Is it skill? Is it the team? Is it the strategy? What does it take to win at racquetball? Frankly, it’s probably a combination of all three, coupled with a healthy competitive spirit.
While opinions vary as to how much emphasis should be placed on each of the aforementioned components, most players would agree that they all deserve serious consideration in order to excel in this sport.
Consider skill, for example. Skill can be related to a player’s dexterity, strength, and ability to move quickly forward, backward, or sideways. Good eyesight, quick reaction time, and exceptional judgment are also factors that determine the degree of skill a player possesses.
Without a doubt, the team plays its part in allowing a player to win in this sport. Modern technology has allowed numerous changes in the manufacture of rackets. Subtle differences in racket weight, frame shape, overall size, and concavity all play a part. What about the racket string gauge? The gauge of the strings ranges from 15 to 18 and determines the power and control with which the ball is hit. The gauge also influences the durability of the rope. A racquetball glove also allows the player to maintain a better grip with the racquet hand. Plus, the ball itself does its part when it comes to winning at racquetball. The color of the ball generally determines how it has been manufactured in terms of speed, weight and visibility.
While all of the components are needed to be successful at racquetball, many experienced players would say that strategy is the most important thing. The ability to execute a quick serve at the correct target point puts the player at an advantage. Positioning on the pitch allows for a quick comeback and catches your player off guard. Judgment about the ultimate destination of a serve or return minimizes the run and conserves strength for future plays.
Knowing what it takes to win is one thing. Winning itself is another. Armed with this information, what should you do? First of all, improve your skill by practicing, practicing and practicing. The more you train the muscles used while playing, the more your ability to move quickly, react immediately and judge appropriately will improve. Since it all starts in the brain, training those neural pathways through use is the best way to improve your skill.
When it comes to equipment, do your research. Many reviews have been posted rating the quality of the rackets and the gauge and speed of the balls. Some of the more prominent racquetball equipment brands include Ektelon, Wilson, Python, Hi-tec, E-Force, Gearbox, HEAD, Pro Penn, Technifibre, and Ashawy. Of course, you should expect to pay more for those with the highest rating. However, don’t minimize the role that team quality plays in winning this sport.
Strategy-wise, this is also something that usually comes with time. He plays with experienced players. He learns their techniques and then uses them in his own game. Watch racquetball training videos. Read articles on strategies. While some people seem to possess an innate natural ability to strategize quickly, most require considerable time to master this important facet of the game.
Now put together this winning combination of skill, gear, and strategy. Combine that with your love of the sport and your healthy competitive spirit. You’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish on this twenty by forty foot court. Yes, you can definitely win at racquetball!