rackets

Rackets, or racquets, are sports implements used to strike a ball or shuttlecock in games such as tennis, badminton, squash, and racquetball. A typical racket consists of a frame strung with a network of strings, a handle or grip, and a throat that joins the frame to the grip. Modern frames are usually made from carbon fiber composites, sometimes reinforced with aluminum, and the string bed uses synthetic fibers or natural gut.

Rackets vary by sport in size, weight, and balance. Tennis racquets are relatively large and heavier for power, with a relatively open string pattern for spin. Badminton racquets are light with slim, elongate frames for rapid swings. Squash racquets have a compact head and high stiffness for control in a fast, close-quarters game. Racquetball racquets tend to be robust and moderately heavy, with a large head for power. In pickleball, a paddle rather than a racket is used.

Key performance factors include weight, balance point (toward the head or handle), head size, string tension, and frame stiffness. Strings influence power, control, and spin; the grip and overgrip affect handle feel and moisture management. Regular restringing and grip replacement maintain playability.

History and terminology: early rackets were wooden and heavier; advances in materials in the late 20th century produced lighter, stiffer frames with improved strength. The terms racket and racquet reflect regional spelling variations and the sport involved.