast-paced game that requires quick reflexes, agility, and strategic shot-making.
Paddle Tennis
Paddle tennis is played on a smaller court with a lower net, and the aim is to hit the ball over the net and onto the opponent’s side of the court. The game can be played in singles or doubles, and it requires good hand-eye coordination and quick reflexes.
Racketlon
Racketlon is a unique combination sport that includes four of the most popular racket sports: table tennis, badminton, squash, and tennis. In Racketlon, players compete against each other in a sequence of these four sports, with each sport being played to a certain number of points or games. The winner is the player who accumulates the most points across all four sports.
Choosing the Right Sport
When it comes to choosing an alternative sport to tennis, there are several factors to consider in order to make the right choice. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Age and Fitness Level
Different sports have different physical demands, so it’s important to consider your age and fitness level when choosing a sport. For example, if you’re older or have joint problems, you might want to avoid high-impact sports like racquetball and stick to lower-impact sports like pickleball or badminton.
Skill Levels
Some sports require more skill than others, so it’s important to choose a sport that matches your skill level. For beginners, sports like pickleball, soft tennis, and platform tennis are relatively easy to learn and don’t require a lot of experience or skill.
Individual or Team Sport
Do you prefer to play sports on your own or as part of a team? If you like playing solo, sports like badminton, squash, and soft tennis might be a good fit for you. If you prefer playing with a team, consider sports like racquetball, beach tennis, and basque pelota.
Recreation and Fun
Ultimately, the most important factor in choosing a sport is whether or not you enjoy it. Consider what you find fun and exciting, and choose a sport that matches your interests. If you enjoy being outdoors, for example, beach tennis or pickleball might be a good fit for you.
Opportunities
Finally, consider the availability of opportunities to play the sport you’re interested in. Are there local clubs or leagues you can join? Are there courts or facilities nearby where you can play? Make sure you choose a sport that you can realistically participate in on a regular basis.
FAQ
What are some indoor paddle sports similar to tennis?
If you’re looking for an indoor sport that’s similar to tennis, paddle tennis and platform tennis are great options. Paddle tennis is played on a smaller court with a solid paddle and a lower net, while platform tennis is played on a raised platform with a wire fence around the court. Both sports are played with a depressurized tennis ball and are great for players of all ages and skill levels.
What are some sports that use a long racket like tennis?
If you’re looking for a sport that uses a long racket like tennis, badminton and squash are great options. Badminton is played with a shuttlecock and a racket that’s similar in shape to a tennis racket, while squash is played with a smaller, more compact racket and a small, rubber ball. Both sports require quick reflexes and good hand-eye coordination, making them great alternatives to traditional tennis.
What are some alternatives to traditional tennis for seniors?
If you’re a senior looking for an alternative to traditional tennis, pickleball and table tennis are great options. Pickleball is played on a smaller court with a solid paddle and a perforated plastic ball, while table tennis is played on a table with a small, lightweight ball and a paddle. Both sports are low-impact and easy on the joints, making them great options for seniors who want to stay active and healthy.
What are some other sports or activities that you enjoy as a way to stay active and engaged, either in addition to or instead of tennis? Are there any specific benefits or challenges that you’ve experienced in exploring different athletic pursuits? Share your thoughts and experiences on alternative sports to tennis in the comments section below.
