Racquetball can be played three different ways. Versions include Singles Play (between two players), Doubles Play (between two teams of two players), and Cut Throat, which involves three players. Tournament play usually involves either Singles or Doubles play. Regardless of the type of play, these are the basic Rules.

Play begins with the server standing in the serve zone and serving the ball to the opponent. 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 Play Wall first and then passing 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). Additionally, the ball cannot hit a side wall, floor or ceiling before the Play Wall when attempting to serve. 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 a serve position.

To return serve, stand in the middle of the court (equal distance between each side wall) approximately one arm and racquets length away from the backwall. Return serve by striking the ball before the second bounce. The ball must travel to the Play Wall for it to be a good return of serve. The ball may hit ANY surface except the floor on the return as long as it hits the Play Wall before bouncing.

The Rally

Once the ball is in play, each player alternates hitting the ball until one misses the ball 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, rather than bounce back into the playing area (called a killshot or rollout). 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 Play 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 sideout, no points are scored for either player and the player who won the rally gets to serve. Whoever wins the rally always serves next. Matches are typically two games to 15 points and a tiebreaker to 11 if needed.

Hinders are stoppages of play, and result in the replay of the point. It is your responsibility to give your opponent enough room to hit the shot the way they want to hit. You must hive 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. Typical hinders 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: Only the server scores points, The ball can only bounce once, The ball must return to the front wall after being hit.

Some powerful tips for excellent racquetball play are 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. Also, 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 these defensive shots will require your opponent to move to back court to return the ball, thus allowing you to move to center court.

Ray Higdon

Racquetball looks like a daunting sport to play with the ball bouncing heavily in a closed court. But with the right racquetball equipment, racquets, gloves, balls, clubs, supplies, and most of all attitude, the game becomes a fun albeit challenging experience. Too costly? Not really, because with the popularity and following the game has, sporting goods manufacturers produced a variety of equipment that could fit any budget.

The basic racquetball equipment set you need to start playing includes a ball and a racquet. Accessories like the gloves, grips, protective goggles, and other supplies are for safety and improvement of playing skills. Though these accessories can't guarantee that you'll win your first game, at least they'll keep possible bruises, muscle pains, and losing points difference to a minimum.

The first equipment you must pay attention to is your racquet. As a general rule, the more expensive the racquet, the better it is. But for starters, a medium-priced racquet will do just fine. Aluminum-framed racquets are cheap but you'll have to exert extra effort for more power. They also cause too much vibration making them harder to hold steady. Advanced players prefer the more expensive titanium or graphite frames because of the power these racquets give. These are basically light racquets for ease of maneuvers on the court. Balls and clubs are usually standardized, hence, whatever you buy is just fine. The differences between high-priced balls and clubs from lower-priced ones are so subtle that they are rendered insignificant.

Gloves are just like racquets. This is where price difference again come into play. Better quality gloves are generally more expensive. But before settling for cheaper gloves, consider this: The gloves, aside from helping you to hold and steady your racquet, also protects your hand from blistering. They also prevent possible wrist injuries. The blisters that cheap gloves might give you can dampen your interest in the sport even before you have fully-experienced it. Another body safety item is the goggles. These protect your eyes from possibly getting hit by the ball because of too slow reflexes. With these on, you needn't to worry about coming out of the court with bleeding eyes.

Lastly, before buying any racquetball equipment, racquets, gloves, balls, clubs, supplies, and other racquetball gears, it is important to do simple tests. Check the comfort of the goggles and the gloves. Grip the racquet and give it a few swings. It's no use buying top quality equipment if you're not comfortable using them. Aside from the right gear, confidence and attitude will serve you in your game.

Andrew Corner