Fun with a Great Workout

RACQUETBALL qualifies as a whole lot of fun - and a great workout all at the same time! This fast-paced and easy-to-learn game can get the heart pumping, and burn up the calories, while providing an immense amount of enjoyment.

The game was invented in 1949 by Joe Sobek on a Connecticut handball court. Sobek devised racquetball rules from the basics of handball and squash. He also designed the first short-string paddle. In the late 1970s and early 80s, racquetball was one of the fastest growing sports in America. It reached it's peak of popularity in the mid-1980s, but still today there are millions of American players.

Most often, the game is played as singles competition where one player competes against one other player. Doubles - two against two - can be played, but the court gets very crowded! It is possible for three players to compete in a non-tournament modified version of the game commonly referred to as "cut-throat." Games in racquetball are played to 15 points. It is not necessary to win a game by 2 points. A match is the best 2 of 3 games. If a match is tied at 1-1, the third game is an 11-point tiebreaker.

The regulation indoor court measures 20 feet in width, 20 feet in height, and 40 feet in length. The ball may be played off the walls, floor, and ceiling. Basically, the entire "room" is inbounds, except for a possible gallery opening within the top 8 feet of the back wall. Lines on the floor mark designated areas. Racquetball courts may be found at various locations. Many racquet clubs, or other commercial establishments, have courts available for a fee. Some YMCAs, universities, and churches provide space for play.

In addition to the racquet and ball, another necessary - and extremely important - piece of equipment is a protective eyeguard. Players should not even think about playing the game without wearing protective eyeware. The risk of injury to the eyes from a fast-moving ball or racquet should not be ignored.

Racquetball is a good choice for businessmen who are looking for lots of exercise in a short amount of time. It can happen during a slightly elongated lunch period: a couple of games, a quick shower, a bite to eat, and then back to work! Ladies desiring a fun activity, coupled with a quick workout, have discovered that racquetball is an excellent option. Even adolescents - usually mid to late teenagers - find that fun awaits them on the racquetball court.

The game of racquetball may be played merely for fun and exercise, or it can be engaged-in at a high level of tournament-style competition. In either case, participants will reap the benefits of a full-body workout and a pleasurable leisure experience.

Casual Game is Big Fun!

FOR A GOOD TIME at a lawn party, social event, or family gathering, try croquet! Croquet can be played in a relaxed and easy-going atmosphere just for fun, yet it can also include the testing of some physical skills and tactical thinking.

For home play, a rectangular area on a mostly flat lawn with short to medium length grass is perfect. Official courts for tournament play are up to 100 feet by 50 feet, however home courts are most often considerably smaller. A double-diamond court configuration is suggested.

Lightweight and inexpensive equipment is easily available. The recommended equipment for play at home includes 9 wickets, 2 stakes, 6 mallets, and 6 balls. Up to six players may compete at the same time. Usually the equipment comes in a carrying case or a holder with wheels. Croquet sets may be purchased at various discount or department stores, or from stores which feature sporting goods. Current prices will probably vary from $30 to $100.

Croquet is an ideal activity for family play. Children, teens, parents, and even grandparents can participate. Attendees at a neighborhood block party can enjoy some friendly competition, and at the same time get some mild exercise, with croquet. The game is also a good option for members of clubs or organizations where fun, fellowship, and socialization are primary goals.

The game of croquet, born in the British Isles in the mid-19th century, is still enjoyed by many today. It is an ideal leisure activity. And, the casual backyard game is big fun for all who take part!

Church Recreation Notables

AN ENORMOUS NUMBER of people have made significant and meaningful contributions to the ministry of church recreation over the past 85 years or so. A few have been trailblazers. Some have shared ideas and expertise as volunteers. Several have given of their talents as they have worked in dual roles. Many have held full-time paid professional positions. A select group could qualify as members of a church recreation hall of fame!

These fine folks have served under a wide variety of titles. No doubt, most - if not all - have viewed their efforts as a calling from God. Some have been in denominational service. Most have served on the staff of a local church. All have seen themselves as ministers, recreators, administrators, supervisors, directors, or leaders. They have performed duties in the area of recreation and leisure activities, but also most have been encouragers, counselors, and friends in the eyes of program participants. Tenure for these special people varies from short-term to long-term, and includes those who dedicated their entire careers to this unique professional path. These who have served in church recreation ministries have had the opportunity to come into contact with countless thousands of lives. Their influence has been immeasurable.

Names of several church recreation notables are presented below. Many more exist! Other names may be added to the list as a "comment" to this posting. There is no attempt to list names in alphabetical order.

Church Recreation Notables: T. B. Maston, Chester Swor, Agnes Pylant, Bob Boyd, Ray Conner, Tommy Yessick, John Garner, Frank Hart Smith, Cecil McGee, Adelle Carlson, Violet Thornbury, Leon Mitchell, Larry Haslam, Maines Rawls, Neil Jackson, Bob Sessoms, Don Mattingly, Phil Harris, Dave Prichard, Dan Beam, Bob Dixon, Bob Raus, Tony Mobley, Clyde Maguire, Harold Hipps, Howard Chapman, David Downing, John Potts, Ernie Leibig, Elmin Howell, Ken McNutt, Dan Flowers, Grady Lowery, Bobby Shows, Scotty Shows, Larry Jackson, Mack Davis, Charles Martindale, Ed Jenkins, Sam Satterfield, Jake Malone, Dan MacMillan, Jay Smith, Joe Wood, Phil Swearengin, Larry King, Glenn Davenport, Steve Morrow, Art Harris, Jerry Harris, Ken Sutterfield, Jim Furgerson, Lee Zachry, Norm Wakefield, Sharon Baack, Tip Ferris, Rod Kissinger, Jerry Johnson, Gene Huckaby, Robert Holcomb, Lloyd Tripp, Preston Odom, Phil Briggs, Rosemary Hoover, David Leyerle, Larry Merideth, Dave Freshour, Larry Smith, David Waddell, J.D. Lynch, Bill England, and Billy Kruschwitz.

Dave Stevens, Stan Sullinger, Monte Ezell, Ken Enloe, Greg Morrow, John Long, Curt Hernandez, Dan Rose, Shan Rose, Gary White, Bruce Wade, Ric Taylor, Laura Willhite, Tom Dugger, Robin Kearns, Ed Kohl, Denise Cimaglia Lincoln, Roger McCurry, Doug Millar, Tom Radigan, Mike Rorie, Mike Harper, Cynthia Floyd, Jane Houston Flora, Dan Eubanks, Denny Brinkman, Rodger Wheeler, Doug Holt, Jeff Allee, Ted Carmody, Rocky Good, Mike Harper, Larry Haun, Dick Dixon, Mike Ross, Ken Surritte, Donna Voteau, Larry Stehr, Benjie Bender, Jason Davis, Thom Clark, Christine Tennison Brisco, Rick Hensley, Brent Holloway, Michael Royal, Brandon Smith, Tommy Bullock, Jack Duffer, Andy King, Cindy Weinburg Kriemelmeyer, Mark Martin, Kyle Nix, Rhett Pierce, Jeff Morse, Sam Moreton, Todd Liston, John Frazier, Dan Roye, Glenn Menke, Dan Popovich, Connie Carstenson Swanson, Michael Welch, Blake Hayworth, Mike Sinks, Charles Vochatzer, Grady Goodwin, John Frye, Stu Gilstrap, John Godby, Wayne Harris, Mike Jiles, Howie Johnson, Randy Johnson, Allen Locke, Carolyn McClure, Steve Moseley, Mike Murray, Randy Schilb, Bill Stinson, and J.D. Woodard.

All of the individuals named above, plus many others who have also contributed to the advancement of church recreation, deserve the acclaim of men and the blessings of God. Their labors have been extremely noteworthy in carrying out the mission and ministry of the church. In addition, they have served as partners in the betterment of their communities - and all of society as well.
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-- The picture above shows leaders of a church recreation conference held at Ridgecrest, North Carolina in the mid to late 1950s. (Photo courtesy of John Garner and Lifeway Christian Resources)

Badminton: Backyard Family Fun

WHEN FAMILIES are looking for good quality time together, the answer may be badminton! When family members enjoy the outdoors, prefer to be active, and like the idea of getting some exercise, the game of badminton may be the perfect choice. And, it can be played in their own backyard.

Just hitting the birdie - the official name is shuttlecock - back and forth across the net can be fun. However, a rousing game of spirited competition may also be enjoyed. Singles (one against one) or doubles (two against two) offer opportunities for sisters, brothers, moms, and dads to all be involved. Badminton provides an important time for parents and kids to get together for play, laughter, and learning. Various pairings, such as matches between father and son, can have special appeal. Or, the game can keep kids busy for hours of play with their friends from the neighborhood.

Many stores which offer sporting goods will have badminton equipment. Most often, all the necessary supplies and equipment are available in a boxed set which should include the simple rules of the game, racquets, birdies, a net, two posts (standards), and support cords which help keep the net taunt and the posts in a straight and upright position.

Determining the boundaries for the court is fairly easy. The rules will likely include a diagram or a description of the playing areas. The dimensions of the court can be stepped-off. Officially, the court is 44 feet in length and 20 feet in width for doubles, and 44 x 17 for singles. Lines can be marked on the grass with most anything available - even sticks! The court doesn't have to be perfect for family fun. The idea is to simply make the playing area on both sides of the net the same size.

Badminton is a great game! Children, teens, and parents can enjoy this lifetime sport. It is an ideal activity for backyard family fun.