Here are some important links to get you started. In no shape way or form are we affiliated with these organizations. These are the most comprehensive articles and descriptions to help you get started playing the game. Until we see otherwise, the links below are about the best out there. If there is a more detailed site out there, please post your suggestion in our forums.
- Only the server scores points
- The ball can only bounce once
- The ball must return to the front wall after being hit
- Hold up for safety reasons
- Warm up before you play.
- Wear safety glasses when on the court.
- Always knock before entering a court. Players could still be playing!
- Always play using the wrist strap attached to the butt end of the racquet handle, looped around your wrist as a safety precaution.
- Watch where the ball is during play, avoid being in the way.
- Know the rules and be aware of ‘Hinders’. Always stop and do not swing if a player is too close or in your way.
- Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
- Wear proper athletic shoes that are appropriate for lateral movements on the court.
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The Game
Racquetball is a fun, fast paced action sport that can be played either on an indoor or outdoor court with anywhere from 2 to 4 players at a time. Indoor Racquetball is played on a 20’ x 20’ x 40’ court that has four walls, a ceiling and a floor, all of which are used during play. Racquetball is also fun to practice by oneself, on a court. Outdoor Racquetball is played using the same floor dimensions as an indoor court. However, there is typically no ceiling or backwall and the court may or may not include sidewalls. The sidewalls can also vary in length. Most outdoor play is referred to as “One Wall” or “3 Wall” Racquetball. The outdoor game is popular in warmer weather climates and in cities where parks and school playgrounds are present.
The sport became popular during the late 1970’s and early 1980’s because it was fun, easy to learn how to play and it is one of the best workouts you can get in a short period of time. Today Racquetball remains very strong as a sport played by over 5 million people each year.
The Basic Rules of the Game
Racquetball can be played three ways. Versions include ‘Singles Play’ between two players, ‘Doubles Play’ between two teams of two players each, and ‘Cut Throat’, which involves three players. Tournament and League play usually involves Singles and / or Doubles play.
The Serve
Play begins with the server standing in the ‘Service Zone’ and serving to his / her opponent(s). To serve, the server must first bounce the ball and then strike it with the racquet. The ball is put into play after making contact with the Front Wall first and then passing into the rear half of the court before touching the floor. After the served ball hits off the front wall, it may strike one of the side walls – but it must bounce behind the short line (the line forming the back of the service box, located 20’ from the front wall), before hitting a third wall on the fly.
The Return of Serve
To return serve, stand in the middle of the court (equal distance between each side wall), approximately one arm and racquet’s length away from the back wall. Return serve by striking the ball before the second bounce. The ball must travel to the Front Wall for it it to be a good return. The ball may hit any surface except the floor on the return as long as it hits the ‘Front Wall’ before the floor.
The Rally
Once the ball is in play, each player (or in Doubles, each team) alternates hitting the ball. During the rally, the walls and ceiling call be used for many shot variations. The rally ends when either a ball bounces twice on the floor before being returned or on a ‘Skip Ball’, when the ball makes contact with the floor before reaching the ‘Front Wall’ after a shot. Points are scored when after serving the ball, the server wins the rally. If the player returning serve wins the rally, the result is a ‘Sideout’, no points are scored for either player and the player who won the rally gets to serve. Whoever wins the rally serves next. Matches are typically two games to 15 points and a tiebreaker to 11 points if needed.
Hinders
Hinders are stoppages of play, and result in the replay of the point. If there is ever a question of someone being too close or in the way, hold up from swinging and play a ‘Hinder’. It is your responsibility to give your opponent enough room to hit their shot. Technically, you must give them a straight shot to the front wall as well as the angle, which would result in a crosscourt shot to the opposite back corner.
Basics to Remember
GETTING STARTED
Safety
Racquetball is both a recreational and competitive game. It is always important to be safe. Here are some things to remember to do before and during play:
Equipment
The ball used to play the game is air filled, about three inches in diameter, and bounces in a lively fashion. The racquet used is a fixed frame with strings and has a grip at the end for players to hold securely during play, including a wrist tether (strap). Safety glasses are worn to help prevent eye injury. Athletic shoes, socks, and typically shorts and shirts are generally worn during play. Racquetball gloves, wristbands and headbands are optional.
