Looking for a new sport or fresh challenge for 2026? Try Racketlon!
That’s right, Racketlon. It combines the world’s four biggest racket sports into one mega-sport. Just like triathlon or decathlon, but with table tennis, badminton, squash and tennis.
If your tongue gets tied trying to say it, you’re not alone. Luckily, Racketlon is easier to play than it is to say. Know which way round to hold a racket? Then you can play Racketlon!
How does it work?
- In a Racketlon match, you play your opponent across table tennis 🏓, badminton 🏸, squash ⚫️ and tennis 🎾 in that order.
- It’s first to 21 in each, change server every two points, otherwise standard rules of each sport apply.
- Scores are cumulative, and the winner is the player with the most points at the end of all four sports.
An exciting and dynamic format
It’s a great format because the balance of each match is always shifting. You might suffer a heavy defeat in table tennis, only to turn the (metaphorical) tables in badminton, leaving it delicately poised as you head into squash and then tennis.
What’s more: Every. Point. Counts. This makes close matches thrilling (and stressful!) to play and watch, with single point margins surprisingly common. In the event of a tie, you play a one-point decider in tennis (with no second serve) called a ‘gummi-arm’. It’s as scary exciting as it sounds!
Tournaments across the UK
While many players play at clubs in the four individual sports, Racketlon itself is played at one-day tournaments scattered across the country and the calendar. These take place at big sporting complexes chosen for their size, facilities and accessibility. In 2025 there were 17 tournaments across the length and breadth of the UK, from Edinburgh to Devon.
Tournaments are round robin or knockout format depending on numbers, with different gender, age and ability categories on offer, including juniors, seniors, singles and doubles. Matches last an hour or more, and with up to four matches in a tournament, it can make for a tiring day! Perfect for burning off all those Christmas calories!
Lots of tournaments are already confirmed for 2026, with more to be added soon.
Run by volunteers
The sport is governed in this country by UK Racketlon, a voluntary body operating since 2015 when it evolved from English Racketlon (itself set up in 2003).
Run by a board of six volunteers, and with generous help from a legion of tournament organisers and other helpers, they’re funded entirely by player entry fees and sponsorship.
And they do an incredible job, delivering a sport enjoyed by around 330 unique players every year on the UK Tour, and entering a dozen junior, senior and open teams in the World Team Championships, regularly winning several team titles.
A welcoming and affordable sport
Taking part in Racketlon is easy and affordable! Tournament entries are administered on Tournament Software – all it takes is a quick registration and away you go. Entry fees averaged around £30 in 2025: great value for a whole day’s play! Pre-event comms will give you all the crucial info you need, while on the day the event desk will answer all your questions and tell you when and where to play. You can even borrow rackets if you don’t have your own!
A friendly and competitive community
Racketlon is a small but inclusive sport, with players aged under 10 to over 70, from a diverse range of backgrounds. You’ll be in the company of many other sociable and supportive players, meaning new friends – and new rivals!
That’s because you’ll find a real competitive camaraderie running through Racketlon, where matches are hard-fought and keenly contested, but with an overriding spirit of enjoyment and respect.
The atmosphere is always very welcoming which makes it ideal for newcomers, and most tournaments include categories for beginners and first-timers too.
Give Racketlon a go this year!
Racketlon is fast, fun, friendly… and for you!
Why not pick up a racket (or four) and give it a go this year – it might just be your new favourite sport!
To find out more explore the UK Racketlon website or get in touch with us at racketloninfo@racketlon.co.uk.
We’d love to welcome you to the Racketlon family.
