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.