Why Play Racquet Sports?

The Truth About Why Racquet Sports Are So Great

In the United States, and worldwide, there are all kinds of sports to play, from soccer to curling to hurling. What makes racquet sports so great? Nine key attributes combine to give racquet sports a unique appeal. See if these don’t convince you to pick up a racquet and start swinging:

A game of skill – racquet sports reward training and skill. Not everyone can wield the racquet skillfully, but all can aspire. There’s always something to learn, and a new way to make that racquet become an extension of your hand, arm, and will.

Lifelong enjoyment – racquet sports are lifetime sports. Kids and octogenarians alike can have fun swinging a racquet. Older players may slow down, but they can continue to add skills and techniques that help them enjoy the game and stay healthy.

Great physical demands – racquet sports require strength, speed, quickness, and cardiovascular fitness. Tests comparing fitness of professional athletes from various sports often show racquet sports players as being among the most fit athletes around.

The mental battle – racquet sports are played against human opponents, and those opponents are always trying their best to find a way to win. The mental battle is huge, and a smarter player can often find a way to win and overcome physical deficits.

Ease of arranging a game – since they’re not usually played as full team sports, it’s easy to find just one partner and have a game. Racquet sports don’t require getting a whole squad together. It’s easy to find a time that works well for just two people.

Possibility of solo practice – all racquet sports allow the possibility of solo practice, for those times when you don’t have a partner or when you want to practice a single shot. Solo practice is much harder, and often less effective, for team sports.

Relatively low cost – most racquet sports are reasonably inexpensive. Get a racquet, shoes, exercise clothing, a ball/shuttlecock, and a place to play, and you’re all set. Lots of protective equipment is not required, and the equipment you do need lasts quite a while.

An individual game – racquet sports provide no excuses when you play singles. There’s no one to blame if you lose, and on the other hand, all victories are your own. You are the master of your own fate since getting better is entirely up to you.

A social game – for those who want companionship and a social game, racquet sports all offer doubles play. There are few more rewarding interactions than teaming with someone in a good racquet sports match. And the pre- and post-game discussions are a lot of fun.