Rigidity

Tennis and squash:

The level of stiffness of a racket depends on several factors: Frame thickness, weight distribution, Materials used, technologies used. Although there are some exceptions, generally, a thicker frame results in a higher level of stiffness and a thinner frame results in a lower level of stiffness.

The energy return of a rigid racket being higher and faster, this type of racket will provide greater power. It is therefore well suited to the player looking to increase the power of their shots, even if their movement is shorter and has less amplitude.

On the other hand, when a racket is more flexible, the ball stays in contact with it longer when hitting, which provides a better feel for the player. In addition, the fact that it is a little less powerful makes it easier to keep the ball in play. This type of racket is well suited to the player who generally has a lot of range of movement and is looking for better control.

Badminton:

Unlike tennis or squash, the thickness of the frame in badminton gives no indication of the rigidity of the racket. Rigidity then depends rather on the choice of materials and technologies used.

In badminton, a stiffer racket theoretically gives better energy return and therefore more power. On the other hand, given that the racket shaft must tense and relax much more pronouncedly to release power (like the action of a bow), the player must have a sufficiently powerful movement to be able to bend the shaft to allow it to get the full action of the racquet. Therefore, a stiffer racket is well suited to a player with enough power in their movement to bend the shaft.

On the other hand, a more flexible racket will allow the shuttlecock to stay in contact with the racket longer, providing more sensation and can give more power to a player who has a little less in his movement.