To get started playing racquetball, you need little more than an understanding of the rules, the right equipment, a place to play, and a basic understanding of the different types of racquetball games.  Knowledge of basic racquetball etiquette is also important.  Be sure to also read the safety tips before playing.

Rules
The United States Racquetball Association (USRA) publishes an official racquetball rulebook--which can be purchased through their organization.  Racquetball Magazine  also publishes the rules once a year in one of their magazine editions.  The rules of racquetball can also be found on-line at the International Racquetball Federation website--a link to the printable version of the rules is provided on this site's navigation menu.

Equipment
Unlike many sports and hobbies that involve a great investment in equipment and accessories, racquetball is a pretty low-cost sport to get into.

A racquet, a ball, eye protection, athletic shoes, and comfortable clothing are all that are required to play racquetball.  Many intermediate and advanced players also wear racquetball gloves on their playing hands and sweatbands on their wrists and/or heads.  To get started however, a racquet, eye protection, and a can of racquetballs are probably the only things that a person new to the sport wouldn't already own and would have to purchase to begin enjoying the game.  

Racquetball racquets can be found in the sporting goods sections of most major retail stores (e.g., Walmart and Kmart) and most major sporting goods stores.  Entry level racquets can be found for about $18.00, goggles (molded clear goggles or eyeglass-type models) cost from $8.00-$30.00, and balls cost about $2.00-$3.00 for a can of two.  

To make it easier for the beginner to select equipment, several of the major racquetball equipment manufacturers produce starter kits.   Ektelon, Head, and Wilson all sell packages that typically include a racquet, eye protection, and a can of balls.  These packages retail for about $30.00-$35.00.  Some of these starter kits also include a set of wristbands and/or headband. 

Courts
In addition to the basic racquetball equipment, there is another important thing needed--a court.  Your town might have public courts that require little more than a reservation to play.  Some apartment and residential complexes have racquetball courts available to their residents.  Local universities and community colleges also might have courts that would be available for use with a minimal investment of money.  Community education programs often have racquetball leagues and lessons available at little cost.

Many gyms and fitness clubs have racquetball courts as part of their facilities--your local YMCA, for example.  A quick perusal through your yellow pages and several phone calls might be all that is needed to find a local club.  Visit the Places to Play page on this website for help locating the courts closest to you.   

Types of Games
Racquetball games can be played with two, three, or four players per court.  More will be added on the types of games later.

On days when nobody else is available to play, or you feel like just hitting the ball by yourself, you can spend time on a court alone.   Unlike tennis, where it is difficult to get a good and realistic practice hitting the ball by yourself, time alone in a racquetball court can provide a player with an excellent opportunity to work on shots, stroke mechanics, and ball control.  Hitting alone on a court is a great way to boost your heart rate, build endurance, and correct and improve weaknesses in your game. 

Also, when you travel to the courts without a partner, it provides a great opportunity to meet and play with other players.  Don't skip a day on the courts because you don't have a friend to play with--get out there and hit the ball by yourself or find new people at the courts to play against!  The MeetandPlay website (see the link on the Racquetball Links page) could also be a good place to find players--and clubs and instructors.

Racquetball Etiquette
Real racquetball players like to think of themselves as real ladies and gentlemen.   There are certain "rules of behavior" and etiquette that you won't find in the rulebook, but that tend to exist where ever the game is played.

• Invite the new person at the courts to join you.
• Invite the person who doesn't have anyone to play with join you.
• Don't take long breaks leaving the court vacant (except for your racquet and ball) when others are waiting.
• Don't yell and hit your racquet against the wall and floor in fits of rage and frustration.
• Don't intentionally hit another player with the ball--as it goes to the front wall causing a play over.
• Call safety hinders.
• Call hinders only when they are real hinders.
• Don't try to get away with a cheap call.
• If in doubt, do it again.
• Don't always pick on the weakest player.
• Don't hog the ball from your partner.
• Be safe and have fun.  Remember, it's just a game.

© 2004-2008 TexasRacquetball   All rights reserved.