Tennis is a great sport, but it’s not for everyone. If you’re looking for something similar with a different twist, this article explores ten tennis type games that will satisfy even the most demanding players.
Games Similar to Tennis
Games similar to tennis use rackets or paddles to hit an object through a net but have different rules and equipment. Explore some of them.
Squash
Squash is a fun indoor racket sport played between two or four people. Imagine a small, bouncy ball you hit with a racket against a walled room.
The goal is to take turns hitting the ball against the front wall, and your opponent has to return the shot before it bounces twice. Just like tennis, the court is a rectangle.
Games are played in sets, typically in a best-of-five format. The first player to reach 11 points wins the set, and whoever wins three sets out of five wins the entire match!
If you’re interested in playing competitively, the World Squash Federation organizes tournaments throughout the year.
Racquetball – Game Similar to Tennis
This is a dynamic indoor sport similar to tennis but without the net! The rectangular court is divided into zones for serving and receiving.
Players use a unique racquet, like a stringed paddle or a hybrid between a paddle and a tennis racquet.
The objective? Hit the hollow rubber ball with the racquet and aim it at the front wall so your opponent struggles to return it before it bounces twice.
Racquetball is a fast-paced game played by two or four people. It’s perfect for those who enjoy physically demanding and strategic competition.
Basque Pelota – Tennis Racket Game
Originating in Spain, Basque Pelota holds the title as the world’s fastest ball sport, promising an adrenaline rush for those seeking speed in racket games.
In the United States, the sport is currently managed by Jai Alai, a prominent gaming enterprise.
Players in Basque Pelota wield only one hand, utilizing equipment such as wooden bats, rackets, or frontons positioned against a wall.
Matches often adopt a doubles format, with courts divided by nets or lines drawn on the ground. The International Federation of Basque Pelota governs the gameplay rules, ensuring fair and competitive play.
Soft Tennis
Soft Tennis presents a softer approach for those seeking an alternative to traditional Tennis, especially for players concerned about the hardness of the balls and the difficulty of play.
Unlike standard Lawn Tennis balls, softballs are used in this variant, offering a more forgiving experience on the court.
Similar in size to a regular Tennis court, the Soft Tennis court provides a familiar setting for players. Matches can be conducted in both singles and doubles formats, catering to a range of preferences and player dynamics.
Moreover, the scoring and winner determination rules closely mirror those of Lawn Tennis, ensuring continuity and ease of transition for players familiar with the traditional sport.
Platform Tennis
Like outdoor tennis, platform tennis has closely matched rules of play and scoring, although with some slight variations.
It should be noted that the court’s dimensions are quite different, about one-third smaller than a standard tennis court.
Another visible difference is the equipment used. The players have paddles with perforations approximately 45.7 cm (18 inches) long. In addition, the platform tennis game uses a sponge ball with a diameter of approximately 6,35 cm (2,5 inches).
Fives
Pentathlon stands out as a specific racket sport featuring interaction with walls.
Fives have a different style of play: instead of using rackets, players rely on their hands, whether bare or gloved, to hit and move the ball. This alternative method has also given Fives the nicknames Hand-Tennis or Hand-Pelota.
Despite its simple concept, Fives includes various variations and adaptations, each providing a different subtle gaming experience.
These variations include a variety of rules and strategies that add to the dynamic nature of the sport and provide players with various challenges and opportunities to improve their skills.
Pickleball
Pickleball combines tennis, badminton, and ping-pong elements to create an exciting and attractive sport suitable for players of all ages and skill levels.
On a badminton court, similar in size to a badminton court, players hold hard paddles made of wood or composite materials and throw a specialised ball through a net.
Unlike traditional racket sports, pickleball serves have to be hit from below, which gives the game its special features.
The rules focus on precision and speed, so players try to outrun their opponents and strategically position themselves to avoid mistakes and score points.
The first player or team to score 11 points (15 to 21 points in tournaments) and maintain a two-point lead wins.
Badminton – One More Sport Similar to Tennis
It is a game of skill, athleticism, and precision, similar to tennis but with a different style.
Instead of balls, players control rackets and throw a feathered projectile called a shuttlecock over the net.
In badminton, whether singles or doubles, the competition is played in three sets, and the team that wins two or all sets wins.
Traditionally, each set ends when one side scores 15 points, but the modern rally point format introduces an interesting twist: the first team to score 21 points wins.
Shortly about the history of this sport with a racket. It started as a game for kids in ancient Greece and Egypt, then journeyed to India in the 18th century.
British soldiers stationed in India took an interest in it and brought it back to the UK. Finally, in 1873, with the support of the Duke of Beaufort, badminton was formally recognized as a sport.
Beach Tennis
This sport combines Tennis and Volleyball, offering exciting fun on sunny beaches. Called Beach Tennis, and it’s played right by the shore.
The sport has two variants – beach tennis and beach tennis in the USA – and offers options for different preferences and playing styles.
Beach tennis is played with paddle rackets, while beach tennis in the USA uses traditional rackets and tennis balls according to beach volleyball rules.
The main goal of Beach Tennis is to keep volleying the ball over the net, aiming to score points by preventing the opposing team from returning it successfully.
Table Tennis – Other Tennis Type Game
Also known as ping pong, it’s a racket sport that originated in England and is practiced worldwide. It is a fast-paced and dynamic game dominated by Chinese players for over two decades.
Table tennis is played on a rectangular table with a net in the center, using small rackets and a light plastic ball. You can read more about table tennis rules and regulations.
It can be played in singles or doubles format and consists of seven sets, which are won by 21 points and a two-point lead.
Fun Facts About Tennis Racket Games
- Fastest Ball. Tennis may be fast, but Basque pelota takes the crown for the world’s fastest ball sport, with speeds zooming up to 186 mph (300 km/h)!
- Racketless Racket Sport. Instead of rackets, players use their bare hands or gloves, making it a true test of hand-eye coordination.
- Ancient Origins. Badminton has an interesting history. It started as a kids’ game in ancient Greece and Egypt, then journeyed to India in the 18th century. British soldiers brought it back to England, and by 1873, it became an official sport!
- Dominating Dynasty. Table Tennis, also known as Ping Pong, has been ruled by China for over two decades, producing some of the sport’s greatest legends.
Conclusion – Tennis Type Games
In summary, tennis type games offer many opportunities for sports enthusiasts.
There is something for everyone, from fast-paced games such as squash and racquetball to other variants such as Basque pelota and soft tennis.
These tennis racket games not only offer a fun experience but also help to stimulate physical activity and skill development.
Whether for competition or fun, racket sports offer an exciting experience for all ages and skill levels.
FAQ
What are tennis-type games❓
Tennis type games are sports similar to tennis but with variations in rules, equipment, or gameplay. They offer alternatives to traditional tennis, catering to diverse preferences and playing styles.
How many players are typically involved in tennis racket games❓
The number of players varies depending on the specific game. Squash and racquetball are played between two people. Platform tennis and pickleball can involve two or four players.
What are some examples of games similar to tennis❓
Examples include squash, racquetball, badminton, beach tennis, and platform tennis, among others. Each game has its unique characteristics and appeal.
Do games like tennis require specialized equipment❓
✅ Yes, most tennis type games require specific equipment such as rackets or paddles and balls or shuttlecocks. The type of equipment used may vary depending on the game.
Are tennis racket games suitable for all skill levels❓
✅ Yes, tennis type games cater to players of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced. Many games offer opportunities for recreational play and competitive tournaments, allowing individuals to participate at their preferred level of intensity.