What is it?

• This group contains a number of sports, all played by two or four people with racket and ball, in a closed indoor court in which the ball is hit against the walls.

• The main games are squash, rackets and real tennis;  the various forms of fives are similar except that the ball is hit with a padded glove.  

• More detailed information on each of these games can be obtained from the specialist organisations listed below.  

Find out more

Organisations

English Racketball  01322 272200
Eton Fives Association  01732 458775
Great Britain Racquetball Federation  0208 925 9842
Squash Rackets Association  www.squash.co.uk/ 
Tennis & Rackets Association  0207 386 3447

Magazines

Getting started

• Find a local racket sports group or club (see organisations above).

• Take a class or course at your local sports centre.

• Consult books or magazines on different types of racket sports.

• Check in your local library/paper or sports centre for more information.

What you need

Skills and people

• All these games require a certain level of physical fitness;  they can be played by people of all ages and both sexes, though men predominate among the players. 

• You can practice these games on your own providing you have access to suitable walls, but you need an opponent to play properly.  

• Many people play as part of a group or club, partly for social reasons.  

• It is better if the people you play with are of roughly the same standard as yourself.  Thy need not always be the same age or sex.

Equipment or clothing

• A racket (or glove) and ball are essential, plus trainers or similar sports footwear, and clothing in which you can move around easily.  

• Sports shorts and top are the normal wear in groups or clubs.

A place or facilities

• A specially constructed and marked court is needed for these games.  

• There are facilities, particularly for squash, in some schools and many sports centres.  Clubs tend to have their own facilities.