Do you want to start a racket sport but can’t decide between tennis, padel, badminton, pickleball, or table tennis? Here are some criteria to help you choose the sport that best matches your preferences, skill level, and goals.

1. Tennis

Audience: Suitable for everyone, but requires good physical condition, as it is a demanding sport.
Equipment: Tennis racket, balls, and appropriate shoes.
Advantages: A complete sport that improves endurance, strategy, and strength while allowing you to release energy. Guaranteed fatigue!
Disadvantages: Technically challenging and tough on the joints.

2. Padel

Audience: Accessible to all, beginner-level play does not require a high fitness level.
Equipment: Padel racket, balls, and appropriate shoes.
Advantages: Fun, social, and less technical than tennis, making it great to play with family, friends, or even strangers.
Disadvantages: Requires specific courts, which are still rare in some areas.

3. Badminton

Audience: Suitable for everyone, a recreational level does not require a high fitness level.
Equipment: Lightweight racket and shuttlecock.
Advantages: Dynamic and excellent for improving reflexes, ideal for a fun and cardio workout.
Disadvantages: Less suited for outdoor play, usually played in sports halls.

4. Pickleball

Audience: Extremely broad, suitable for all ages.
Equipment: Pickleball racket and perforated ball.
Advantages: Simple rules and a social atmosphere, combining the social side of padel with an even more accessible and fun game.
Disadvantages: Still underdeveloped in France, but some clubs offer courts.

5. Table Tennis

Audience: Suitable for all ages and skill levels.
Equipment: Racket, ball, and playing table. Ideal for indoor play.
Advantages: Affordable, accessible, and excellent for reflex training.
Disadvantages: Less physically demanding than other racket sports (which can be an advantage, depending on what you're looking for).

6. Squash

Audience: Best for those who enjoy intense and fast-paced challenges.
Equipment: Squash racket, ball, and proper court.
Advantages: Very cardio-intensive, improves agility and reaction time.
Disadvantages: Requires high endurance and specialized courts.

In short, which racket sport is for you?

• Looking for a social and accessible sport? → Padel, pickleball, or table tennis.
• Want a physical challenge? → Tennis or badminton.
• Prefer indoor play? → Badminton and table tennis.
• Your goal is to socialize while exercising? → Pickleball and padel.
• On a tight budget? → Table tennis and badminton require little investment