Racquetball – The Many Don’ts Of The Game

Since its invention in the 50s as an indoor sport, racquetball has had advocates and enthusiasts who had contributed so much to its lore, popularity, the refinement of its rules, and many other things.

Through the years, too, there came a compilation of sorts on the many things to watch out during games of racquetball.

For beginners, this list can serve as your guide to play and enjoy the game. For the pros, it can serve as reminders and to unlearn some acquired habits through the years. This list had been compiled through the years that racquet ball had metamorphosed to the popular that it is today.

The Don’ts list

Don’t move backwards while swinging. Step forward (to lower the center of gravity of your body) and use your legs to pull your hips, rotating them around. If the ball is moving to the back, get so far in front of it (at least a step) so you will have time and room to step forward into your setup position.

Don’t begin your forward swing with only the hands and arms. (There will be not much power to them.)

Don’t keep one knee straight when bending your knees. You need to bend both of them, or else you are just leaning over.

Do not move your hips and shoulders in a straight line. They should both be rotating in a circular motion (start with the hips first before the shoulders).

Do not hold any tension in your arms. They should be limp and loose.

Don’t force using more of your muscles if you are not hitting the ball hard enough. Instead, analyze your swing and check where the kinetic link lost its power and did not reach your arms and wrists.

You should not be unbalanced after your swing. If this happens, g back and review your sequence of moves.

Do not rise during your swing. It will make the ball come up too high for an easy setup for you opponent. Instead, keep your knees bent throughout the swing until you hit the ball. You do this unconsciously, so be alert and alarmed why your shots are not staying low.

Do not face the front wall in your swing. Stand parallel to the right side wall if you are doing forehand. For backhand, stand 45 degrees to the side wall.

Don’t forget to raise your elbow to shoulder height. (Most players always forget this.)

Do not move your non-hitting arm in the opposite direction as your hitting arm. Both of them should more in the same direction.

Do not pivot both feet together. The front foot pivot is for coiling hips and the back foot pivot is for uncoiling the hips.

Do not raise your racquet to swing at the last minute. Use ERP (early racquet preparation) always.

Don’t stand too close to the ball. There will be a tendency for you to slice the ball. Don't chop down at the ball. Swing parallel to the floor.

Don't hit the ball if it is still behind you. Race back and hit it only when it is even with your lead (or front) foot.

And finally, don’t just read all these. You need to get out there and play racquetball like what you were supposed to do in the first place.