Discover how ping pong, born in English parlours, became an Olympic sport played by millions of enthusiasts around the world.The origins of table tennis: an aristocratic parlour gameTable tennis emerged in late 19th-century England as a miniature version of classical tennis. British aristocrats, looking for indoor entertainment during rainy evenings, improvised the game using a dining table, books as a net, and champagne corks or cork balls as balls. The term "ping-pong" appeared in 1901, derived from the onomatopoeia mimicking the sound of the ball being struck. The game quickly gained popul

Tennis, badminton, squash, padel, ping pong, pickleball… Which racket sports offer the highest earnings for professional and semi-professional players? I’ve investigated.Tennis, the king of financial earningsUnsurprisingly, tennis remains the most lucrative racket sport in the world. With huge prize money in Grand Slam tournaments, a player can pocket between €2 and €3 million for a win. Even the world’s top 100 secure comfortable earnings, between €500,000 and several million per year, not including sponsorship deals.Key figures: – Novak Djokovic has surpassed $180 million in career prize m

Born in the 1960s, padel is now one of the trendiest racket sports. Its global rise has sparked great curiosity about its roots. Here is its story, from creation to international boom.Padel's origins in Mexico Contrary to popular belief, padel did not originate in Spain, but in Mexico, specifically in the city of Acapulco. In 1969, Enrique Corcuera, a sports enthusiast and businessman, built a small tennis court at home due to lack of space. He then enclosed the court with walls to stop the balls from escaping, creating the very first padel court.Growth in Spain and Argentina It was in Spain

Badminton, a sport of speed and precision, requires excellent shot control to make the difference in a match. Among the most decisive strokes: the smash, to finish a rally with power, and the drop shot, to destabilise the opponent with finesse. Here are some concrete tips to improve these two key shots.💥 The smash: power, placement and timing The smash is badminton’s ultimate weapon. To make it truly effective, focus on three elements: Shot preparation: Your arm should be fully drawn back, body slightly sideways, with a solid push-off from the back leg. Speed and precision: Aim for a

Tennis, badminton, pickleball, squash, padel or table tennis… Racket sports are winning over an ever-growing audience. And with good reason: they offer a wide range of physical and mental benefits, suitable for all ages. Here’s why these sports might be the perfect choice for both your body and mind.💪 A full-body workout Racket sports engage many muscle groups. Thanks to quick movements, changes of direction, varied strokes and defensive stances, they help: Strengthen the cardiovascular system, through high-intensity and repeated exchanges. Develop endurance and explosiveness, especia

Tennis is a sport rich in history and emotion. Some tournaments have become true icons. Here’s a look at the 5 most legendary tennis tournaments in the world, which thrill fans every year.Wimbledon – Elegance at its finest Location: London, United Kingdom Founded: 1877 Surface: Grass Wimbledon is the oldest and, for many, the most prestigious tennis tournament. With its all-white dress code, pristine lawns and British charm, it embodies tennis tradition. Winning at Wimbledon means joining the history books.Roland-Garros – The soul of clay courts Location: Paris, France Founded: 1925 Sur

Squash is a thrilling racket sport, known for its intensity and technical precision. But do you know where it comes from and how it gained worldwide popularity? Here’s a summary of its evolution, from modest beginnings to global recognition.Unexpected British Origins Squash was born in the early 19th century in England, within the walls of the prestigious Harrow School. Students began hitting a soft ball against the walls, creating a variation of the game of rackets. The term “squash” comes from the sound of the ball squashing against the wall. Over time, this improvised game evolved into a r

Table tennis, the ultimate spectacular sport, continues to fascinate racket sports enthusiasts around the world. In 2025, the global rankings highlight a new generation of champions aiming to topple a still-dominant Chinese hierarchy. Here’s a closer look at the top 10 table tennis players in the world in 2025.🇨🇳 1. Lin Shidong (China) World number 1 since February 2025, this prodigy born in 2005 impresses with his tactical maturity and consistency. A member of the Chinese national team since 2022, he quickly rose to the top thanks to his refined play and vision.🇨🇳 2. Wang Chuqin (China) A c

🎯 Racketlon: a sport for true racket enthusiasts Have you heard of racketlon? This little-known sport combines four racket disciplines into one match: table tennis, badminton, squash, and tennis. A true test of technical and mental endurance, it’s attracting more and more passionate players looking for a complete challenge. But what makes racketlon so captivating?🏓 A unique and demanding format A racketlon match follows a specific order: ping-pong, badminton, squash, then tennis. Each set is played to 21 points. The player with the highest total score across all four disciplines wins the mat

Pickleball is a rapidly growing racket sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. Easy to learn and accessible to everyone, it’s ideal for players of all skill levels. Here’s a guide to help you start off right.📜 The essential rules of pickleball Pickleball can be played in singles or doubles, on a court similar to a badminton court, but with a lower net. The goal is to score points by sending the ball into the opponent’s court without them returning it correctly. The serve must be hit diagonally and below the waist. The ball must bounce once on each side

Padel is expanding rapidly worldwide, and more clubs are opening to meet the growing demand from players. Some stand out due to their size, infrastructure, and reputation. Here’s an overview of the five biggest padel clubs in the world, welcoming both amateurs and professionals in exceptional conditions.🎾 1. El Estudiante (Alcobendas, Spain) – 40 courts Located near Madrid, El Estudiante is currently the largest padel club in the world, with 40 courts. This complex offers much more than just playing space—it also has facilities for other sports like tennis and golf. Thanks to its scale, this

Padel has quickly become one of the most popular racket sports. A mix between tennis and squash, it attracts both casual players and enthusiasts. But what’s behind this spectacular rise?🎾 An accessible and incredibly fun sport Unlike tennis, where mastering technique takes years, padel allows players to have fun right from their first games. Thanks to the glass walls, the ball stays in play longer, extending rallies and increasing enjoyment. This ease of learning makes it ideal for everyone, from beginners to experienced players.👥 A success driven by social interaction Padel is played exclus

Badminton is one of the most widely played racket sports in the world today. But where does it come from, and how did it establish itself on the international stage? Here’s a brief overview of its evolution, from its creation to becoming an Olympic sport.🏸 The Origins of Badminton In Europe, "battledore and shuttlecock" was a game where players kept a shuttlecock in the air using a racket, without a net. Similar games existed in China, Japan, and India. The Indian game "Poona", played in the 19th century, is believed to be the direct ancestor of modern badminton. British officers stati

Squash is a fast-paced and strategic racket sport where mastering the fundamental shots is essential to improve and gain an advantage over your opponent. Let’s explore the key shots you need to know.💪 The forehandThe forehand is one of the most commonly used shots in squash, as in other racket sports. It allows you to hit the ball deep into the court with power and accuracy. A good forehand relies on proper body positioning, the right grip, and good coordination between the arm and legs.🔄 The backhandThe backhand is just as important as the forehand, as it enables play on both sides of the cou

Badminton is a demanding sport, and as with any physical activity, it is essential to warm up before training or a match. Is there a perfect warm-up routine? Not really, but we can focus on exercises that activate the muscles we will be using.🔥 General warm-up: activating the bodyStep 1: First, we warm up the body in general. The goal here is to gradually increase body temperature to prepare for effort and improve blood circulation. This phase is just to get you moving and should last about 5 to 10 minutes. Light jogging: running around the court. Jumping on the spot: skipping rope or small

Choosing the right table tennis paddle is essential to optimize your game and progress. Whether you are a beginner, regular player, or experienced competitor, it is not always easy to know what to pick. Several criteria must be considered: playing style, skill level, and budget.🎯 Define Your Playing StyleBefore selecting your paddle, determine whether you are an offensive, defensive, or all-round player. Each style requires specific characteristics. Defensive: choose a paddle with a grippy rubber and a wood type that offers good control. All-round: opt for a balanced paddle that combines spe