THE PHYSICAL AND COGNITIVE BENEFITS OF REGULAR PRACTICE OF RACKET SPORTS IN ADOLESCENTS

Abstract

The practice of racket sports has proven to be a powerful tool for the holistic development of adolescents, especially in school settings where the body is recognized as a central element of the learning process. Sports such as tennis, table tennis, and badminton stimulate both motor and cognitive functions simultaneously, enhancing their pedagogical potential. This article aimed to examine the physical and cognitive benefits provided by these sports during adolescence, based on a bibliographic review of Brazilian scientific articles published between 2015 and 2024. The results show that the regular practice of racket sports significantly improves motor coordination, strength, reaction speed, and balance, contributing to overall physical fitness. In the cognitive domain, these activities support the development of executive functions such as selective attention, working memory, decision-making, and emotional control. The analysis also revealed that these sports facilitate the inclusion of students who face socialization challenges or have low adherence to traditional physical education activities, promoting engagement, self-esteem, and a sense of belonging. The inclusion of these practices in school curricula represents an accessible and effective strategy to combat sedentary behavior, strengthen socio-emotional skills, and enhance academic performance. It is concluded that racket sports not only strengthen the body and mind but also empower adolescents to become more autonomous, healthy, and better prepared to face contemporary challenges.