Racquetball is a game that requires quick strokes, quick movements and a knowledge of physics. Since the game is played in an enclosed court, the hardest shot you hit will always come bouncing back to your opponent. If you are going to have the best chance to compete in racquetball, you have to take advantage of physics so you can hit the ball in the spot where your opponent has the most difficulty reaching it.
Service
In racquetball, you must put the ball in play by driving it off the front wall. The ball must land past the service line but it cannot hit the back wall on the fly. In order to hit this serve effectively, you must drive this ball as low as possible with force. If you keep it low but don't put enough force behind it the ball won't reach the service line. If you hit it too high, it will be easy for your opponent to return.
Forehand Swing
When you hit the ball with a forehand, finish the swing with a sharp snap of your wrist. This will allow the ball to stay in the air longer. A forehand shot that can travel in the air all the way to the rear corner of the court will be difficult for your opponent to return. If the ball dies in the corner, it may roll out instead of bouncing up. A ball that rolls out is a clear winner in racquetball.
Topspin Backhand
When you hit a clean backhand shot, your wrist is likely to roll over the top of the ball. This will create topspin. When this shot hits the front wall, it will dive down into the floor and then take a sharp hop up. A player who is in the middle of the court is considered to be in "no man's land" when trying to return the backhand because the sharp hop often causes the ball to go over the returner's head. Go to the rear of the court when returning the top spin backhand.
Ceiling Ball
Many players use the ceiling ball to change the pace of play in a given point. The closer your ceiling shot is to the front wall the deeper your shot will rebound in the court. The further your ceiling shot is from the front wall, the easier it will be for your opponent to return the ball.
Considerations
Having a knowledge of physics will help you strategize on the racquetball court. Trying to overpower the ball will give your opponent an advantage because the ball will always come back to the middle of the court. However, players who understand how to play the angles and the physics of the game can put the ball in a spot where opponents can't reach it.
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