Raquetball... anyone else enjoy the sport?

[HomeBrewerDude]

I used to play a lot of raquetball, but quit when we started havign children. Now, I'm getting back into the game and I forgot how much fun it is. I played a guy half my age tonight and beat him 4 out 4 games. Will step up to the next skill level next week.


anyways, I'm just a goofy old guy with old school prescription goggles ready to kick your ass on the court!

cheers and beers,
HBD

 

[JEDIYoda]

great for losing weight...

 

[herkulease]

I like it, its a big change going from badminton to racquetball. But when I am able to play its quiet fun. I mean the room itself is already fun. its almost as if I'm in some psych ward. just missing a white jacket.

 

[George P Burdell]

I started with raquetball, then moved to squash (which was weird because the ball is much smaller). Excellent form of exercise. :thumbsup:

 

[Tencntraze]

squash > racquetball

I find that squash requires a LOT more effort and is a lot more fun due to the fact that you have a lot more options for ball placement instead of just hitting the crap out of the ball and having it be able to bounce anywhere (no out-of-bounds)

 

[markgm]

I used to play it in college, I wish I was able to play it now.

 

[mooglekit]

Used to play in college...scared my wife (then gf) to death, but it was tons of fun. Don't have anywhere to play now...very sad

 

[njmodi]

Originally posted by: Tencntraze
squash > racquetball

Agreed. Anyone who plays racquetball should give squash a try. The only problem is that squash isn't popular in geographical areas apart from the two coasts, so it can be challenging to find a court and gear (online).

 

[destrekor]

Originally posted by: Tencntraze
squash > racquetball

I find that squash requires a LOT more effort and is a lot more fun due to the fact that you have a lot more options for ball placement instead of just hitting the crap out of the ball and having it be able to bounce anywhere (no out-of-bounds)

this shows your complete lack of knowledge regarding the rules of racquetball. there are a lot of rules regarding ball placement.
if you want more action, play 3 man. it gets hectic.

and in general, if you play racquetball competitively, you will find its not about smashing and letting it bounce anywhere. in fact, you do NOT want that. Randomness provides ample opportunity for your opponent to return the ball. each player will have their own strategy as to ball placement, but its about speed, maneuverability, and ball placement strategy. I'm good at placing the ball a few inches (precision helps here) above the floor at the end wall, which reduces the distance and height the ball will return from the wall, usually forcing an easy point because it will bounce twice before the player can return it. also, getting a good opportunity to tap the ball lightly against the far wall, if the player is towards the back, will quite often end in a point for you if done correctly.
there are quite a few others and its rather helpful to play a good racquetball partner because they will try strategies on you and thats how you learn.
i hate it because I have to play my roomy, bout the only person I have to play, and because he isn't that great I don't play that great. you'll find its relatively easy to not play great if you aren't playing a well-matched opponent because you play off the other person.

 

[Tiamat]

I forgot my safety glasses once. just once.

black eye for a week

 

[49erinnc]

Love racquetball. I'm pretty active and can hold up to most sports. But nothing beats me down like racquetball. Great cardio workout but it's only fun if you're playing with someone on your level. If they suck, it's boring. If they're significantly better, it's boring as well. But if you can find someone who plays near your abilities, there is nothing more fun and exhausting. I don't play as much as I used to but mainly due to a lack of convenient courts. I belong to a gym chain but only one of their locations around here has a court and it's pretty far from my house/always occupied.

 

[Boonesmi]

i love it... but its been a couple years since i last played

 

[FrustratedUser]

It's super fun.
I play 2 hours every Friday.

 

[kotss]

Yes, it is a fun game. When I do play it is usually for 3 games and I have one person who I can play against. Luckily we are fairly well matched. I did initially learn from one person who had played on and off for 18 years but I am more physically fit, so I eventually became better than him. You do need to have someone who is either as good as you or better. Everything destrekor said is accurate. A 3 person game I call cuthroat.

 

[HomeBrewerDude]

Originally posted by: 49erinnc
Love racquetball. I'm pretty active and can hold up to most sports. But nothing beats me down like racquetball. Great cardio workout but it's only fun if you're playing with someone on your level. If they suck, it's boring. If they're significantly better, it's boring as well. But if you can find someone who plays near your abilities, there is nothing more fun and exhausting. I don't play as much as I used to but mainly due to a lack of convenient courts. I belong to a gym chain but only one of their locations around here has a court and it's pretty far from my house/always occupied.

Yeah, I joined my current gym because they have 6 courts, and better yet, they have a staffer that keeps the leagues organized. He'll even find matches for us if we need too... none of that calling 40 people to find one guy that can play.

As far as squash goes, I've played it a little, and it is a lot more running around and IMO a lot less satisfying.

 

[mitaiwan82]

Yes I used to play in college...even took a class for it I've had a few accidents on court, but nothing that left any permanent damage. I wish I had access to a court that was close to the house...