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Ektelon’s Guide to Racquetball
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Table of Contents
Indoor & Outdoor Racquetball
What is Racquetball...................................................2
Indoor Racquetball.....................................................3
Outdoor Racquetball..................................................4
How to Play Racquetball............................................6
Different Racquetball games you can play.................7
Tips On How To Improve your game..........................8
How To Choose A Racquet........................................9
Playing Safely and Racquetball Etiquette................10
Pre-Game Preparation.............................................11
Racquetball Terms...................................................12
Racquetball Resources - Where to find it!...............16
What is Racquetball?
Overview
Racquetball is a fast-paced action sport played worldwide with
standardized equipment and specific court dimensions. The sport became
extremely popular during the late 1970’s and early 1980’s because it was
fun and easy to learn, one of the best workouts you can get in a short
period of time. Racquetball/health clubs sprung up across the country
offering great programming and a clean atmosphere for people to
socialize and workout. Racquetball grew to over 10 million participants
during its peak in the mid 1980’s. Today racquetball remains strong as a
sport played by approximately 5 million people across the United States and
many more worldwide.
Racquetball can be played either on an indoor or outdoor court with
anywhere from 2 to 4 players at a time. A complete explanation of tips on
how to play racquetball is explained throughout this guide.
Equipment and Apparel
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 a grip wrapped around the handle with a wrist tether to
enable players to hold it securely during play. Safety glasses are worn to
prevent eye injury. Sneakers, athletic socks, shorts, t-shirt, glove, headband
and wristbands are generally worn during play.
Ektelon
Ektelon, the leader in racquetball innovation since 1968, provides the most
complete assortment of equipment in the sport needed to play at all levels.
Ektelon equipment will
assist you in beginning to
play one of today’s most
exciting games Racquetball!
For more information
check out: www.ektelon.com
2
Indoor Racquetball
Overview
Racquetball is a sport played around the world and the International
Racquetball Federation (IRF) governs participation in over 60 countries.
Racquetball was included as a full medal sport in the 2011 Panamerican
Games in Guadalajara, Mexico.
The governing body for the sport in the United States is, United States
Racquetball Association (USAR), which operates their headquarters in
Colorado Springs as part of the US Olympic Committee. Racquetball is
designated as a non-medal “Class A” olympic sport, hoping to become a full
medal sport sometime in the near future. The key events held by the USAR
each year include:
• Ektelon National Singles - In 2011 Ektelon formed a relationship with
USA Racquetball and the IRT to bring back the “Ektelon Nationals”. This
event, which is held in Fullerton, CA features the top pros from all over the
world, and is also the host to the US Nationals, which includes over 500
players competing for National Championships in various skill and age
group divisions. This event also showcases a made for television portable
glass court, sitting on the top deck of the parking garage of the Meridian
Sports Club. With Disneyland less than a half hour away, this is one event
you sure don’t want to miss.
• U.S. Open - Held each year in Minneapolis, MN, it features the top
professional and amateur players in the world. This event includes over 700
players and a made for television glass court with the largest spectator
seating venue of the year. The event has been televised on ESPN, ESPN II,
IRT Network and the Tennis Channel since 1998.
• National Doubles - Held each year in Tempe, AZ, this tournamnet
attracts over 400 players from all over the United States, making this the
largest doubles tournament in the world.
Indoor Court Regulations
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. Most beginner players
will say that being able to “play the ball” off of any wall anytime during the
rally is what makes racquetball so fun right from the start.
The floor is divided into
three distinct areas
called the ‘Forecourt’,
the ‘Service Zone’ and
the ‘Backcourt’. Lines
defining these areas
have been given names
called the ‘Service Line’,
the ‘Short Line’ and the
‘Receiving Line’. The
walls are also given
names called the ‘Play
Wall’, the ‘Side Wall’,
and the ‘Back Wall’.
Rules apply about these
areas, lines and walls
including where players
may position themselves
during actual play.
3
Outdoor Racquetball
Overview
World Outdoor Racquetball (WOR) is the governing body for outdoor
racquetball and Ektelon is the founding sponsor and official ball of the
organization. Outdoor tournaments are held all across the United States and
in various countries around the world.
The key events held by WOR each year include:
• WOR Championships - The longest running and most prestigious
outdooor event is held during July in Huntington Beach, CA with over 300
players competing for the top prize in the sport.
• 3 Wall Ball Championships - Held in September at the Stratosphere
Hotel “On the Strip” in Las Vegas, NV with over 300 players competing in
racquetball, handball and paddleball.
The outdoor game is popular in warmer weather climates and in cities
where courts exist in parks and school playgrounds. Contrary to indoor
courts where you usually need to join a health club to play, you can usually
get on an outdoor court without paying a fee. Outdoor Racquetball is the
parallel universe to the traditional sport of racquetball played by millions in
clubs througout the country. The rules are the same, the racquets and ball
are the same, but the attitude and action take this variation of the sport to
a whole new level. Approved sunglasses replace eye guards, hats replace
headbands, and shirts are optional - sunscreen is one of the most valuable
commodities in your bag!
The top players in the outdoor game regularly compete with the best indoor
players in the world and added elements require the players to deal with the
weather, crowd interaction, and various court configurations which makes
this version of the game uniquely different then indoor play.
Outdoor Court Regulations
Outdoor racquetball is played using simular floor dimensions as an indoor
court. However, there is usually no ceiling or back wall and the court may
or may not include side walls. The side walls can also vary in length. Most
outdoor play is referred to as “One Wall” or “Three Wall” racquetball. There
are many rule variations in the outdoor game. Generally, the standard USAR
rules also apply outdoors, except for the variations acknowledged by WOR
which are described on page 5.
4
COURT SPECIFICATIONS - Outdoor courts come in a variety of formats
including.
– One Wall: (Front wall only) no side or back wall. Played primarly in the northeast.
– Three Wall: Consists of a front wall and a side wall on both sides of the court. Common in the west and southeast region.
– Four Wall: Includes front, back and two side walls. Seen primarily in Arizona.
There are no official size regulations for these outdoor courts and in some
cases a partial ceiling wall may exist.
MARKINGS - Since the size of an outdoor court varies, the placement of
lines also varies. Outdoor racquetball includes one or more of the following
lines: Side Lines, Back Line, and Singles Service Lines.
SIDE & BACK COURT LINES - All outside court lines (side & back) will be
played good as long as the ball bounces inside the court or on any part of
these lines.
SERVE - All divisions follow the one-serve rule. For special Singles Rules,
Quadrant Serving and Singles Service Side Lines rules, visit the WOR
website.
DOUBLES PARTNER POSITION - In doubles, the server’s partner may
take position outside the court beyond the back line or stand in the normal
doubles box. When taking a position beyond the back line, the partner must
stay out of the way of the receiving team until the serve is returned. If the
server’s partner interferes with the receiver during a serve return, it is up to
the referee to determine if the hinder was an avoidable hinder.
APPAREL - Shirts are not required apparel in the outdoor game. However
sunscreen is recommended.
To view a more complete set of rules, and watch instructional videos visit
www.WorldOutdoorRacquetball.net
5
How To Play Racquetball
The Serve
Play begins with the server standing in the ‘Service Zone’ and serving the
ball to his/her opponent(s). To serve, the server must first bounce the ball on
the floor and then strike it with the racquet before it bounces twice. The ball
must contact the ‘Front Wall’ first and then pass over the short line into the
rear half of the court. In it’s flight, the ball may strike one side wall, but no
more. If it hits three surfaces including the ceiling or back wall before
bouncing the serve is not good (called one fault) and the ball is not in play.
Also, a serve that does not carry beyond the ‘Short Line’ of the ‘Service
Zone’ is also not good (fault). The server is given two opportunities to put the
ball into play. If the server hits two faults in a row, the player returning serve
takes over in the service zone and the original server assumes the return of
serve position. Additionally, the ball cannot hit a side wall, floor or ceiling
before the ‘Front Wall’ when attempting to serve. If this occurs, whether its
on the first serve or second serve, the result is a loss of serve or side out
fault.
During outdoor play, the serve must be executed the same way and the ball
must land on the court over the short line within the boundary lines. If the
serve is long (hits beyond back line), the result is one fault serve, but if the
ball is wide the server automaticly loses the serve.
Serve Types - Drive serve, Lob serve and Z serve.
The Return of Serve
To return a serve, stand in the middle of the court (equal distance between
each sidewall or court sideline) approximately one arm and racquets length
away from the backwall or end line. Return the serve by striking the ball
before the second bounce. The ball must travel to the ‘Front Wall’ without
touching the floor for it to be a good return of serve. The ball may hit ANY
surface while traveling to the front wall except the floor.
The Rally
Once the ball is in play, each player alternates hitting the ball until one player
cannot return a shot after one bounce or hits an illegal shot. Players try to
earn points or win the serve by putting an end to a rally. Often this is done
when a player’s shot hits the front wall at its lowest point, causing the ball to
roll out (called a killshot or rollout), rather than bounce back into the playing
area. Points are also earned when rallies end with an error, or a “Skip Ball”;
i.e. when the ball makes contact with the floor before reaching the ‘Front
Wall’. Once the ball is in play, the walls and ceiling can be used for shot
variations. 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 side out. No
points are scored for either player and the player who won the rally gets to
serve. Whoever wins the rally always serves next.
Hinders (aka Replay)
Play is stopped and a hinder is called when players get to close to each
other during play and safety is compromised. It is your responsibility to give
your opponent enough room to hit the shot they want to hit. 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. The result of a hinder is a
replay of the point. The only time a point or side out occurs is when a player
obstructs his opponents view or shot on purpose. This is called a penalty or
avoidable hinder. Typical replay hinder examples are:
• A ball striking any part of the court, which results in an erratic rebound
(fan vents, door knob, lights, etc.)
• Accidentally hitting opponent with the ball as it is heading toward the front wall.
• Unintentionally contacting opponent while attempting to make a play on the ball.
• Screening opponent’s view of the ball or having the ball pass between one’s legs.
Basics to remember once you have started playing a game are:
1. Only the server scores points.
2. The ball can only bounce once on the floor before it must be hit.
3. The ball must always hit the front wall before touching the floor in order
for a serve or shot to be good.
4. Matches are typically two games to 15 points and a tiebreaker to 11 if needed, all win by one point.
More detailed rules of the game are available at www.usra.org and
www.WorldOutdoorRacquetball.net
6
Different Racquetball Games You Can Play
Like any sport, there are several different interesting game variations of
Racquetball, which are fun and can accommodate various players
depending on court availability. Once you have become comfortable with
your ‘Ektelon Equipment,’ familiarized yourself with the ‘Rules of the Game’
and have spent some time on a ‘Racquetball Court,’ the following are
different racquetball games you can play:
Singles - 2 players compete against each other. Requires continuous all court play. Standard rules apply.
Doubles - 4 Players play as ‘Teams’ of two players each and compete
against each other as teams. Each player on each team has a service
opportunity. Both must lose serve for a side out. Standard rules apply. Each
team alternates hitting the ball until one team wins the rally or a sideout
results. This game calls for ‘team play’ and demands communication
between teammates with on going adjustments. With a crowded court of 4
players, make sure to hold up on your shot whenever you are too close to
another player. Once you get the hang of doubles, it is extremely fun and
very social.
Cut Throat - 3 Players compete against each other in a rotating singles
vs. doubles format. Standard rules apply with the following exception: One
player serves to two players who are both competing against the server as
a doubles team. If the server loses serve, he/she rotates into one side of the
court to play with a different partner against the server. Therefore, the server
is always playing singles against a doubles team.
Stand In - 3 Players play singles against each other. Standard rules apply
with the following exception: One player serves, one player returns service
and one player stands out against the back wall until each rally is over. Then
after each rally, all players rotate. Therefore, before the next rally begins, the
player who was out enters play as a receiver to return serve and the player
that lost the rally is now out against the back wall. The player who wins the
rally, regardless if they served or returned the serve, always starts each
rally with the serve. Each player keeps track of their own individual points.
The key to keep this game fun and safe is for the player standing against
the back wall to always be watching the play of the other two players and
constantly move to the opposite side of the court from where the ball is
being played.
Two vs. One - 3 Players compete against each other in a constant singles
vs. doubles format. Standard rules apply with the following exception: The
same two players compete against the same one player for the entire game.
The singles player plays singles and has one service opportunity. The other
two players play as a ‘doubles team’ and always receive two service
opportunities. This is a very difficult game for the singles player to win. It is
a game that calls for good conditioning and stamina, especially if you are
the server. This is also an excellent game to play if one player is significantly
better than the other two players.
Note: racquetball games don’t have to be played to 15 points. You can play
to 11, 15, 21, or even 100, whatever you like, so long as you’re having fun!
7
Tips On How To Improve Your Game
Serving
• Consistent ball drop and good stroke mechanics are the keys to a
great serve. Make sure to use your hips and shoulder rotation along
with wrist snap to generate power in your serve.
• On your drive serves, it is better to be short on your first attempt, as
this can be adjusted by ball drop or aim point on the front wall. Keep
your drive serves from hitting the side wall. You want to angle your
serve to the corners to force your opponent to a deeper position in the
back of the court.
• Try to keep the service motion the same on all your serves. This will
create deception and keep your opponent guessing. When serving, the
ideal first bounce range is approximately 6” in front of the short line to
2’ past the short line. This range will help keep your serves from
coming off the back wall and being easy set-ups for your opponent.
Returning Serve
• You should be in an athletic position with your knees bent, racquet up
and weight on the balls of your feet. Your racquet should be centered
in front of your body in a backhand grip, as most serves are to the
backhand side. When hitting the ball, your body should be facing a side
wall, not the front wall whenever possible.
Forehand
• Your elbow should be aligned with the top of the shoulder with your
forearm being parallel to the floor. Your elbow joint should be at a 90
degree angle. Your feet should be parallel to the forehand side wall.
• Lead with your elbow, away from your body. There should be at least
8-12 inches between your elbow and your body. Extend outward and
contact the ball at the furthermost extension point. At contact the ball
should be just past the inner front thigh, the racquet face square to the
front wall and the bottom of the racquet frame parallel to the floor. The
step into the ball should be with the lead foot while rotating through the
feet and legs, occurring the same time as the stroke.
• The wrist should snap at contact and continue to follow through
towards the front wall. The racquet should stay level and continue to
circle around the body. It is important to follow through so that by the
end of your stroke, your feet and hips should be facing the front wall
and your racquet head should have turned over and be facing the floor.
The primary power force comes from elbow preparation with the hip
and leg drive becoming secondary power sources.
Backhand
• Your arm should reach towards the back wall (not behind the head)
leaving the arm slightly bent, in the shape of a bow. The elbow should
be away from the body and pointed towards the side wall. Make sure
you release the racquet with your free hand. Your weight should be
shifted to your back foot.
• Your shoulders and hips should be facing the side wall, the elbow
should lead transferring your weight from your back foot to your front
foot. Step forward setting your lead foot at a 45 degree angle, allowing
your hips to open up more naturally. Point of contact should be off the
front big toe, just as the weight has transferred forward. The racquet
head should once again be extended outward, with the face square to
the front wall and the frame parallel to the floor.
• At contact, your wrist should naturally snap. The stroke should
continue towards the front wall, staying on a level plane. Make sure
your elbow stays level, lower than the shoulder.
Basic Strategy
• When selecting your shots, if the ball is chest high or higher, go to
your ceiling shot. If the ball is chest to thigh high, use a passing shot. If
the ball is below your thigh, go for your kill shot.
• If your opponent is behind you, pinch (hit the frontwall, then sidewall)
to the same side as your opponent. If your opponent is even with you,
use a passing shot. If your opponent is in front of you, use a passing or
ceiling shot.
• When in doubt, go with a down the line shot as close to the side wall
as possible. This should force a weak or defensive return.
• Good angles are more important than hitting the ball low. By using
angles and hitting higher on the front wall, you eliminate skip balls or
other unforced errors.
8
Basic Strategy cont.
• Kill shots aren’t the only offensive returns. A good passing shot that
bounces twice before hitting the back wall will win a rally and is less
likely to skip.
• When hitting a passing shot, don’t try to hit the ball low on the front
wall. Instead, use a hitting range of 6” - 24” off the floor. Then, if your
shot is low, it will still be effective.
Court Positions
• To get into the proper court position for an offensive return, watch the
ball at all times. Remember, you want to control center court and keep
your opponent behind you in a defensive position. The term “center
court” is somewhat of a misnomer because it doesn’t really mean the
exact center of the court. Instead, the “playing” center is about five feet
behind the short line and equal distance from the side walls.
• Dominating center court will allow you to capitalize on every mistake
your opponent makes. At center court you have maximum scoring
options from effective shots and you can also cover your opponent’s
best shots easier. However, there are times when you must relinquish
center court. The rules state that you must always give up your position
to give your opponent a fair chance to hit the ball.
• Two of the best shots for enabling you to take control of center
court are the ceiling ball and the pass or down the line shot. Both of
these shots will require your opponent to move to back court to return
the ball, thus allowing you to move to center court.
How To Choose A Racquet
The racquetball racquet is absolutely the most important item of your equipment
because it’s the primary link between you and the ball. Racquet
technology has advanced a great deal in the past 25 years and
with a little effort and advice from your local Pro or
knowledgeable Retailer, you can find the right racquet to
compliment your style of game.
Ektelon offers many different racquet models to accommodate
all levels of play. When shopping for a racquet, you probably
have a certain price range in mind. If this is the case, look for
the best technology you can find in a racquet within this price
range. Most retailers have a demo or loaner racquet program. If
you get the opportunity, demoing racquets will go a long way to
helping you make your selection. If these options are not
available, here are some tips about racquet technology you should
know:
- Frame Construction: Generally speaking, stiffer frames will
generate more power. Stiffness can be enhanced by a wider crosssection
(frame width) and/or higher grade graphite material. The various basic materials
used in racquetball frame construction include:
100% Graphite Material - lightest weight frames with premium feel. The material
is stiffer which increases overall power and these racquets tend to last longer
than aluminum frames.
Aluminum Material - provides lower cost option for players just getting into the
game. These frames will bend based on abusive impact on walls and floors.
Aluminum/Graphite Material - provides a nice combination between 100%
graphite and 100% aluminum frames. These frames are stiffer, more
powerful and tend to be lighter weight with a more premium feel than the
traditional aluminum frames.
- Swing Weight: How the racquet feels in your hand and performs on court is
based on the swing weight of the racquet. The swing weight is determined by
the overall weight of the frame and the balance. As a general rule racquets that
weigh 150-175 grams are considered lightweight. However, a racquet weighing
over 180 grams may have a headlight balance and may feel more like a
lightweight racquet than for instance a racquet weighing 170 grams with head
heavy balance. Therefore, if you are looking for a light weight racquet, you can’t
always rely on the overall frame weight as your guide. 100% graphite racquets
are commonly offered between 150-190 grams and the “hand laid” manufacturing
process allows for the frame to be made in any type of swing weight. Aluminum
racquets usually weigh between 190 and 230 grams and because the frame is
extruded from a mold it is difficult to adjust the balance point of these racquets.
9
How to Choose a Racquet cont.
As a general rule, lighter swing weight racquets enhance maneuverability and
allow for greater control while heavier racquets produce more power and stability
on off center hits. The key is to find the right combination for your game.
- Head Shape: The most common shape on the market is Quadraform which is
found in most graphite racquets allowing for longer main strings to enhance overall
power. A Teardrop shape has an expanded sweet spot across the top of the frame.
This shape can be found in some graphite and most aluminum racquet frames. A
teardrop shape is great for beginners because of the expanded sweetspot.
However, advanced players enjoy the extra power from the top of the frame when
the ball is close to the wall. Players looking for long main string power enjoy
Quadraform racquets and they are generally more maneuverable than Teardrop
frames.
- String Bed: The string bed within the frame is made from the string pattern and
string gauge. A more open pattern with 12 or 14 main strings will produce more
power and a 16-18 main string pattern will offer more control and durability. String
gauge is determined by the circumference measurement (the higher the # the
thinner the string gauge) of the string. Most racquetball racquets are strung with
16 gauge strings. However, if durability is not critical, players looking for more feel
and power will use 17 or 18 gauge string.
- Grip: The handle of the racquet usually includes a synthetic leather wrap or
rubber tube grip. Wrap grips typically have a tacky surface and are lighter and
less abrasive on the hand. So players that like to play without a glove will find this
more appealing. A rubber tube grip is very tacky and when combined with a glove
provides a superior grip.
- Tether: A racquet tether fixed to the bottom of the handle is required equipment
to ensure safety. It is mandatory for players to use the tether during play, usually
wrapped around the wrist.
Key Steps to Choosing a Racquet 1. Choose your price range a playing style
2. Seek professional advise
3. Experiment with Demos
4. Refer to the Ektelon Power Level designations for advice
5. Refer to www.ektelon.com for complete racquet specifications and information
Playing Safely and Racquetball Etiquette
Racquetball is both a recreational and competitive game. But whether you
are playing just for fun with some friends on a Sunday morning, or your
fellow club players during the week, or in a
weekend tournament, it is always important to be
safe, as well as know Racquetball etiquette. Here
are some things to remember to do before and
during play:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Stretch before you play.
Always wear safety glasses when on the court.
Check your equipment.
Cross Train – Lift weights, jog, play another sport.
Watch where the ball is at all times when playing.
Eat Right – Don’t eat a large meal before playing.
Be aware of and pay attention to the safety line during play.
Avoid dehydration and cramps – Drink plenty of
water before and during play.
Know the rules of the game.
Always knock BEFORE entering a court. Players could still be playing!
Know what a Hinder is.
Be courteous of other players. Show respect!
Do NOT run into another player. Always stop. Don’t swing if a player is in your way.
Be honest! If you didn’t get it, say so. You’ll
probably get the next one.
Compliment your opponents when they hit a good shot or make a good play.
10
Pre-Game Preparation
Warm-up
If you are 15 years old, you probably feel
like you can hit the ball hard and fast...
and you probably can. If you are 40, you
may feel like you can hit the ball just as
hard and fast, but because your body
is more susceptible to injury, there’s a
danger in doing so. That is why it’s a good
idea to warm up before playing hard. An
improper warm up, or none at all, can lead
to sore muscles, a sore elbow and even
severe injury. You will not enjoy racquetball
if you are always aching. In fact, every
athlete should go through a routine warm
up prior to exercising or playing a game.
Why and When
The idea is to increase the blood flow
through your muscles before you start
pushing them to their limit. You really don’t have to do much. Just 5 or 10
minutes of light calisthenics and stretching before you get on the court will
be sufficient. Once you get on the court, jog around it a few times: get your
body used to the court, the lights, etc.
Stretching
Attain a full stretch using slow motions. Then hold the fully stretched
position for about one minute. If you feel pain, you are stretching too far. Do
not bounce or use quick, jerky motions, because these can have
counter-productive effects and sometimes cause injury to muscles; e.g. a
pull when the muscle has been stretched out too far or a muscle tear when
the muscle has been torn causing permanent damage and loss of strength.
Stretching is very important! But be careful when you stretch not to overdo it.
Warm up your arms by moving them slowly in a wide, circular motion. This
exercise is sometimes called the windmill. Bend over and touch your toes
to loosen up the back and the back of your legs. If you have recently turned
your ankle or have weak ankles, rotate your foot slowly for awhile. Definitely
consider using an elastic ankle brace since it will provide you support and
help increase the blood flow to the ankle area. Bounce lightly on the balls of
your feet for a minute to loosen lower leg muscles. There are many other
exercises, but these are the minimum you should perform before playing a
game.
On Court Warm-up
After finishing the brief jog, begin by taking a few forehand and backhand
swings before hitting the ball. Hit the first few balls softly, then progress to
practicing each of your favorite shots, increasing your velocity as you warm
up. Don’t try to hit a series of “power” shots without mixing in some soft
shots. Rather, concentrate on increasing the range of your swing in small
increments until you can achieve full arm extension. Work on your forehand
and backhand from both sides of the court. Don’t try to get too fancy...
establish the appropriate awareness and attitude for the upcoming match.
If the court is “chilly or cool,” wear a warm-up suit for at least the first ten
minutes.
11
Racquetball Terms
SHORT LINE
Back edge of the short line is midway and parallel to the front and back walls.
SERVICE LINE
Front edge of the service line is parallel with and five feet in front of the back edge of the short line.
SERVICE ZONE
Five-foot area between the outer edges of the short line and the service line.
SERVICE BOXES Located at each end of the service zoneand are
designated by lines parallel with the sidewalls. Each box is 18 inches in width.
RECEIVING LINE A broken line parallel to the short line. The back edge is five feet from the back edge of the short line.
SAFETY ZONE
The five foot area bounded by the back edges of the short line and the receiving line, which is observed only
during the serve.
FAULTS
Short serve - ball bounces in front of or on, second solid line of the service area.
Out of court serve - any served ball that first hits the front wall and before striking the floor, goes out of the court.
Screen serve - a served ball that first hits the front wall and on the rebound passes so closely to the server that it prevents the receiver from having a clear view of the ball.
ACE SERVE Serve of any type that goes untouched by the receiver.
DRIVE SERVE
Low, fast, powerful serve into either rear corner.
LOB SERVE
High, slow, wall hugging serve into rear corners. Often used as second serve.
HIGH LOB Z
High, slow, front wall to sidewall combination that makes a “Z” pattern as it approaches the receiver.
Z-SERVE
Front wall to side wall combination that makes a “Z”
pattern as it approaches the receiver. May be hit with power or softly, depending on the desired effect.
RALLY
Each legal return after the serve.
Long serve - ball caries to back wall or beyond back
outdoor court boundry line before bouncing.
Three wall serve - any ball that first hits the front wall and on the rebound, strikes both side walls before bouncing.
Foot fault - player steps over the servicelines during service.
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Racquetball Terms cont...
SKIP SHOT Ball hits the floor before reaching the front wall during the rally.
KILL SHOT Ball hits the front wall 3 inches or lower and is unreturnable by opponent.
PINCH SHOT Side wall to front wall combination shot into either front corner 6 inches or lower.
ROLLOUT SHOT An irretrievable shot, when the ball strikes so low on the front wall that it rolls rather than bounces back.
HINDERS
Court hinder—play stops when a ball strikes any part of the court that was designated as a court hinder or when the ball takes an abnormal bounce off a rough or irregular surface.
Ball hits opponent—when an opponent is hit by a return shot in flight it is referred to as a dead-ball hinder. If it is obvious that the ball did not have the velocity or
correct angle to make it to the front wall, it is not a deadball hinder.
Body contact with opponent—body contact which
prevents a player from making a return shot is called a hinder. Incidental body contact in which the offensive player clearly has the advantage is not a hinder.
Screen ball—any ball rebounding from the front wall so close to the body of the defensive player that it interferes with or prevents the offensive player from having a clear view of the ball is a hinder. A ball that passes between thelegs of a player is not necessarily a hinder, depending on the proximity of the players.
PENALTY HINDERFailure to move—a player does not attempt to move sufficiently to allow an opponent a shot straight to the front wall or a cross court shot results in a point being awarded to the offensive player.
Stroke interference—occurs when a player moves or fails to move, so that the opponent returning the ball does not have a free, unimpeded swing. This includes unintentionally moving in the wrong direction, which
prevents an opponent from making a clear offensive shot. A point is awarded to the offensive player.
Moving into the ball—a player moves into the flight of the ball and is struck by the ball just played by an
opponent. A point is awarded to the offensive player.
TECHNICAL FOULAny player using profanity, excessive arguing,
physical threat or violence, excessive or hard striking of the ball between rallies, slamming of racquet against the walls, excessive delay of the game, or any
unsportsmanlike behavior results in one point being removed from the offender’s score.
13
Racquetball Resources - Where to find it!
Join USAR and you will receive Racquetball magazine, a competitive
license to participate in sanctioned events and secondary insurance
coverage.
USA Racquetball
www.usaracquetball.com
Racquetball
Canada
www.racquetball.ca
Federación Mexicana
De Raquetbol
www.fmr.org.mx
International
Racquetball Federation
www.internationalracquetball.com
European
Racquetball Federation
www.european-racquetball.org
International Racquetball Tour
www.irt-tour.com
Classic Professional
Racquetball Tour
www.classicproracquetball.com
World Outdoor Racquetball
www.worldoutdoorracquetball.net
Women’s Professional
Racquetball Organization
www.wpro-tour.com
World Firefighter
Racquetball Association
www.worldfireracquetball.com
National Masters
Racquetball Association
www.nmra.info
National Police
Racquetball Association
www.policeracquetball.com
Military Racquetball Federation
www.militaryracquetball.com
United States Racquet Stringers Association
(619) 481-3545
www.racquettech.com
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