Jun 8 2010

All About Strings & Stringing

“Strings are the Soul of a Racquet”

Strings may be the soul of racquet, but to many players they are just an afterthought. Players will spend 6 months demoing racquets and 6 minutes choosing a string. Fortunately, synthetic string technology has improved dramatically over the last 20 years and there are very few “bad” strings. However, not all strings (and string tensions) are right for all players. Every player has different needs and preferences. Here are a few guidelines to make your string and tension selection easier.

Playability

It’s very difficult to obtain consensus on what makes a string playable. Some players like a crisp, firm playing string while others equate playability with softness and comfort. Generally, a playable string is resilient, which means it snaps back quickly upon ball impact. The material, construction, and thickness of a string will all affect its playability.

Durability

As budget-minded consumers, most of us want a string that offers everything. Unfortunately, increased durability in strings is usually at the expense of playability. Thicker gauges and abrasion resistant materials will be more durable, but they are less elastic and resilient than their thinner, nylon-based counterparts. (See gauge table below.) If a player is breaking a 17-gauge multifilament string, we might suggest they switch to a 16-gauge multifilament version of that same string, if available, for more durability. Otherwise, the next step would be a monofilament string which will offer increased durability but have less playability characteristics.

String Gauge

Generally speaking, thinner strings offer improved playability while thicker strings offer enhanced durability. Racquetball string gauges range from 16 (thickest) to 18 (thinnest). Thinner strings also provide more spin potential by allowing the strings to embed into the ball more.

String Gauges and Diameters in millimeters

15

=

1.41-1.49 mm

17

=

1.20-1.24 mm

15L

=

1.34-1.40 mm

17L

=

1.16-1.20 mm

16

=

1.26-1.33 mm

18

=

1.10-1.16 mm

16L

=

1.22-1.26 mm

19

=

1.00-1.10 mm

Materials

Nylon - synthetic gut or nylon? Truth be told, synthetic gut is nylon. In fact, most of today’s “performance synthetics” are constructed of nylon, albeit a higher grade than basic nylon string. Today’s manufacturing processes produce nylon strings (or synthetic gut, if you insist) that provide a good combination of playability and durability.

Kevlar - The most durable string available. Kevlar is very stiff and strings up very tight. Therefore, it is usually combined with nylon to reduce the string bed stiffness (Kevlar main strings, nylon cross strings). Still, Kevlar hybrids are the least powerful and least comfortable strings currently available. Players trying kevlar hybrids for the first time (from nylon strings) are recommended to reduce tension by 10% to compensate for the added stiffness. Not recommended for beginners or players with arm injuries.

String Construction

Here’s a list of string constructions, general descriptions of their associated performance benefits and examples of each:

Solid Core with One Outer Wrap

scoowMost popular nylon string construction - majority of “synthetic gut” strings are solid core/single wrap. Main benefits are tension maintenance and crisp feel. Quality of nylon center core, as well as size and orientation of outer wraps can influence feel and comfort.

Solid Core with Multi Wraps

scmwProvides additional durability and cushioning.



Multifilament (no wraps)

multiBundles of micro synthetic fibers are twisted together, similar to natural gut. Nylon multifilaments are typically more comfortable than solid core strings due to the cushioning effect of hundreds or even thousands of micro fibers. Resultant effect is a soft and comfortable string, recommended for players suffering from arm problems who don’t want to pay the high price for natural gut. Normal use causes multifilament strings to fray, like gut, which can be alarming to players switching from solid core strings. With the exception of Kevlar and Zyex, multifilament strings are generally classified as “soft” strings.

Multicore with Wraps

multwSmaller multifilament core with one or more outer multifilament wraps. Offers similar comfort benefits to multifilament strings with added durability.


Composites

compA combination of different materials blended together in an attempt to bring out the best features of each material. For simplicity, strings combining different grades of nylon, which are theoretically also composite strings, aren’t included in our list.

String Tension

String tension is the final piece in the racquet-string-tension triad. It’s also the least understood by most recreational players. Let’s start with the basics - lower tensions provide more power, tighter tensions provide more control. This is a very general rule of thumb and assumes a certain level of player ability (especially the control part). A beginning player may need more control but tighter string tensions aren’t the solution. This player needs a soft, forgiving stringbed that lower tensions provide due to the frequency of off-center hits. Advanced players who swing fast and hit hard usually need more control and will, therefore, benefit from tighter tensions. There are, of course, always exceptions but these generalizations apply to the majority of players.

Each racquet has a recommended tension range determined by the manufacturer as a result of extensive playtesting by real players. If a player doesn’t have a specific need (more power, arm problems, etc.), he should start at mid-range and make any adjustments from there.

Here are some specific guidelines for selecting a string tension.

Power - As we stated above, if a player is seeking more power from his racquet, he should try dropping tension a few pounds. The stringbed will deflect more (and the ball less), returning greater energy to the ball. There is a point of diminishing returns where the stringbed turns into a butterfly net, but it’s well below any racquet’s recommended tension range.

Control - a tighter stringbed deflects less and deforms the ball more, providing less energy than looser strings. This means the ball won’t fly as far when you hit it. Beginners who are shanking the ball in every direction won’t gain any advantage by increasing tension, but intermediate and advanced players who can generate their own power will benefit from more controlled power and ball placement.

Arm Injuries - lower tensions result in a softer stringbed and a larger sweetspot, reducing the amount of shock and vibration transmitted to the hand and elbow. Higher tensions result in increased vibration and shock, usually increasing arm fatigue.

Switching Racquets - too many players are stuck on a tension (“I always string my racquet at 30 pounds”) and don’t make allowances when changing racquets. Whether changing racquet head sizes, brands, or weight, a player will need to make the corresponding tension change. If 30 pounds was mid-range on his old racquet and the new racquet’s tension range is 28-38 pounds he should start at 33 pounds with the new racquet.

Switching Strings - if a player changes from a standard nylon or synthetic gut string to a kevlar composite or hybrid, we suggest he reduce tension to compensate for the added material stiffness. If you are switching to a thinner gauge string, you should increase your tension by a few pounds to account for the increased elasticity to acquire your desired string-bed stiffness.

This is a lot of information but we hope it helps you make the best string decision for your particular game and playing style. String is very important but often overlooked and we don’t want to hear any excuses on the court! Now you know everything you need so go here to find the perfect string.

- RW Staff, 800 824 1101

info@racquetballwarehouse.com


May 14 2010

Volcanic Rock - Bringing the Perfect Feel to Racquetball

Wilson’s BLX technology is new to racquetball but may sound familiar to some. It was first introduced in their tennis racquets with great success and a very positive response. While some technologies do not transfer well to racquetball, this particular technology makes perfect sense.

The BL in BLX stands for Basalt, a natural volcanic rock. In manufacturing, this rock is refined into fine gold fibers that feature an incredible resistance to vibration. These fibers are woven longitudinally into the Karophite Black (Wilson’s graphite technology) creating the most advanced composite in the industry. The vibration characteristics of these fibers are key in racquetball, perhaps more so than in tennis, because racquetball racquets get lighter and stiffer every year meaning more vibration. But not anymore!

wilson_blx_non_blx_graph

In their newest line of racquets Wilson combines BLX technology with their Articulated Grommet Technology (AGT), Control Base and previous proprietary technologies to create the Perfect Feel. The AGT allows for greater string deflection to increase comfort and create explosive power. The Control Base employs innovative hoop engineering for maximum torsional stability and precise control.

What does all of this technology mumbo jumbo mean? It means Wilson has created a completely new racquet design to give you the player the best feel possible. How do you measure feel? Put it in your hand and play some games! Whether or not you have liked or even used Wilson racquets in the past, the BLX racquets are a must demo for 2010.

Check out the 2010-2011 Wilson line here

Some Other Notable Things:

- No covers with racquets this year. Why? To save the environment and to save you money. If you are one of the few that uses your racquet cover, they can be purchased for $10.

- There is a 175 and 185 featuring Power Strings (main strings go down the handle) and a 160 and 170 without Power Strings.

- The matching BLX bags as well as most of the Wilson product line are also environmentally friendly

- Support the Wilson Hope brand whenever you can - we all have family that has been affected by breast cancer. Also, the Hope Balls play great!

I hope this was informative and interesting for you. Please feel free to call us anytime with questions or just to talk racquetball.

- Ben, 800 824 1101


Mar 23 2010

Some thoughts about hard work

As a coach of countless individuals and now a college team for my fourth season (go ASU!!!) I have always found it interesting how people react when I talk about putting in hard work to obtain results. I have noticed that I typically get one of three reactions:

1. Disappointment–I have actually had people tell me they came to me for lessons to learn short cuts and not have to work so hard to be better. Thanks for the vote of confidence in my level of wizardry, but the fact of the matter is I cannot wave my hands over you and make you an Open player.  If I could do that, I would have charged you a lot more money!  :-)

2. People who humor me–I have had plenty of players who nod their head and go along with what I am saying, only to leave the court that day with no intention of executing what we have discussed.

3. A glimmer in the eye–this is the player I am looking for.  Someone who looks back at me as if to say “all I needed was a roadmap”.  I am continually impressed how many of the girls at Arizona State fall into this last category.  It has been a lot of fun watching their games develop exponentially just by following the advice of someone who has been there and done that.

I recently attended a public speaking event where Kurt Warner, former quarterback of the AZ Cardinals, shared some great insight to what he thought it took to be a champion.  He relayed a story about Lance Armstrong during a stage in the Tour de France a while ago.  Armstrong came down with a high fever at the end of a stage, right before they were about to enter the mountains. He had an IV all night long, and was very sick for most of the night.  When he awoke the next day, the team was worried Lance would not be able to ride at all, let alone be competitive in this mountain stage. When he looked out the window, he just smiled.  It was miserable out; raining so hard it was coming down sideways.  Lance knew his team was ready for this, more so than any other team. They had done the work beforehand, and knew what it would be like out there today.  They were prepared; they had suffered and they knew they could perform under the worst of conditions.  Needless to say, they went on to win that stage by a large margin, setting themselves up for an easier time during the rest of the event because of this one day.

I make my team suffer, just ask them. My leg workouts after practice are no picnic. Plyometrics, jumprope, hops up the stairs, etc. after a two hour practice is not a lot of fun. Saturdays we run the hill near campus; 20% grade, 100 yards of slippery, rocky terrain that has my heart rate hitting 185+ everytime I do it with them. Why? Because they need to suffer…its the only way.  So that when we go to Intercollegiates and we are in the heat of battle and I look them in the eyes and remind them what they have been through, they’ll remember they are ready.  They have been through tough times, and are prepared for more. They can handle it, and persevere.

Are your ready?  Does your time at the club get you ready for tournaments, or does it simply burn a few calories and let you hang out with your friends?  If that is all you want out of racquetball, that is just fine, enjoy! If you want to be competitive, win matches and even tournaments, get to work.  Schedule drill sessions, practice matches, and fitness training.  Make every second you spend at the club push you forward, and not just let you hold your ground.

You can pick up a copy of one of my books at www.racquetballwarehouse.com and follow the drills, things to practice, and racquetball related workouts. Either Percentage Racquetball or Racquetball 101 will have what you are looking for.  Get to work!   :-)

- Darrin Schenck, ASU Racquetball Coach


Jan 25 2010

Did someone say custom racquet graphics?

After much anticipation and fielding a ton of phone calls asking about it, Racquetskinz will finally be available through Racquetball Warehouse RacquetskinzFor those of you who aren’t familiar with the Racquetskinz product, let me break it down for ya.  You can now customize your high end Ektelon frames with a plethora of design options to choose from.  You can add text in certain spots and even custom graphics in areas like the handle.  Think about having one of a kind styling on your racquets bearing your name on it in case anyone was wondering who owned this awesome stick.  It’s as simple as choosing from one of Ektelon’s O3, Speedport, or EXO3 frames, picking a graphic from multitude of different choices, adding any text you want and presto!  ASU Sundevils RacquetImagine your college team having matching racquets with your school’s logo on the frame.  You can sport the latest designs created by the pros themselves.  When you purchase your new Ektelon Racquetskinz racquet from Racquetball Warehouse, you will get a choice of string to put in as well as a plethora of grip options.  Current pros using racquetskinz racquets include Rocky Carson, Jose Rojas, John Ellis, Andy Hawthorne, Paola Longoria, Rhonda Rajsich, Aimee Ruiz, Jen Saunders, Keely Franks & Aubrey O’brien.  Don’t be surprised to see them all have their own flavors of racquets coming out soon.  For a closer look at the product and some photos of other examples, check out their facebook page.  Racquetskinz is planned to launch on Racquetball Warehouse in the beginning of February so make sure to check the website often for updates.

-Kyle


Jan 20 2010

2010 - What is your gameplan?

What does 2010 hold for you???

I am one of those annoying people who starts their New Year’s Resolutions early, one month early to be exact. I always have planned, written out, and started my plan for next year by December 1st. I know, I know…its irritating, but since my Christmas shopping was also done in advance, why wouldn’t I start my plan for next year right now? No time like the present.

For me, I am in the midst of a heavy lifting program to add some size to my frame before switching over to the stamina and cardio training that I will do soon. I am a big believer in leading by example, so I still do all the workouts with the ASU Racquetball team. I warned everyone on the ASU Racquetball Team before Holiday break that we will begin the workouts starting the first week of practice when returning in January. For those who have been through it before, they know what to expect; for the newbies…it’ll be a surprise to watch a guy twice their age outwork them. A point of pride for me is reminding them that I am in fact twice their age when they are falling behind. In addition to continuing to refine their swings and their strategies on the court, we will be training like animals off the court.

So what am I getting at with all this? HAVE A PLAN. I believe Peter Drucker is quoted as saying “That which gets measured gets done.” He is exactly right; if you come into this year without a plan, or going with the status quo, you are doing yourself a huge disservice. What does your game need?

- Better fitness

- Solid Strategy

- A more consistent backhand

- Efficient Shot Selection

- All of the Above??

If only there were a book that gave some direct examples and a proven game plan for accomplishing this. Oh wait…there is! If Santa did not bring you a copy of Percentage Racquetball or Racquetball 101 for Christmas, get online and order a copy from Racquetball Warehouse. Do it today!

Map out a plan for improvement for 2010; it is the only way you will gain some ground. Your competition is probably doing the same thing, so if you do not get moving you will be left behind. Having forehand issues? It is one of two things: either you are not using correct form, or you are taking high-risk shots that are leading to too many errors. Fix it. You will be making your own life easier if you follow the drills laid out in the book, and saving wear and tear on your arm and the rest of your body as well. Backhand still not where it should be? Get to work. Don’t have a defined game plan for every opponent you face? Study up! Buy the book, read it, learn it, practice it, and start being the person that people dread playing in the next tournament.

I did not achieve the things I did by sitting back and waiting for them to come to me, I went after them. I sought help, practiced, and worked diligently to streamline my game and increase my fitness so that I could be the best competitor I could be. All it takes is the right plan and hard work…GET TO IT!!!

Darrin Schenck

ASU Head Racquetball Coach

Author—Percentage Racquetball and Racquetball 101


Jan 19 2010

Ashaway, a renewed force in string technology

If you are an avid player and fan of racquetball, you may have seen some professional matches last season, and if you really know your sport, you might have noticed the Bright Green string in the racquet of Jack Huczeck. As I write this article, Jack is currently ranked #2 in the world and a force to be reckoned with. This article however, is not about Jack, but about his Bright Green string - the newly released Ashaway UltraKill, to come in both 17 and 18 gauge.

Ashaway is the only United States manufacturer of racquet strings and produces strings for badminton, tennis, squash and racquetball. Why do you care? I will tell you right now. Up until recently, Ashaway produced mainly durability strings for racquetball, consisting of either kevlar, nylon or the patented Zyex material. This Zyex is no ordinary fiber, but provides previously unmatched lows in dynamic stiffness, thin durable gauging, and minimal tension loss. Still, Zyex has been a durability string, and unknown to many soft string users. This is all about to change with the  development of Zyex Multifilament the new optimal balance of power, control and durability.

Here is how one of our external playtesters, John Rack, an experienced stringer, rated the new Ashaway UltraKill 18:

I am so impressed with this string. It has incredible power with great control. Touch shots up front are a breeze and the string has great feel. After 3 weeks, there is no sign of wear whatsoever and I consider myself more of a power player. There is little to no vibration, but I am using the GB 250 170 that minimizes vibration anyway. The string is ultra thin; thinner than other 18G strings I’ve used and I can really feel the ball pull back on the strings. The string really holds its tension well and it was not pre-stretched. I strung it 2 lbs less than the GB multi 18 that I was using and the thinner diameter Ashaway string reduced the racquet weight by 3 grams even though they’re both 18G strings.  Needless to say, I highly recommend this string.

I have now concluded my test of the Ashaway 18G string and I wanted to give my final thoughts on this string. This string got better and better over time and after a month of playing 4X a week I saw very little wear.  I thought that this string was one of the best strings I’ve ever used but I started to get some arm soreness after the 4th week. Since I’ve had tendonitis before, I had to stop using this string. I’ve never  experienced any soreness when I used the GB 18G or the Prince Premier with Softflex. I didn’t think that the Ashaway was particularly stiff, but definitely not as soft as the previous strings I mentioned.  If you’re not bothered by arm soreness, I would highly recommend this string and it would be well suited to the majority of players out there.

Finally, here is the Ashaway UltraKill rated side-by-side with my previous favorite strings (out of 10):

picture-2


Jan 6 2010

Review: Asics Gel Sensei 3 Racquetball Shoe

I’ve been playing racquetball for over 40 years and without a doubt the court shoes today are an amazing improvement from even 10 or 15 years ago. When I began playing as a teenager in the late 1960’s we all wore Converse Chuck Taylors. It might be cool to wear this retro shoe for some things, but definitely not for a tough racquetball match.

When you’ve played as many practice and tournament matches as I have, you look for a shoe that offers great shock absorption, support, grip and if they look great, that’s an added bonus. Working with Racquetball Warehouse I tried the top shoes from seven different companies. To say I’m picky is an understatement. I selected the Asics Gel-Sensei 3 Asics Gel Sensei 3 and have been extremely pleased. For years I’ve used the flat 1/8” Spenco neoprene insole under the stock insole in my shoes to give me a little more cushioning. After over 25 hours on the court with the ASICS Forefoot and Rearfoot GEL Cushioning System I haven’t had to add the extra cushioning and my knees and legs feel great after a tough match. The ASICS system strategically adds a silicone based gel at high impact areas for shock absorption. It works.

I found my normal 11.5 shoe size was what fit with the Gel-Sensei 3. Wearing two pairs of socks I want the fit to be snug so that I’m not experiencing lateral movement within the shoe. This shoe offers outstanding fit with tremendous support. I don’t normally pay much attention to why a shoe fits so well, but ASICS takes this very seriously. PHR (Personal Heel Fit) is a memory foam lined heel collar that molds to your foot, creating a personal fit. Also, the Biomorphic Fit Upper provides superior fit and function. Add this to the Solytec Midsole Material which is lighter than ASICS standard material for improved cushioning and durability, and you now have the best racquetball shoe that I’ve ever worn. This shoe was actually designed for volleyball, so you can understand why it works so well on the racquetball court.

Another feature you might be interested in is the Impact Guidance System. This enhances the foot’s natural gait from heal strike to toe-off. Also, you players who are tough on your shoes, you’ll like the PGuard that enhances toe durability. As I noted earlier looking great is a bonus and, in my opinion, the Gel-Sensei 3 look great!

Racquetball Warehouse has a rating system on a 1-5 scale to compare shoes in a few different categories. Here’s my rating for the ASICS Gel-Sensei 3:

Comfort – 5

Arch Support – 4.5

Foot Support/Stability – 5

Traction – 5

Looks – 5

Overal Rating – 4.9

Bill Schultz
E-Force Wisconsin Team Leader
Member – Wisconsin Racquetball Hall-of-Fame


Nov 25 2009

IRT Network, not your typical paysite..

I will keep this brief. I would like to make sure that all dedicated racquetball players know about a relatively new online service. Have you ever spent hours combing Youtube for racquetball videos? Have you been channel surfing and wondered “why isn’t there racquetball on TV? It would be much better than this Rambo marathon I’ve been watching for 4 hours.” If you answered yes, and even if you didn’t, I have a website you need to check out.

I am of course referring to the IRT Network which provides live streaming of all IRT (International Racquetball Tour) events in high quality video with several camera angles and full time commentators. The IRT tournaments are played on the all lucite court, which allows you, the viewer, to see the top pros play their best matches from all angles. Check out the court below:picture-1Now, through December 20, the IRT Network is offering the chance for any new subscription sign ups to win Rocky Carson’s Motorola Gear, worn at the US Open. Enter the promo code ‘Rocky’ upon subscription signup for the chance to win - I am pretty sure he is going to wash these before giving them away. If you are unsure, do not fret, IRT Network lets you sign up for free and receive limited access so you can decide if it is worth the subscription.

My thoughts? Support the businesses that support racquetball! If you want to keep growing the sport, it’s not going to be free. This is a Win Win - support the sport and get access to some kick-ass racquetball matches all year long. Lastly, this is a great gift idea for any die-hard racquetball fans!!

- Ben - www.IRTnetwork.com


Nov 16 2009

Super Shoes with Superfeet

My feet have never felt so good, and I have never felt so confident.

When I started playing racquetball, I mean really started playing racquetball, my only concern was putting the racquet on the ball and getting the ball to the front wall (remember your first time on the court before you pass judgment here). As my game progressed, my next concern became eyewear, then racquets, then gloves and so on. My point? Shoes were not a top concern until much later.

I now realize this was backwards thinking as my feet and footwork are the foundation of my game, and you need a strong, stable foundation. Within the last year I have switched shoes several times, from Ektelon to Wilson to Adidas to Asics and finally, to Hi-Tec. While I wasn’t unhappy or disappointed with any of those shoes, my feet have never been happier than they are in Hi-Tec shoes.

Just when I thought I had the perfect shoe, Hi-Tec did it again with the H700.

hth700With improved breathability, a heel locking system and the same incredible support of 4:SYS technology, my shoes have never felt so much like an extension of my body. Though I have suffered from a bit of separation anxiety since switching from my Lime Green 4:SYS shoes, I have found the perfect solution! Lime Green Superfeet Performance Insoles.

sfpiHaving completed the Gait Analysis at our sister company Running Warehouse, I know that I over-pronate (I lean more heavily on the inside of my foot). I have never worn insoles before, but with the Superfeet insoles and 4:SYS shoes combined, I felt more stable than I knew was possible. My feet didn’t hurt and my legs weren’t as sore at the end.

My point to all this? If you are unhappy with your shoes, go Hi-Tec. If you are happy with your shoes but want support, take a look at some insoles, Superfeet are the right fit for me.

- Ben


Nov 4 2009

US Open — 2009 and a Practice Drill

Well, another calendar year is almost in the books.  I know this since I, like a lot of racquetball players out there keep track of time by the yearly tournament schedule.  National Doubles means I need to buy a Valentines Day present, the Amateur Nationals in Houston means summer is here, and of course the US Open in Memphis means that the holiday season is almost upon us.

So whether you attended the event in person or watched on line, once again we were treated to the best of the best our sport has to offer.  Kane is still the man…and the gap does not seem to be closing.   Despite winning close first games against Jose Rojas in the quarters and Huzcek in the finals, most of the games he won were not closely contested.  Rhonda Rajisch squeaked past last years Women’s Champ Paola Longoria to add to her list of titles.   This rivalry should keep us entertained for years to come; makes me wonder who can step up on the Men’s side to challenge Kane.  Any takers?

So what can we learn from watching these top players play the game in one of the sports biggest venues?  Do me and yourself a huge favor and repeat after me:

“I am not Kane Waselenchuk (or Rhonda Rajisch) ”

Why do I want to hear you say this?  Because I want you to be a better player than you already are.  Sounds contradictory, I know.  However, unless you are a really late bloomer, you do not have the athletic ability of the top men and women pros.  I am sorry to be the one to break this news to you, but it is true.

So with this in mind, I want to encourage you to build a better, more stable game plan than you witness at the US Open.  The top pros rarely miss, and they have the skill foundation to hit winners from every position on the court.  They have done the work, and build the base to be able to play like this.  You will be far better off implementing a more conservative game plan and allowing your opponent to be the one to take low percentage shots, making a few of them but not enough to win.

The first thing I preach to my students when we get to the discussion about shot selection is to use all of the court behind your opponent.  A large majority of the shots you take are when your opponent is set up in center court.  Don’t try to hit a kill or a splat in front of someone who is planted in center court looking to cover this shot.  The one you make might look cool, but the six you miss are hurting you far more than one good shot gains.  Yes, I am talking to you.  :-)   HIT PASSES…please!  It drives me crazy to sit and watch people miss easy, wide open opportunities to end rallies and win points because they are choosing the wrong shot.

PRACTICE DRILL—-When you are practicing, put your bag against the front wall about 12″ to 18″ away from the right wall. (BTW…remove any breakable items from the side of the bag that you will be pelting with forehands) Stand at the five foot line.  Now drop and hit 20 forehands (for you righties) and see how many times you can hit the ball down the line without hitting your bag.  Now back up to 38′ deep and do the same.  If your number is less than 70% from either position, you need more practice.  Do the same thing on the backhand side as well.

What is the purpose of the bag?  It will teach you to hit the ball higher (less risk) and make it travel deeper into the court, resulting in a pass.  Your shot should land around the service line on the first bounce and the second bounce before the back wall (or hit very low on the back wall)  This is the most difficult shot for your opponent to defend, and it will make your job of winning rallies far easier.  Want to up the difficulty?  Feed yourself a shot and then hit down the line, count and measure your results.

This drill is more difficult than you think, but it will hopefully ingrain this shot into your game and when you play this should become your shot of choice.  It makes your opponent cover the most court, and is easier for you to execute.  You have roughly 250 square feet behind your opponent (who is set in center court) and about 50 square feet in front of them to make the ball bounce the second time.  Which do you think is easier???

For more information, please purchase either Racquetball 101 or Percentage Racquetball from Racquetball Warehouse’s site and start playing the easy way!

Darrin Schenck

Head Coach–ASU Racquetball

Former IRT Touring Pro