Tennis is a great sport, but " why always just tennis?" It's not that tennis isn't super versatile, but the reliance on tennis courts and the need for at least two players can sometimes be restrictive. On holiday at the beach, not everyone has their tennis equipment with them, and otherwise, tennis is a sport that usually needs to be planned, and spontaneity can sometimes fall a little short.

Already in 2017, while at the beach and looking for a tennis alternative for holidays, we discovered Frescobol, a new racket sport originating from Brazil.

However, even today, Frescobol is just one of many ways to refresh the classic game of tennis or to discover new, exciting sports. That's why, in this blog post, we present five more tennis alternatives that will thrill athletes and racket players alike.

5 games that are similar to tennis or can be a tennis substitute:

Frescobol:

This time too, we want to start with Frescobol – the game that once triggered our journey into the world of tennis alternatives. Originally developed on the beaches of Brazil, Frescobol is a fast-paced and varied two- to four-person game played with wooden paddles and a small rubber or soft ball. Unlike most racket sports, Frescobol is not about competition. Instead, players work together to keep the ball in the air for as long as possible. This cooperative element, along with the ability to play almost anywhere – be it on the beach, in the park, or in your own garden – makes Frescobol a truly unique and fascinating tennis alternative.

Pickleball:

Pickleball is a rapidly growing sport, especially in the USA, combining elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It's played on a court about half the size of a tennis court, using special paddle rackets and a perforated plastic ball, similar to a Wiffle ball. The smaller dimensions and slower ball make for a game that is easy to learn, yet tactically engaging, and where healthy competition can arise. Whether you're an experienced tennis player or a complete beginner – Pickleball offers fun and exercise for all ages and abilities.

Padel:

Padel is also a racket sport that combines elements of tennis and squash and is experiencing a real boom, especially in Spain and Scandinavia. Padel is played on a smaller, enclosed court with special rackets that do not have strings. The ball, similar to a tennis ball, can still be played after bouncing off the surrounding glass or metal walls, which adds an extra strategic component to the game. Padel is easy to learn and at the same time offers enough depth for advanced players. With its dynamic and social character, Padel attracts players of all ages and abilities – a perfect choice for anyone looking for an accessible yet challenging alternative to tennis.

Spikeball:

For those looking for a sport that is both intense and incredibly fun, Spikeball might be just the thing. Originally popular in the USA, this game is now conquering the rest of the world. Spikeball is played with two teams of two players each. Instead of hitting back and forth over a net, players aim to bounce a small ball onto a round, trampoline-like net in the center of the playing field. The ball is essentially played back to the opposing team after each bounce. Spikeball requires skill, speed, and teamwork, and its portable set makes it ideal for the park, beach, or backyard. Spikeball or Roundnet is a real crowd-pleaser that guarantees exciting matches!

Speedminton/Crossminton: 

Speedminton, also known as Crossminton, is a faster and more versatile variant of classic badminton. Unlike its traditional counterpart, Speedminton does not require a net and can therefore be played in the park, on the street, or even on the beach. It is played with special, aerodynamic shuttlecocks, called speeders, which are faster and more wind-stable than conventional badminton balls. Players stand approximately 12 meters apart and try to hit the speeeder into the opponent's court unreachable for the opponent. Since Speedminton can be played anywhere, it is also an interesting, location-independent alternative to tennis.