Winning
Racquetball : Skills, Drills and Strategies
Millions of Americans play racquetball,
yet instructional material is scarce. This guide, written by a veteran
instructor (Turner) and a ranked professional (Clouse) provides tips for
both the seasoned recreational player and the novice. They examine everything
from equipment to match strategy in straightforward, conversational language
augmented by more than 140 photos and line drawings. Readers will learn
how to select a racquet and a facility; how to condition themselves specifically
for the sport; and how to avoid the most common types of injuries. There
are also excellent tips for doubles play, mental conditioning, and gamesmanship.
In addition, the authors break the game down into offensive and defensive
skills, an approach often overlooked in racquet-sport instructionals. A
key feature is the inclusion of drills to develop the recommended shots
and strategies. Too often players just play, forgetting that even a minimal
amount of time devoted to skill development can pay huge dividends. In
areas where the sport is popular, this is the instructional of choice.
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Subject: Re: Beginner
Date: Thu, 09 Mar 2000 19:28:16 GMT
From: "Leo R. Vasquez"
Organization: FlashNet Communications, http://www.flash.net
Newsgroups: alt.sport.racquetball
References: 1
russ,
go to http://www.usra.org/usra/programs/ampro/01direct.htm
and find an instructor in your area. call and see if that instructor
does any free clinics at clubs adn start with that. if you feel the
need for personal attention, i would definitely recommend a lesson
or two. learning from somone who is experienced in instruction
will add new dimensions to your game as well as provide any
insight on taking you to the next level.
let me know if i can help out,
Leo R. Vasquez
Team E-Force
AmPRO Professional Instructor
http://www.flash.net/~lvasquez/
"RJ" wrote in message
> I've always enjoyed racquetball, and have played frequently as I've gotten
> older (28). I'd like to take my game to the next level and would
appreciate
> any strategy tips on how a beginner should first approach this wonderful
> game. Thank you
>
> Russ
>
>
Subject: Re: Beginner
Date: 09 Mar 2000 18:18:46 GMT
From: (KathyKlg)
Organization: AOL http://www.aol.com
Newsgroups: alt.sport.racquetball
My comments second Scott's opinion. Get involved in any kind of playing
scenario where you will play and observe a diversity of players.
Finding a single partner at the early part of your game can stifle your
development, encourage bad habits, etc. Join a league or find an active
challenge court, spend time observing who seems to have good credentials, and
start thinking about lessons.
Kathy Geels
Miami
Subject: Re: Beginner
Date: Thu, 9 Mar 2000 10:08:07 -0800
From: "Scott"
Organization: CTS Network Services
Newsgroups: alt.sport.racquetball
References: 1
Play!
Talk to the league director in your club and find out when the in house
leagues take place. Show up at the open court nights and play. You will
only improve as you play people who are better than you.
I'm not implying that you should take on the club pro your first week in.
Talk with him and get a few pointers. Warm up well, and Play, Play,
Play.!!!!!
My .02
sfs
RJ wrote in message
>I've always enjoyed racquetball, and have played frequently as I've gotten
>older (28). I'd like to take my game to the next level and would appreciate
>any strategy tips on how a beginner should first approach this wonderful
>game. Thank you
>
>Russ
>
>
Subject: Re: Beginner
Date: Thu, 9 Mar 2000 15:29:02 -0500
From: "Jared P Johnston"
Organization: Picus Communications LLC
Newsgroups: alt.sport.racquetball
References: 1
Russ, I just decided to take my game to a higher level. I have been playing
on a recreational level and just started entering tournaments. It has been
amazing what playing against other players who have a more competitve edge
than the recreational player can do for your game. I have gone from a
recreational player to winning matches against "B" level players.
Competition does wonders.
Jared J.
"RJ" wrote in message
> I've always enjoyed racquetball, and have played frequently as I've gotten
> older (28). I'd like to take my game to the next level and would
appreciate
> any strategy tips on how a beginner should first approach this wonderful
> game. Thank you
>
> Russ
>
>
Subject: Re: Beginner
Date: 11 Mar 2000 08:52:32 GMT
From: (Jordan Kahn)
Organization: AOL http://www.aol.com
Newsgroups: alt.sport.racquetball
References: 1
OK, I will jump into this too. Regarding the best way to practice.
I have practice lots of ways. At first I did what everyone else did, bounce off
the sidewalk or back wall. Then just smack the ball around and play all the
shots off the back wall, letting kill attempts bounce a bunch of times.
But the most effective practice I ever did, or "forced" my friends and students
to do was a repetition drill using a modified tennis hopper that holds 100
racquetballs.
Forget about bouncing the ball on the floor or even a side or back wall, just
hit the ball on the fly before it hits the ground.
Of course you need to "step' into every shot, preferably using a multi-step
shuffle step. More advanced "high" percentage shots can actually be practice
off balanced on the wrong foot or with your body out of position, as long as
every shot is the same off balance practice.
This does a bunch of things required for successful practice…
1.) Consistent Repetitive Motion
2.) Quantity with Quality Practice
3.) Real Game Practice Situations
1) Consistent Repetitive Motion from not allowing the ball to touch the floor
or wall before hitting. This shortens the length of the "toss" and helps keep
every "toss" in the same place. Without this, the ball speed, height and
direction may change, making it more difficult to learn a "controlled" practice
shot, footwork and swing.
2) Quantity with Quality Practice from hitting the exact shot over and over.
Using a ball hopper, or container, up to three balls can be picked up with the
non-racquet hand at one time. By tossing and hitting one ball at a time, it is
possible to hit 100 balls in less than 5 minutes, if the container holds 100
balls.
3) Real Game Practice Situations allow players to practice when body and
balance are as tired as a real game. By using a container with 100 balls, an
aerobic practice can be used that simulates a second or third "rally" while the
hitter is tired and weak from the previous practice shots. Using one ball
allows the hitter time to catch their breath or be forced off balance in a
"random" practice.
Try not to think, just set up your position without hesitating or thinking and
hit the ball. In a real game, nature ability without thinking where you are
aiming is very important.
Always use a marked target and the smallest target possible when aiming. The
smaller the target, the sharper your focus and skill. Don't place a racquet
cover when you can place and aim at a ball. You will be surprised at the
results.
When practicing kill shots, start off by actually hitting the floor under the
target and work your way up. Most players have a mental block about "skipping".
It is easier for most players to adjust their practice "kill" shots by allowing
and encouraging "skip" balls until their swing can slowly adjust to the correct
height.
Hitting less than 50 balls is warming up, not practicing.
Hit as many balls (count them) from the same spot to achieve maximum results.
Make sure you allow your body to relax and cool down after 50 - 100 balls. The
top pros are in great shape, you probably are not.
Drink plenty of fluids during practice, remember, ten minutes of hard practice
as described above, may feel the same as playing a real game for one hour.
Sorry I didn't explain specific types of drills, there are so many types to
use, and only your imagination can prevent you from creating new drills.
Good luck, Jordan
PS. Years ago a friend asked me to play so he could practice for his first
major tournament. Instead I gave him my ball hopper and said practice 3 or 4
hoppers (300-400 balls) of his weakest shot, which was his backhand. I will
never forget how amazed he was about his increased skill when he played. This
type of practicing adds confidence and enhances skills at the same time.
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