Best Racket Sports For Beginners

Short Tennis is an ideal racket sport for beginners, especially children and those new to racket sports. Played on a smaller court with a lower net and softer balls, it allows players to learn the fundamentals of racket skills in a fun, accessible, and less physically demanding way. Short Tennis helps improve hand-eye coordination, balance, and basic movement while gently building confidence and fitness.

Because rallies are easier to sustain, beginners can focus on technique, timing, and enjoyment rather than power. The lighter equipment and reduced court size also make Short Tennis less intimidating, encouraging players to develop skills at their own pace while still benefiting from light cardiovascular activity and improved coordination.

Badminton is a fast-paced and exciting racket sport that can be enjoyed in both an indoor court and outdoors. It requires quick reflexes, agility and precise hand-eye coordination. Playing badminton helps improve cardiovascular fitness, as it involves constant movement, jumps and lunges. The sport also strengthens the muscles in the legs, arms and upper body, leading to improved overall strength and stamina.

At Bluecoats, we have badminton court facilities that are available for you to book for your own use.

Squash is a dynamic racket sport that is played indoors in an enclosed court, unlike tennis. It involves fast-paced rallies and intense movement, making it an excellent choice for beginners looking for a challenging and exhilarating experience. Squash offers a high-intensity workout that improves cardiovascular health, builds endurance and enhances reflexes and coordination. The constant lunging, pivoting and swinging movements involved in squash also help develop lower body strength and core stability.

We host our own Adult Beginners Squash Course in our squash court for those who want to learn key skills and game knowledge essential to playing squash.

Table tennis, also known as ping pong, is a popular indoor racket sport that can be enjoyed by players of all ages and skill levels. It offers a great cardio workout while improving hand-eye coordination, reflexes and mental alertness. Table tennis requires rapid movement, quick thinking and precision, making it an engaging and enjoyable sport for beginners.

At Bluecoat Sports we have table tennis facilities for hire. Simply book a table online and enjoy a fun activity with your friends or family.

Padel is an exciting and rapidly growing racket sport that is perfect for beginners. Combining elements of tennis and squash, padel offers a unique and accessible experience for players of all ages and skill levels.

One of the key reasons why it is an excellent choice for beginners is its simplicity. The smaller court size, solid walls and lower net make it easier to control the ball, allowing beginners to quickly grasp the fundamentals of the game.

Padel also encourages teamwork and social interaction, as it is typically played in doubles, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.

We’re excited to be bringing you brand new state-of-the-art padel courts as part of our expansion. Find out more here.