They both have rackets and they both have balls, but that’s about where the similarities end between badminton and squash. In fact, these two racket sports couldn’t be more different, which can make choosing one to play a real conundrum. To help you make your decision, we’ve put together a short overview of each sport, complete with their respective pros and cons. So whether you’re a diehard fan of either sport or you’re keen to try something new, read on to find out which racket sport is right for you.
Badminton
Badminton is a relatively simple game that can be played either indoors or outdoors. All you need is a net, two rackets, and a shuttlecock (or “birdie”). The basic objective of the game is to hit the shuttlecock over the net and into your opponent’s half of the court without them being able to return it. Points are only scored when your opponent fails to return the shuttlecock or hits it outside the boundaries of the court
One key thing to remember about badminton is that because it can be played both indoors and outdoors, windy conditions can often have a big impact on the game. This is something to keep in mind if you live in an area with frequent gusts of wind!
Pros
– Can be played both indoors and outdoors
– Relatively easy to learn
– Doesn’t require much equipment; all you need is a net, two rackets, and a shuttlecock (or “birdie”)
– Can be played solo or with others
– Suitable for all ages and abilities
Cons
– Windy conditions can affect gameplay
– Not as widely played as other racket sports such as tennis or squash, so it can be harder to find others to play with
Squash
Squash is an indoor racket sport that is typically played one-on-one but can also be played with two teams of two players each. The objective of the game is similar to badminton in that players must hit the ball with their racquet and make it land inside their opponent’s half of the court—but there are some key differences. For starters, instead of hitting a shuttlecock like in badminton, players hit a softer ball that bounces off the walls of the court. And instead of there being a net separating the two halves of the court like in badminton, there is a solid line
Another big difference between squash and badminton is that squash requires considerably more stamina since players are constantly running around trying to hit the ball. This makes squash an excellent workout! But it also means that squash isn’t really suitable for younger children or seniors who may not be able to handle all that running around
Pros
– Excellent workout; requires constant running around
– Can be played one-on-one or with teams
– More widely played than badminton so it’s easier to find others to play with
Cons
– Only suitable for indoor play
– Not suitable for younger children or seniors due to its strenuous nature
So which racket sport should you choose? Badminton or squash? If you’re looking for something that can be played both indoors and outdoors and that doesn’t require too much equipment, badminton might be right up your alley. However, if you’re looking for an intense workout that will get your heart pumping, then squash might be more your speed. Ultimately, it’s up to you! Try out both sports and see which one you enjoy most.