Racketball
is played on a conventional squash court using similar rules to that of
squash. The difference is that a larger faster ball is used with a
slightly shorter racket. This result is that players have a longer
opportunity to get to and hit the ball, which in turn means longer
rallies. The added benefit is that injuries to players are far less and
generally players can carry on playing racketball much later in life
than they may have done with squash. As with squash, racketball rackets
have improved and enlarged and the balls have slowed from the ultra fast
balls of the 80's & 90's. This has allowed the game of Racketball
to evolve into a much more skillful and enjoyable game.
Racketball
is one of the fastest growing sports in the UK enjoyed by hundreds of
players in Hampshire, some who play squash as well, but also those who
are dedicated solely to the game. Racketball is a great game which
requires both control of a faster ball and stamina to keep going during
much longer rallies than most club players would get playing squash. Its
appeal is growing fast with not only older squash players taking it up,
but also younger players also giving it a try and enjoying racketball
whilst still playing squash. It can also appeal to non squash players
who perhaps may be starting up having only played tennis or badminton.
Tennis players are able to adapt to racketball very quickly and become
proficient having never played squash.
What
is clear is that Racketball is the game of the future. Squash clubs are
now benefiting from the growth in Racketball which will no doubt help
to secure the future of many clubs. Can Racketball ever be an Olympic
Sport? Some argue that it could be and would be before squash is
considered again. If you have not tried the bigger ball yet, what are
you waiting for?