Racquetball is a highly competitive game that is played at recreational and tournament levels. Since racquetball is played in an enclosed court, players have to make the effort to get out of the way of the ball when it is their opponent's turn to hit it. However, you must be ready to move quickly and attack aggressively when it is your turn to hit the ball.
Basics
The game of racquetball is usually played with two players on an enclosed court. The game is started by one player who serves the ball from the server's box and an opponent must return the ball to the front wall before the ball hits the floor for a second time. If the servers wins the point, he gets a point and continues to serve. If the receiver wins the point, he does not score but he gets control of the serve. A game is played to 15 points and most matches are either best-of-three or best-of-five games.
Serve
The serve is the most important shot in the game. Since the server is the only player who can score, it is important for the server to put the ball into play with a shot that has a chance to be a winner. The most effective serve in racquetball is the drive serve, which is lined low off the front wall and goes toward one of the two rear corners of the court. In addition to the drive serve, racquetball players use the lob serve, the backhand serve and the Z-serve to keep the returner off balance.
Considerations
Most players prefer to use the forehand shot to attack in the game of racquetball. However, players who have the best chance of winning will use their backhand whenever possible. Many players are somewhat fearful of their backhand and don't have as much confidence in that shot. However, the well-executed backhand in racquetball is done with a quick flick of the wrist and and is not a full arm swing. That makes it easier to execute than a tennis backhand.
Strategy
One of the most important strategies to remember in racquetball is to try to get in front of your opponent when playing the game. This will help your aggressiveness pay dividends. When you are in front of your opponent, you get to the ball quicker and you are in a better position to hit a ball that he can't reach. When you are behind, you are in a defensive position. Always try to attack in this fast-moving sport.
Warning
Racquetball is a fast-paced game played in an enclosed area. The swings used to hit the ball are aggressive and players are usually standing close to each other. However, you shouldn't swing your racket if you believe you'll hit your opponent. If you feel you are going to strike your opponent, let the ball go by and call "hinder." At that point you play the point over.
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