serbiaopens.rs

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

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.

Paddle tennis, or POP Tennis, is an increasingly popular and growing game, but how do you play? 

What are the most important paddle tennis rules? Here we solve it all for you.

How to Play Paddle Tennis?

Paddle tennis (POP Tennis or padel) is a racket sport played in pairs on a closed rectangular court with glass walls and a net in the center of the court. Also you can read about double tennis rules.

The objective of paddle tennis is to hit the ball with the paddle so that it passes over the net and falls into the opposing team’s court without them being able to return it.

One of the keys to how paddle tennis is played is that the serve begins with the forehand player hitting the ball into the diagonally opposite court.

After the serve, players are free to move around their half of the court and alternate hitting the ball. 

The ball may bounce once on the ground before being returned, but must be hit before it bounces 2 times on the ground.

To win, the predetermined number of games must be reached, usually 6, with a difference of two games. In case of a tie, a tie-break is played to decide the winner of the set.

What are the Rules of Padel Tennis I Should Know?

Number of Players

Although it is common to see individual courts in many facilities, paddle is a team sport where we play with a partner to face another couple. 

Individual courts are more used to cover dead spaces in clubs, serve as a school court for children or initiation in adults, cover the tastes of people who want to hang out with a friend.

Tips of How To Play Paddle Tennis

• One of the most important paddle rules is that the serve must be below the waist and diagonally to the opponent’s court. The serve is fundamental in paddle tennis, since it is the only opportunity in which the player can take the ball with his hand.

• The paddle rules state that players may not touch the net with either the paddle or the body during play. If a player touches the net during play, the point is lost.

• This is another of the basic rules of padel that you should know. If the ball touches anywhere on the wall or the net and then goes towards the opponent’s court, it is considered good, that is, it gives a point.

• According to the rules of paddle tennis, if the ball goes out of the court, the point is lost. The ball is considered out if it touches anything outside the court, including the net, walls or ceiling.

• The rules of paddle indicate that players may not cross the center line that divides the court, neither with their feet nor with the paddle, unless the ball has passed to the other side. And in the latter case they can only pass the paddle.

• Experts recommend novice players to learn how to play paddle, to avoid unnecessary distractions and to maintain a sporting and respectful behavior during the game.

• Hand in hand with the previous point, another of the rules of padel is to respect the referee and his decisions, as he is a fundamental authority figure on the court.

• Another key rule of padel is that the player must allow the ball to bounce before hitting it. You cannot hit it with the paddle in the air.

Origins of Paddle Tennis

The origins of paddle tennis can be traced back to the early 20th century in Mexico, where it was initially played on rooftops using makeshift equipment.

The game gained popularity among vacationers in resorts along the Mexican coast, eventually spreading to other parts of the world.

Paddle tennis as we know it today began to take shape in the United States during the 1920s.

It was first introduced in New York City as a backyard game, often played on smaller courts with wooden paddles and a solid rubber ball. 

The game quickly gained popularity, particularly among urban dwellers looking for a fun and accessible outdoor activity.

Over the years, paddle tennis continued to evolve, with standardized rules and equipment being established to regulate the game. 

The introduction of modern materials such as graphite and composite materials for paddles, as well as specialized court surfaces, has further enhanced the playing experience.

Today, paddle tennis or POP tennis is enjoyed by millions of people around the world, with organized leagues and tournaments held in many countries.

Its appeal lies in its simplicity, fast-paced gameplay, and accessibility to players of all ages and skill levels.

Conclusion

In conclusion, paddle tennis is a rapidly growing sport with simple yet essential rules to follow. Understanding the basics, such as serving diagonally and allowing the ball to bounce, is important for enjoyable gameplay.

 Learning through lessons and practicing with an experienced partner are effective ways to grasp the rules and techniques of paddle tennis.

F.A.Q

What is paddle tennis❓

Paddle tennis is a racket sport played on a smaller court with solid walls, typically in pairs.

How is paddle tennis played❓

Players use solid paddles to hit a ball over a net, aiming to score points by landing the ball in the opponent’s court.

What equipment do I need to play paddle tennis❓

You’ll need a paddle, a tennis ball suitable for paddle tennis, and appropriate footwear.

What are the basic rules of paddle tennis❓

Rules include serving diagonally, allowing one bounce before hitting the ball, and scoring points when the opponent fails to return the ball.

Can paddle tennis be played indoors❓

Yes, paddle tennis can be played indoors or outdoors, but it’s often played outdoors on specially designed courts.

How many players are needed to play paddle tennis❓

Paddle tennis is typically played in pairs, with two players on each side of the net.

What are the benefits of playing paddle tennis❓

Benefits include cardiovascular exercise, improved hand-eye coordination, and social interaction.

How does paddle tennis differ from traditional tennis❓

Paddle tennis has a smaller court, solid walls, and different scoring rules compared to traditional tennis.

Table tennis, also known as ping pong, is a lively sport about hitting a small ball over a net so the other player can’t hit it back. It might sound easy, but there’s more to it. To really get into the game and play it right, it’s important to know rules and regulations in table tennis.

Whether you’ve been playing for a while or just starting, this guide will help you understand how to play properly. 

Table Tennis Equipment

The International Table Tennis Federation sets the rules for the table, paddles, and ball. They ensure that every game is fair and equal for everyone. 

A table tennis match is played on a special table. This table is about 9 feet long, 5 feet wide, and 2.5 feet high.

The top of the table is smooth and lets the ball bounce quickly. A net that’s about 6 inches high splits the table into two halves.

Players use paddles, also called racquets, to hit the ball. These paddles have a wooden part and a rubber covering.

The rubber can change the ball’s movement, making it spin or go fast. The ball used in the game is small, light, and round, about the size of a golf ball.

Ping Pong Playing Area

Think of a table tennis table like a battlefield with a net in the middle that splits it into two sides.

The net is about 15 centimeters high and ensures the ball goes into your opponent’s side first.

In doubles, an extra line down the middle makes two smaller boxes for serving. The rules and regulations in table tennis say you must serve in the right box on the other side.

Knowing how the table is split up is important. It tells you where you’re allowed to serve and where you can hit the ball back. Getting the hang of these areas is key to playing table tennis well. 

The Serve in Ping Pong Rules

In table tennis, the serve is the first move in a point and can give you an edge if done well. Here’s how to serve according to the ping pong rules.

The player serving holds the ball flat on their open hand behind the table’s end line. The serve must be fair, so the ball and the player’s hand must be visible to the other player at all times. 

The server must throw the ball straight up at least 16 centimeters, which gives the other player a fair chance to see and get ready for the serve.

When the ball is in the air, the server hits it so that it bounces once on its side and then goes over the net to bounce on the other player’s side.

Servers can use different speeds, spins, and directions to make the serve harder to return.

The ball can land anywhere on the other side in singles, but it must go diagonally across the net.

In doubles, the serve must go to a specific area on the other side, which is the service box. Remembering these rules can help make the serve a strong part of your game. 

Basic Rule of Table Tennis Scoring

In official ping pong rules, each rally ends with one player getting a point. Here’s how players score points: 

Opponent Fails to Return

The most common way to score a point is when your opponent fails to return the ball into play. This can happen if they:

• Miss the ball completely.
• Hit the ball out of bounds (beyond the table’s edge or onto the net).
• Hit the ball before it bounces on their side of the table (except on the serve).

Double Bounce

If the ball bounces twice on your opponent’s side of the table before they hit it back, you will receive a point.

The game format rules of tennis table are designed to ensure a close and exciting competition:

• Games – The first player to reach 11 points wins the game. However, there’s a twist – to win, a player must be ahead by two points. This means the game can continue past 10-10 (called deuce) until one player achieves a two-point lead (e.g., 12-10 or 13-11).
• Matches – Matches typically consist of an odd number of games (best of 3, 5, or 7). The player who wins the most games is the winner. 

Table Tennis Rules & Regulations Summarized

Remember that this isn’t a complete list, but it covers table tennis rules and regulations most players often debate. 

1. Games are played to 11 points and must be won by a two-point margin. Matches are usually best of five games.

2. Players alternate serving every two points. If the score reaches 10-10, serves alternate after every point. You can lose a point on your serve.

3. When serving, toss the ball at least 6 inches straight up and hit it on the way down. It must bounce on your side first, then the opponent’s. The opponent gets the point if you miss the ball after tossing it.

4. In singles, the serve can land anywhere on the opponent’s side of the table.

5. In doubles, serves must go diagonally from the server’s right side to the receiver’s right side. Partners switch places after serving twice.

6. A “let” is called if the serve touches the net but still lands correctly. The serve is then replayed without penalty.

7. In doubles, partners must alternate hits during a rally.

8. You cannot hit the ball before it bounces on your side, known as a volley. Doing so gives the point to your opponent.

9. If your hit bounces back over the net after touching the opponent’s side, you win the point.

10. The ball can touch your paddle hand during play. Your opponent gets the point if it touches any other part of your body.

11. You can’t touch the table with your non-paddle hand. Your opponent wins the point if the table moves because you touched it.

12. A ball that hits the top edge of the table and bounces off is still in play. The vertical sides are not part of the playing surface.

13. If there’s a disagreement and no referee, players should use the honor system to resolve it or replay the point. The game is known for its fair play.

Variations in Table Tennis

Table tennis is a versatile sport with rules and regulations that can be adjusted to suit different players and styles. Here are some of the popular ways to play:

Singles vs. Doubles

You can play singles on your own or team up with a partner in doubles. Singles matches are all about your skill, while doubles require you to work with your teammate.

Playing with Disabilities

Table tennis is inclusive, with special rules & regulations to help those with disabilities enjoy the game. It is called Para table tennis.

These can include using special paddles, changing the net height, or other rule adjustments to meet players’ needs.

These variations ensure that table tennis is accessible and fun for everyone, regardless of their playing style or ability level. 

Conclusion

Table tennis is more than just hitting a ball. Knowing the rules can make the game really enjoyable, whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been playing for a while.

It’s a game full of challenges, smart plays, and the joy of making a great shot. So pick up your paddle and start playing!

FAQs

What's the goal in table tennis❓

Hit the ball over the net so your opponent can’t return it.

How do you score a point in ping pong❓

Your opponent misses the ball, hits it out, or hits it before it bounces on their side (except on the serve).

How many points win a game in table tennis❓

First to 11 points, but you must win by two points!

How often do I serve in table tennis❓

You trade turns serving two points at a time, except at deuce (10-10) where turns change after every point.

Who control rules & regulations of table tennis❓

The rules and regulations of table tennis are controlled and governed by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF).