Racquetball 101: The Basics Of The Game

Like tennis, racquetball can be played in a game ofstarted the "rally," or round, with the ball in hand. The
"singles," where two players face off head to head, ormost common end to a rally takes place when a
"doubles" where teams of two compete against eachplayer or team misses the ball twice, but there are
other. There is also a three person variation of theseveral other ways for a rally to end. For example, if
game which is called cutthroat and is played in a roundthe ball touches a player's body or clothing, the rally
robin tournament style.ends; or if the ball bounces more than once on the
Tennis and racquetball have a lot in common, butfloor before being hit by a player. Most amateur
although their rules and format are similar they requiregames are played to fifteen points, but professional
very different techniques and playing styles.games usually stop at eleven. You win a racquetball
Racquetball demands all of the agility, grace, speed,match when you or your team win two games in a
and strategy of tennis, but to be a great racquetballrow.
player you also need tremendous reserves of power.The game of racquetball is a very fast paced and
Racquetball is in some ways a more brutal game thanchallenging one, so it is little wonder that so many
its refined cousin tennis, and a large part of becomingpeople make racquetball a regular part of their fitness
a master of racquetball is simply being able to hit theroutine. The game provides a great cardio workout
ball faster and harder than your opponent. Becausewhile also providing compelling strategic problems,
power is such an important part of the game,which helps keep players interested at all levels of
racquetball strings and balls are created to allow theexcellence. Many people who have trouble sticking
players to make the fastest and hardest shots thatwith a regular workout regimen turn to racquetball as a
physics will allow.way to get their exercise, because it is not difficult to
The rules of racquetball are relatively simple. Instay motivated when presented with a game that is
racquetball, you and a partner take turns hitting aeasy to learn, hard to master, and fun to play. Even a
rubber ball in such a way that it bounces once on thebeginner can enjoy a lively afternoon of racquetball,
floor in front of you, hits the front wall, and returns. Asbut the strategy requires enough finesse to engage
in most games, the primary objective in racquetball isthe interest of even a very accomplished and
to win the game by getting the most points. You winpracticed player. The combination of speed, power,
points by hitting the ball in such a way that yourand intelligence that racquetball demands makes this
opponent can't hit it back to you.game a great workout for both the body and the mind.
Points are only given to the serving side; the one that