As the best players in the world face off right now on the blue courts of Madrid, the Hexagon Cup 2026 confirms its status as an essential event.Official Recognition by the FIPThe big news for this 2026 edition is the official integration of the tournament into the International Padel Federation (FIP) calendar. For the first time, the Hexagon Cup is recognized as the premier elite team circuit. This alliance with official bodies brings immense sporting credibility to a format that was once perceived as purely promotional.The Power of Franchises and CelebritiesThe tournament is based on a "fran

The one-handed backhand has long been considered the most elegant stroke in tennis. Brought to the summit by legends like Federer, Tsitsipas, or Wawrinka, it nonetheless seems to be gradually fading before the efficiency of the two-handed backhand.The Quest for Maximum StabilityModern tennis is characterized by a constant increase in ball speed. Faced with increasingly heavy shots, the two-handed backhand offers superior stability. The non-dominant hand acts as a guide and support, allowing for better countering of the opponent's power. In a sport where defense has become paramount, the solidi

Badminton often surprises with its lightning speed. While the shuttlecock seems light and fragile, it holds speed records that pale those of tennis balls or racing cars. Here is how this feather-composed object defies the laws of physics.Records Beyond ImaginationThe current world record exceeds five hundred kilometers per hour. During a high-powered smash, the racket transfers incredible energy to the shuttlecock. For comparison, this is much faster than a golf ball or a tennis serve. This performance is made possible by the object's lightness and the professional players' wrist-flick techniq

In the world of squash, the racket is not just a simple accessory; it is the natural extension of your arm. Given the speed of the rallies, every gram and every millimeter of design can transform the way you play. Here are the essential criteria that make equipment a key element of your game.Weight: Between Power and ReactivityThe weight of a squash frame generally varies between 110 and 150 grams. This choice directly influences your muscle fatigue and the speed of your ball.Light rackets: They offer exceptional maneuverability, ideal for reacting quickly at the net and disguising your shots.

Pickleball is primarily a doubles sport, but training with four people is not always the fastest way to progress technically. This is where skinny singles comes into play. This variant, played on half a court, has become the favorite exercise for competitive players.Surgical Precision WorkBy playing on half the width of the court, you considerably reduce the possible angles. This constraint forces the player into extreme precision. Every ball must be placed with care to stay within the narrow limits of the playing area. It is the ideal exercise for mastering the dink and trajectory control, as

Beach tennis is a discipline that prioritizes attack and speed. In this context, the service occupies a central place because it follows rules that are very different from those of classic tennis.Only One Chance to SucceedUnlike traditional tennis, a beach tennis player has only one attempt. If they commit a net fault or if the ball falls outside the court boundaries, the point is immediately awarded to the opponent. This rule imposes constant pressure on the server, who must find the right balance between power and safety to avoid giving away free points.The Total Absence of "Let"This is argu

Ping-pong, or table tennis, is often perceived as a simple holiday leisure activity. Yet, many scientific studies rank it among the most beneficial activities for the brain. Here is why this discipline is a true high-level cognitive workout.Extraordinary Reaction SpeedAt a high level, the ball can exceed one hundred kilometers per hour over a very short distance. The brain must therefore analyze the trajectory, the spin, and the speed in a fraction of a second. This permanent demand improves reflexes and the capacity for rapid decision-making. It is an excellent exercise for maintaining optima

The Premier Padel circuit calendar for the year 2026 confirms the global ambition of the discipline. With more than twenty-five stages spread across five continents, this season promises to be the densest in the history of professional padel.The Four Major TournamentsAs every year, the four Major category events constitute the pillars of the season. These stages offer the most ranking points and the largest prize money for the players.Doha: The first major appointment of the year in Qatar.Rome: The Italian stage at the Foro Italico, renowned for its atmosphere.Paris: The Roland-Garros tourname

In tennis, unlike many other ball sports, the court is alive. The texture of the ground modifies the height of the bounce, the speed of the ball, and the way the player moves. To understand the soul of each surface is to understand the history and diversity of this sport.Clay: The Land of Endurance and SacrificeClay (embodied by Roland-Garros) is undoubtedly the most physically and mentally demanding surface. It is a slow surface where the ball bounces high. It "grips" the topspin, which makes direct winning shots more difficult to achieve.The Play: Here, tennis becomes a game of chess. Exchan

Badminton is a sport of impact, sudden changes of direction, and repeated jumps. While this discipline is excellent for cardio, it places enormous stress on the musculoskeletal system. To practice for a long time and with pleasure, it is essential to know the risk zones and adopt the right prevention reflexes.Ankle Sprain: The Number One RiskThis is the most frequent injury on the courts. It usually occurs during a quick lateral movement or a poorly controlled landing from a jump.Prevention: The choice of shoes is paramount. They must offer excellent lateral support and a non-slip sole. Propri

Squash is often compared to a game of chess at 180 beats per minute. At the heart of this tactical battle lies an intersection of lines on the floor: the "T". For pro players, the "T" is not just a visual marker; it is a control point from which the game is directed. Here is why this zone is the secret to every victory.Being at an Equal Distance from All DangersSquash is played in the four corners of the court. The "T" is located precisely at the center of these four danger zones.Energy Economy: By systematically returning to the "T" after each shot, you ensure you are at the shortest possible

In pickleball, the third shot of the exchange (the one hit by the serving team) is often considered the most critical moment of the point. It is at this precise instant that it is decided who will take control of the net. While brute force is tempting, experienced players use a far more formidable weapon: the Third Shot Drop.Why Is It the Most Important Shot?Pickleball greatly advantages the team already at the net (the team receiving the serve). The serving team finds itself stuck at the back of the court.Neutralizing the Opponent's Advantage: If you hit the third shot too hard, your opponent

While beach tennis today evokes the sun of Brazil or the Caribbean, its roots actually dive deep into the sand of European coasts. This sport, which has become an official and highly competitive discipline, was born from simple summer leisure before conquering international federations.The Birth on the Italian RivieraIt all began in the late 1970s on the coasts of Romagna, Italy, specifically around Ravenna and Rimini.The Volleyball Pivot: The first players had the simple yet brilliant idea of using the beach volleyball courts already installed on the beaches to play tennis.Improvised Equipmen

The pendulum serve is the benchmark serve at the highest level. Its name comes from the swinging motion of the arm, similar to that of a clock. Its strength lies in its versatility: with exactly the same toss and starting motion, a player can produce three or four completely different spins, making the return extremely difficult for the receiver to read.The Technique of the Swinging MotionTo succeed with a good pendulum serve, everything starts with body position and the racket grip.The Racket Grip: Most players release the handle with the last three fingers to hold the racket only with the th

Padel is often played at high intensity at the net, but the best players know when to slow down the rally to better punish. The rulo and the chiquita are two essential shots for breaking the rhythm and forcing opponents, even when well-positioned, to commit an error or play a defensive shot that is easy to intercept.The Chiquita: The Offensive Drop Shot in Mid-CourtThe chiquita is a slow and short shot, often executed from the baseline or mid-court, whose objective is to land just behind the opponent's service line.The Concept: The chiquita is a short ball with little power and, most important

The second serve is the moment of truth in tennis. If the first serve is a weapon of destruction, the second is a tool for survival and strategy. The objective is not just to put the ball in play, but to place it in such a way that the opponent is forced into a defensive stroke. The two main options for the second serve are the kick serve and the slice serve.Option 1: The Kick Serve (Topspin)The kick serve is the default choice for the majority of professionals because of its safety and its ability to bother the receiver.Technique: The strike is made on the back-left part of the ball (for a ri