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| Racquet sports are fun, fast, physically demanding, and mentally challenging. The most common racquet sports include tennis, racquetball, squash, and badminton; but all differ greatly in the composition, size, weight, and exact shape of the racquet and ball, in the rules for scoring, and in the boundaries of the playing area. |
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| All of them, however, fall into two main types: |
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Direct Games
These are the games in which opponents face each other (often separated by a net) and include tennis and badminton. |
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| Indirect Games |
| These are games in which opponents compete within the same space, but face a common wall, and include racquetball and squash. |
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Some players feel that the direct games offer more competition because the opponent is always kept in view, and because the speed of the projectile (the object being struck) is undiminished by rebounding from a wall. Indirect games, however, offer players the opportunity to compete in very close proximity to their opponents. Because of the physical closeness, indirect games can become great territorial battles. Either direct or direct, racquet sports offer a great physically demanding challenge and many additional benefits in the process.
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Great Physical Demands
Racquet sports require strength, speed, quickness, and cardiovascular fitness. Tests comparing fitness of professional athletes from various sports often show racquet sports players as being among the fittest athletes around. |
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A Game of Skill
Similar to golf, racquet sports require a great amount of technique and skill to master, which may be part of the draw to this group of sports. There is always something to learn, and a new way to make that racquet become an extension of your hand, arm, and will.
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Mental Challenge
Racquet sports are played against opponents, and those opponents are always trying their best to find a way to win. The mental battle is huge, and a smarter player can often find a way to win and overcome physical deficits.
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Relatively Low Cost
Racquet sports are reasonably inexpensive; requiring only a racquet, shoes, exercise clothing, a ball/shuttlecock, and a place to play. |
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An Individual Game
Racquet sports provide no excuses when you play singles. There’s no one to blame if you lose, and on the other hand, all victories are your own. If you favor choosing (and winning) your own battles, then racquet sports are for you.
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A Social Game
For those who want companionship and a social game, racquet sports also offer doubles play. Teaming with someone in a good racquet sports match offers many teamwork benefits. And the pre- and post-game discussions are a lot of fun too. |
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Lifelong Enjoyment
Racquet sports are lifetime sports. Kids and older generations alike can have fun swinging a racquet. Older players may slow down, but they can continue to add skills and techniques that help them enjoy the game, get active and stay healthy.
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Head to toe, racquet sports provide the ultimate workout, but to get the most out of your game, pay careful attention to your pre- and post-game nutritional plan. When you are adequately nourished (and hydrated), your body will perform like a well-oiled machine and you will have the ability to push your physical and mental limits, increasing the likelihood of victory in your games. SoLo bars offer the ideal fuel for racquet sports by providing lasting energy to keep you going when you need it. Read below for more on usage instructions. |
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Interesting Tidbits: |
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- Badminton is considered to be the world's fastest racquet sport, where a shuttle can leave the racket at a speed of almost 200 mph.
- Is it an Olympic sport? Squash is not an Olympic sport. Squash was the top sport in consideration for being added to the Olympic program for 2012, and may be added for the 2016 Olympics.
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Usage Instructions: |
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To give you a steady stream of energy (without abdominal discomfort); enjoy 1 SoLo bar 30 to 60 minutes prior to your game. During particularly long sessions, an additional ½ to 1 SoLo bar can be eaten to fill up your tank between games or sets.
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SoLo is also great for replenishing glycogen stores after games, with each bar containing 23-26 grams of quality carbohydrates. As well, recent research has shown that combining protein with your post-exercise snack may help the absorption of carbohydrates and may also aid in protein synthesis and muscle-tissue repair. As such, with SoLo having 11-13 grams of protein, it can provide the ultimate recovery food. |
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Final tip: Remember to consume 200-400mL of water with each SoLo bar(s) to ensure proper digestion and nutrient absorption. |
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Look Who’s SoLo Powered |
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Are you a SoLo Powered racquet sports enthusiast?
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We would love to learn how SoLo is giving your game an edge. Please send your story along with photos of yourself to info@solo-gi.com and you may be selected as one of our featured SoLo Powered athletes. We also welcome feedback in any fashion related to your sport; so send us your favorite links, books or relevant information. |
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Recommended Links |
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United States Tennis Association – Extensive site designed to promote and develop the growth of tennis |
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USA Badminton – Comprehensive site on everything badminton for the amateur, professional and Olympic-level athlete |
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US Squash Association – Covering a multitude of topics relating to the game of squash |
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Q&A and Articles of Interest |
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Debunking Five Big Tennis Myths |
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Squash: A History of the Game – by James Zug |
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Racquet Sports in the News |
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BBC Sport – Current news on Badminton in the Olympics |
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Maria Sharapova beats Ana Ivanovic to win Australian Open for her 3rd Grand Slam title |
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