This is set to be the most popular sport this summer

We’ve got your hobbies sorted for the season

Grab your tennis skirt because according to Shopify data, it looks like it’s going to be a summer of racquet sports.

The weather’s finally heating up and Aussies far and wide are looking to get moving again.

If tennis is your usual go-to summer sport, but you’re thinking about changing things up, you’re in luck because racquet sports are surging in popularity among Aussies.

Ecommerce company Shopify has released its sales figures for the last month, showing that more and more people are kitting themselves out, as they get ready to hit the courts this season.

Pickleball

After taking off in the US, Aussies are finally coming round to pickleball.

A mix of tennis, badminton and ping pong, pickleball can be played as singles or doubles, and players use a bigger version of a ping-pong paddle on a court similar to a tennis court.

A favourite among stars such as George Clooney, Michael Phelps and Serena Williams, Australian Golfer Adam Scott has even jumped on board the sport, recently signing on as co-owner of a major league team in the Gold Coast.

Shopify sellers sold 44.5 per cent more pickleball paddles in the last month, which isn’t surprising considering Pickleball Australia Association’s membership grew by over 5,000 in the first 6 months of this year.

After taking off in popularity in the US, Aussies are getting into pickleball. Image: Getty

Racquetball and squash

If you want to get out of the heat, racquetball and squash are also making a comeback.

Popular during the 1970s and 80s, these indoor sports are having a resurgence, with a 165 per cent increase in sales of racquetball and squash balls on Shopfiy in October.

All you need to play both sports is a rubber ball, racquets and an indoor court.

If you want to get out of the heat, racquetball and squash are also making a comeback. Image: iStock

Ping pong

Ping pong is always a staple of summer, but many people are eager to play solo this season too.

Shopify saw a 389.3 per cent boost in sales of ping-pong robots last month.

Serving the ball so you can practice returns, the robots are a great way to play if you don’t want to wait around for your friends.

Some even have a net attached to the back so you can avoid tripping over yourself chasing runaway ping pong balls.

Shopify saw a 389.3 per cent boost in sales of ping pong robots last month. Image: iStock

Paddle ball

Perfect for the beach, paddle ball is growing more popular in Australia, with sales of sets growing by almost 250 per cent on Shopify in the last month.

Containing wooden paddles and small plastic balls, you can easily fit the gear in your beach bag to keep you entertained all day.

Perfect for the beach, paddle ball is growing more popular in Australia. Image: iStock

Badminton

Australians are also flocking to the Badminton section of online retailers, with 109 per cent more nets being sold on Shopify in October.

Platform tennis

Traditionally a winter sport, platform tennis is growing more popular too, with a 77.6 per cent surge in sales of platform tennis balls.

Played in doubles on a raised platform, the game differs from regular tennis in that players can bounce the ball off of the side screens, and only score points when they are serving.

Pick up a new racquet before summer hits. Image: Getty

So whether you’re looking to up your workouts, socialise, or just pick up a new skill, racquet sports could be for you.

They may even overtake cricket as the backyard sport being played during holiday celebrations this year.

Originally published as This is set to be the most popular sport this summer