Racquetball

Racquetball was invented by Joe Sobek in 1950. Sobek, an American professional tennis and squash player wanted to invent a new game that combined elements of squash, handball and paddleball that was quick and easy to learn. Originally called paddle rackets, the game’s rules were codified in 1952 and, through use of America’s 40,000 YMCA and Jewish Community Center handball courts, the sport achieved rapid growth. In 1969 the International Racquetball Association was founded and recognition by the US Olympic Committee followed. There are currently around six million racquetball players, as well as many more that play racketball, a less dynamic UK-invented variant of the sport. You can play singles or doubles and mixed play is very popular. People of all ages can get onto a court and play ball. If you enjoy racquetball you can play socially or in a competition, which is organised through your local 스포츠토토squash/racquetball centre. The object of racquetball is to win points by winning rallies, the exchanges of play between players where the ball must be hit against the front wall and returned with no more than one bounce. Matches are played as the best of two games, with a third, shorter tie-break game if the scores are level after two games.

Rules of Racquetball

  1. The player who is to serve first is decided by lots in the first game, alternates for the second game and goes to the person with the most cumulative points for the decider (if needed).
  2. To serve, the ball is bounced before being hit against the front wall after which it may hit one side wall before hitting the floor again. The ball cannot hit the back wall on the full and must not touch the ceiling. The ball must hit the front wall first or the point (i.e. both serves) is automatically lost and the other player serves.
  3. Once the ball is in play, that is, has passed the receiving line or bounced beyond the short line, the receiver must hit it against the front wall.
  4. Apart from on serve, the ball can be hit against any combination of walls and ceiling as long as it hits the front wall without bouncing.
  5. A “hinder” is when an obstruction is caused by one player being in the way of the ball or their opponent’s view. This is normally called as a let and the point is replayed, although in the case of a penalty hinder, where one player has been deprived the chance of a point-winning shot, they receive the point.

Racquetball Game Variations

Racquetball Singles
When racquetball is played with two people, playing in a one vs one match, it is referred to as a racquetball singles match. This is the most common way the game is played, both recreationally and competitively. Dive deeper into the rules, tips, and strategy of a racquetball singles game.

Racquetball Doubles
When racquetball is played with four people, playing in a two vs two match, it is referred to as a racquetball doubles match. This gameplay is popular in both competitive tournament play and non-competitive recreation matches. Learn more about racquetball doubles rules.

Cutthroat Racquetball or 3 Player Racquetball
3 player racquetball, also known as cutthroat racquetball, is commonly played in a 1 vs 1 vs 1 style, where the server attempts to score against the other two players playing as a team. This game style is not a tournament play variation but can be a lot of fun when you have an odd number of people. Read more about racquetball cutthroat rules.

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