Racquetball is an intense athletic contest that demands quick and decisive movements, both with the legs and upper body. That is especially true of the racquetball stroke, which must be sharp and explosive. Players often make back-to-back strokes from opposite ends of the court within 3 seconds. Long stroke preparation is impossible and checking and changing your grip is all but impossible. To get the most out of each stroke, you need to wear a dependable racquetball glove. The glove allows you to feel confident that the racquet will not slip upon impact and it prevents blisters from occurring. A decent racquetball glove will upgrade your confidence level when you take the court.
What to Look for
The first thing to look for is an excellent comfort level. The glove needs to be snug without "choking" the fingers and there cannot be gaps of material on the fingertips or palm area. The nature of the game means that athletes will be perspiring from the start and a racquetball glove needs to be made of a material like sheepskin so it will not get heavy and slippery. Today's gloves are often made of sheepskin and include a wicking material that helps get rid of the perspiration. Instead of getting heavy and wet, the glove stays reasonably dry and almost feels like a gripping second skin that allows you to make your best stroke time after time. A good glove also includes a tacky material on the palm so the racquet does not slip upon impact with the ball.
Common Pitfalls
With a racquetball glove, more expensive is usually better in the long run. Any kind of barrier between your hand and the racquet is going to help. As long as it fits, it will help prevent blisters and keep your hand from slipping around. However, a glove that does not contain wicking material will get heavy and wet in a short time and make the game uncomfortable. A glove that costs $12 or more is likely to have the elements you are looking for and will help you hit consistent shots throughout an hour or two of racquetball. A glove that is $8 or less might not have the wicking material and will need to be replaced frequently because it will get wet and heavy and make the game a drag.
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