Racquetball is a recreational activity and a competitive sport. Because the game is played in an enclosed court with all four walls and the ceiling in play, there is no place for a player to get completely out of the way. The fast-paced nature of the game makes aggressiveness one of the top characteristics needed to become a successful player.
Serving
The serve is the most important shot in racquetball. All points are scored by the server. If the receiver wins a point, he gets control of the serve. If the server wins the point, he gets a point added to his score and he retains the serve. In practice you need to work on your drive serve, which is the primary serve in the game and equates to a baseball pitcher's fastball. A drive serve that is hit low and sent to one of the rear corners of the court is difficult for your opponent to hit squarely. However, just like a hard-throwing pitcher has to mix in a curve, slider and change-up, the server in racquetball must use a lob serve, backhand serve and Z-serve to keep his opponent from getting too comfortable on the court.
Shuttle Run
Racquetball is a game of sprinting along with quick starts and stops. To prepare for this physical activity, perform the shuttle run on the racquetball court. Start off at the front wall and sprint to the line at the front of the service box and back. Then go to the service line about two-thirds of the way up the court and back and then run to the far wall and back. Do this twice, take a 30-second break, and repeat the set.
Forehand Winner
The forehand winner can be one of the most devastating shots in the game. If you can extend your arm when you hit a forehand shot, you have a chance to hit a winner. To practice your forehand, hit 10 straight forehand shots, all of them within 18 inches of the floor. The lower you can hit the ball, the better the chance that your opponent will struggle to return the shot.
Backhand Shot
Many racquetball players would prefer to run around the ball and hit a forehand shot rather than go for the backhander. However, the game moves too quickly for players to do this regularly. The backhand shot should not be avoided. It is much simpler to perform than the backhand in tennis. The key to hitting the backhand is a solid wrist snap at impact. Hit 10 straight backhand shots in your practice routine, aiming for a spot no more than 24 inches high on the front wall.
Ceiling Ball
The ceiling ball is a great way for a player trailing in the point to change the way it is being played. If you are scrambling to make your returns, angle your arm upward so the ball hits the ceiling before it hits the front wall. The closer to the front wall the ball hits the ceiling, the farther the ball will bounce in the back court. Hit 10 ceiling balls with your forehand and your backhand, take a 30-second break, and repeat the drill.
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