Racquetball is a highly competitive sport, whether it is played between two friends before work or professional players. Racquetball is a game of speed, quickness, hand-eye coordination and strategy. Since the game is played in an enclosed area, players have to balance game strategy with self-preservation. There are many shots players have to know in order to have a chance to play to win.
The Serve
All points start with the player in the serving box. He is charged with hitting the ball off the front wall and then having the ball rebound past the serving line where it hits the floor. The serve may hit the side wall after it hits the front wall, but it must hit the floor before it hits the back wall. A player can serve with his forehand or backhand, and he can hit a hard, low drive serve or a high lob serve. Most players mix up their serving technique in order to keep their opponent off balance.
Forehand Shot
This is the preferred shot for most players because they use a low forehand shot to hit a winner that their opponent cannot return. The key to hitting an effective forehand winner is to step into the shot with your lead foot--left for a right-handed player--and drive the ball as low to the front wall as possible. If the forehand shot is above waist level, your opponent will be able to take control and dictate the pace of the point.
Backhand Shot
Many players are somewhat fearful of hitting the backhand shot because they don't have the same level of control that they have with their forehand. However, the backhand shot in racquetball is much easier to deliver than the backhand in tennis. It is primarily the snap of the wrist that propels the ball in racquetball, and it is more about quickness and finishing the shot than hitting it with power. The backhand shot in racquetball can be controlled and hit to specific spots to allow the player to take control of the point.
Ceiling Shot
This is a great maneuver for blunting your opponent's momentum. By hitting the ball high and off the ceiling, you buy time before your next shot. This can help you remain in the point even when your opponent has the advantage. Hit the ball off the ceiling within 2 to 3 feet of the front wall, and you force your opponent to retreat to the rear of the court, where he will have to wait to hit it again. This puts the point on more even terms.
Cross-Court Shot
Many racquetball rallies are a combination of long and short shots that careen off the front wall and bound toward the back wall. However, you can change the pace and hit winners by hitting the ball off the side wall and have it scrape the front wall before dying in the front court. Even if this shot fails, it gives your opponent something to think about when attempting to decipher your strategy. This shot can help turn the momentum of the match in your favor.
Member Comments