Some Racquetball Basics

I tell novice players you need to learn the basics of racquetball in order to play well.  If you don’t learn the basics, you get hurt or lose interest in the game fast. 

Like handball and squash, the racquetball court consists of four walls, a ceiling and a floor. You play the game to 15 points, allowing only one bounce per hit.

You score while you serve and get one fault for each serve. The serve cannot touch the floor until it passes the service line.

Keep it fun and Safe

Many people tell me that racquetball games look crowded or feel crowed, especially when they are referring to a doubles game.  But if you follow the basic rules of the game, the game is not crowded and it’s fun.

The most important aspect when playing racquetball is safety. The hitter maintains the right away until he becomes the non-hitter. If the non-hitter gets in the hitter’s way, you play the rally over.

The most crowded game is doubles. During doubles, both players get a chance to serve before the other team serves. With the exception of the first serve of the game, when only one player on a team gets to serve.

Condition the Body to Play Hard

I play racquetball three to four times a week. I know others who just play once or twice a week. It is fun and a great workout.

However, you need to maintain a conditioning exercise approach along with your game playing.  If you are like me, you want to make your game more effective.  

Keeping your body in good conondition makes your game more effective. Hit the cardio machine, an ecliptic or something similar three times a week. 

I even perform very light weights to tone and strengthen my body. I stretch too. Stretching is very important. There are some wonderful stretches that are quick and easy.

Great Racquetball Stretch

I take a moment before and after a set of games to stretch my lower legs and Achilles. It’s a great stretch for racquetball players of all levels.

I have found this stretch helps with my game and my recovery time.  It even stretches my hamstrings.

You lie on your back on the floor and bend one leg. Then you move bent leg’s foot to the buttocks. Breathe normal while you do this. 

Lift the opposite leg toward your face, keeping the leg straight. Take both your hands place them behind the knee and under the calf. Hold your leg straight while you feel the stretch in the muscles. You want to continue to breathe and not hold your breath. 

You want to really get a stretch in your lower legs and Achilles. Flex your foot to your face, and then point it back away from your face. Continue on flexing and pointing five times. 

You need to perform the stretch on your other leg. This stretch helps your legs move better on the racquetball court without getting tight during recovery time.