If you are looking to get fit, improve your health, lose weight and meet new people, then racket sports can be a great choice. Badminton, tennis and squash have long been popular in the UK, probably because as well as being fun to play, they offer a low cost way of getting active. Whether you are a novice or an aspiring athlete, young or old, racket sports offer something for everyone.
Racket Sports
Whilst badminton, tennis and squash are played to different rules, they all require common skills. They are fast-moving, high-tempo games which provide a good cardio workout for the players. As well as the physical challenge, however, racket sports also offer a mental test, as opponents attempt to outwit each other to gain the upper hand.
Squash, for example, has been described as a physical version of chess, where one player attempts to wear out the other, by dominating the centre ground whilst making their opponent run from one part of the court to the other to play each shot. So, even if you are not at your physical peak, winning matches is still achievable, and this mental challenge perhaps explains why many older people still enjoy racket sports.
Socialising
Much of the enjoyment of racket sports comes from the social aspect of the games, pitting your wits against an opponent of similar skill level before socialising with them at the bar or cafe afterwards! Doubling up with another player will often facilitate a long-lasting friendship, both on and off the court, meaning these sports provide social benefits in addition to improved health and well-being.
Coaching
If you are new to racket sports, it is a good idea to sign up for some coaching sessions. Usually these will be available at your local leisure centre or specialist club, and can be an excellent way to meet fellow players who are at a similar level. Racket sport facilities are generally widely available and specialist tennis centres, in particular, have good quality tennis courts, although court maintenance at your local recreation ground is usually to a good standard.
Racket sports do require a certain degree of skill and it can take considerable practice to achieve a decent standard. However, the rules of play are not complicated, and you will likely surprise yourself as to how quickly you will improve, particularly if you play for an hour once or twice a week. The skills you learn in one racket sport are transferrable to another too, meaning that a backhand shot learned in tennis, for example, can also be a useful asset in your squash game.
Seasonality
Tennis is mainly an outdoor sport (although you will probably find a smaller number of indoor tennis facilities available as well) and best played in the summer, which means that the rest of the year can be spent indoors playing squash and badminton!
Cost
Racket sports are also cheap to play. You can often rent the equipment needed at your local leisure centre for a few pounds. Alternatively, you can invest in some better quality gear, like feathered shuttlecocks, from your high street sports shop, and you should be able to get hold of a decent racket for somewhere between £25 and £50.
In summary, racket sports offer a great way to burn some calories, and are a fun way to exercise and meet new people. Moreover, they are relatively easy to play, inexpensive, and can be enjoyed by the whole family.
