Racquetball is a relatively young sport. It has its origins in 1968 and since then became rapidly more popular. Today, players around the world enjoy playing racquetball in fully enclosed courts, which allows play all year, even during the hot summer or cold winter months. It is played with a short, light racket with strings and a hollow rubber ball. Two to four people play games to 21 with specified rules. The racquetball game is intense and fast paced, and while enjoying the competition, the players reap many health benefits.
Fat Reduction
An average racquetball game takes about 20 minutes. During this time, the player runs approximately 3,650 feet, according to U.S. Olympic training center. In one hour of play, the player runs more than two miles and burns between 600 to 800 calories. Playing racquetball regularly will decrease body fat levels and maintain healthy weight.
Cardiovascular Health
During a racquetball game, the player maintains high heart rate levels for a prolonged period, often at a constant rate of 75 to 85 percent of the maximum heart rate, which improves the aerobic capacity. Additionally, the constant quick bursts of energy during quick starts and stops improve the anaerobic capacity.
Strength, Coordination, Flexibility
Racquetball works almost every muscle group in the body, especially the lower body and the core. In addition to strength and quickness, playing racquetball improves coordination, agility, balance, explosiveness and suppleness.
Mental Well-Being
Besides the musculoskeletal benefits, racquetball improves the mental clarity and quickness by making quick and strategic decisions. It helps with neural adaptation by stimulating faster connection between brain and muscle movements, which improves the player's reflexes even off the racquetball court. The hand-eye coordination and eyesight are enhanced as well.
Fun
People don't see racquetball as the necessary "no fun" fitness regimen. Racquetball is fun and competitive, and it will make people return to the court as often as they can. For a competitive game, there are amateur and professional tournaments throughout the entire year.
Precautions
Racquetball is a highly intense sport, and you should always consult your doctor before you pick up any new intense activity. All racquetball facilities require that you wear eye protection because you could sustain significant injuries if you get struck with a ball or racket in your face. Always wear the racket wrist strap to prevent accidental slips of your racket during the swing. Wear proper racquetball shoes with good stability and always be aware of the ball and other players on the court to prevent unintentional collisions.
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