Ever since I can remember I have been most picky about the shoes I play with. Having a shoe that is comfortable, stable, properly fitted, and that caters to your style of play is no less important than choosing the right racquet or any other piece of equipment. From my past personal experience and from talking with others, a lot of racquetball players will settle on shoes that may not be the best option for them.The first thing I look for in a shoe is fit. If it doesn’t fit well it doesn’t matter what incredible technologies the shoe may have. It is often easy to make compromises to look good, but save that for off the court. I’ve done it, and I’m sure we’re all guilty of it! When I am looking at shoes I will look for a shoe that is narrow with a medium arch. If the shoe doesn’t offer either of those I pretty much know that it’s not going to offer what I need.

My second consideration is the technologies that are built into the shoe. There are a number of technologies designed specifically for competing on an indoor court surface. A few notable ones are: Mizuno’s Wave Technology providing superior stability and cushioning, Hi-Tec’s 4:SYS Midsole Technology that distributes impact to increase stability and support using seven different densities of foam, and Asics’ WET GRIP technology designed to increase traction on wet or dirty surfaces. These are only a few of the newer technologies introduced – for a full list check out the Racquetball Warehouse Learning Center. Technologies can have a significant impact on the performance of a shoe, especially in a fast-paced sport like racquetball.

The third and least critical aspect of my shoe-choosing process is cosmetics. Let’s be honest though, this is an important part to most if not all of us. We have seen a lot of wild colors and styles around sports in recent years so we do our best to offer a mix of traditional looks and colors as well as more modern styling. So what should you take from all of this? Take time to seriously consider the best shoe for you and remember – we have FREE Return Shipping if you make the wrong choice the first time.

If you have any questions about any of our products please feel free contact us any time at 1.800.824.1101, info@racquetballwarehouse.com, or facebook.com/racquetballwarehouse.

Racquetball Warehouse Shoe Playtest Form

Test Shoe: Nike Multicourt 10

Name: Ben Croft

What type of foot do you have?     Arch: (Low     Medium High)     Width: (Narrow Medium     Wide)

How many hours did you playtest the shoes? 30 hours

Did these shoes require any break-in period? Yes If so, how long? 2-3 hours

Scale - 1: Horrible 2: Poor 3: Average 4: Good 5: Tremendous

Comfort: 1  2  3  4 5

Comments: I was pleased with the level of comfort offered by the Nike Multicourt 10’s. Although they’re not as soft as the previous generation of the Multicourt, I was still very comfortable in this shoe. After playing with them for about an hour, I gave up on the thin insole that came in the shoe and replaced with it with the Spencho Arch Support Insoles, which I use in most of my everyday and playing shoes.  After adding the insole with a softer cushion, I was much more comfortable. Being a big fan of low shoes, the height, lightweight, and snug fit were all added benefits. I gave the Multicourt a 4 out of 5 in comfort.

Arch Support: 1  2  3  4 5

Comments: I have a medium arch, and the Multicourt 10’s naturally to my foot. Although personally I found it to be more comfortable once I put in the aftermarket insole, the original insole began to contour to the shape of my foot after roughly an hour.  I felt a very natural and tight fit to my arch and was pleased with how quickly the shoe began to fit to my foot’s natural shape. I rated these shoes a 4 out of 5 in arch support.

Foot Support/Stability: 1  2  3 4 5

Comments: Keeping in mind this is a low shoe; I knew not to expect the support that I would get from a higher shoe. That being said, I got exactly what I expected from them, which was good support. I have not had any ankle problems in roughly ten years, so I like the maneuverability of the shoe along with the support it offered. Even while planting my feet for a dive, or pushing off laterally to retrieve a pass I felt very stable. Again, the MC10 scored a 4 out of 5.

Traction: 1  2  3  4  5

Comments: Along with most gum rubber court shoes, the traction was superb for the Multicourt 10. As a player who makes very aggressive cuts and changes of direction, I was happy getting as much traction as I did from them. Nike’s soft gum rubber seems to grip the floor equally if not better than its indoor court shoe competitors.  Nike’s shallow tread is one thing that concerned me about the traction after a few months of use, but I have yet to have a problem with it after a few weeks of play.

Looks: 1  2  3  4  5

Comments: Cosmetically these shoes are just what I look for. As far as my taste in shoes, a company cannot go wrong with white and simple. They are a classy mix between white and silver with the classic black Nike “swoosh.” The gum rubber sole is not my favorite look, but it offers the most traction so I’ll gladly deal with it. The Multicourt 10 scored a perfect 5 out of 5 in the looks category.

What did you like about these shoes? I am a big fan of low shoes. I feel my performance peaks when I wear low shoes compared to shoes with more ankle support. Not only are they pleasing to my eye, the traction was great; they were lightweight, maneuverable, and stable. They fit my narrow foot with medium arch very well, and continued provide me with comfort, stability, and traction through the entire playtest. They fit, feel, and play very similar to their older sibling, the Nike Multicourt 9.

What did you dislike about these shoes? One thing that stood out that I was a little disappointed with was the lack of a comfortable insole. For me it was too thin and did not provide enough cushion until I replaced them. Also, the durability lacks a little compared to Nike’s competitors shoes. Although for a $55 shoe it continued to perform through a vigorous playtest. Albeit better than last year’s Multicourt 9, it began to show signs of wear and tear in the toe area in the later stages of my playtest.

Additional Comments: Being the newer version of one of my favorite racquetball shoes, I had high expectations of the Nike Multicourt 10 to perform extremely well. Once again, I was very pleased with the outcome of my playtest review. If you are looking for a sleek and lightweight shoe at a competitive price I would recommend trying the Nike Multicourt 10.

Overall Rating: 4.4

My journey to the first pro stop in Overland Park, Kansas wasn’t ideal. After a seventeen hour traveling debacle, and a 2 a.m. arrival I had finally made it to my hotel room. My first match was scheduled at 1:30 p.m. against Alejandro Herrera, who is always a tough competitor. Being a morning person, I like to have the earliest match possible, so 1:30 wouldn’t be my first choice. But, coming from California, my body’s clock is telling me it’s only 11:30 a.m.

I get to the club about forty-five minutes before I play. That’s my perfect amount of time to prepare mentally and physically. Too much time and I get distracted and too little time and I obviously cannot properly prepare. That day I was extra nervous. There were so many thoughts running through my head. I had doubts of winning, fear of losing, and thoughts about whether or not I could’ve done more to prepare. But one thing I’ve always believed is if you’re not nervous, you’re not ready. I forced myself to push those thoughts aside and focus on the task at hand, advancing through the round of 16’s and into the quarterfinals. As we began playing, it didn’t take long for the butterflies to subside and for me to feel comfortable back in battle! Although noticeably rusty, it felt like any other match on tour. After about an hour, I was able to pull off a four-game win. 6,9,(11),4.

After the round of 16’s now begins my ritual of hydrating, eating, and sleeping. I rarely hang around the club after my first match. I head straight back from the club to get lunch to go then right back to my room. I’ve always been a believer in routine, and I stick to it religiously. Although I’d much rather be around the club to socialize, winning is my main objective.

My next match was at 7:30 p.m. against the number six ranked pro Jose Rojas and I was really motivated to win. Obviously Jose is a top player for a reason, and he is in the prime of his career. I stick to my same routine; I show up around 6:45 p.m. and start to prepare for my match. This time, you never know when you’ll play. With two tough quarterfinal matches in front of me, I go on with the assumption my match will be late. I’m forced to watch the match to see the progress. We try to avoid warming up and cooling down multiple times. The anticipation at this point is brutal! After two rollercoaster games that I was able to pull off, I lost the next game but pulled off the win in four games. 9,9,(7),2. After a long and hard fought match it’s time for a quick late night snack, water, and a good night’s rest. 

Saturday’s are always tough for me. Having made the semifinals numerous times, I’ve only been fortunate enough to advance into the finals once.  I try to prepare as much as I can mentally and physically. But this time, I could feel it wasn’t my day. My body wasn’t in good shape, and I was tired from the late night Friday match. All racquetball players have felt like this before. Knowing that no matter what you do to prepare won’t be enough to win is a helpless feeling. All I could do was go out there and play as hard as I can for as long as I can. Needless to say, there isn’t much to write about my semifinal match against Rocky Carson. It was a lopsided loss for me, and not the outcome I would’ve hoped for. Even when I lose I like to feel like I’ve given it my all, like my opponent knows he had to play his best and work his hardest to beat me. Unfortunately, that Saturday wasn’t my day.

Overall the Novasors Kansas City Pro-Am was an encouraging tournament. Given the circumstances, I walked away with my head held high. For the first time, I went into a tournament with a new perspective. As I continue to work full time and work on my game, I will have to figure out a way to continue to elevate my game with less time. I’m looking forward to the challenge of finding new ways to improve. With the US Open rapidly approaching, I better get off the computer and back to the courts!

For anyone who plays or has played racquetball, you know, or can at least appreciate, how great of a sport it is.  When the number one player is hitting serves topping out at 193 mph, it’s definitely the fastest of the racquet sports out there.  There’s nothing better than being able to get on a court and blow off some steam from the work week by hitting a little rubber ball as hard as you can.  Between kill shots, splats, ceiling shots, and all the different angles in a modest 40×20 box, your brain is formulating angles and strategy at a speed that puts Superman to shame.  You have to develop the hand-eye coordination to be able to hit balls coming at you from the front wall, as well as having the timing down to hit balls traveling away from you off the back wall, while aiming at a spot just inches above the floor.  Racquetball is also one of the best sports to play for fitness as it gives your body both an aerobic and anaerobic work out - utilizing different fuel sources.  It also has the potential to get your heart-rate up to 85% of its capabilities, burning calories at a relatively astounding rate.  So when you really break it down, racquetball is one of the best sports for your mind, body, and soul; so why does it seem to have the popularity of the Math Club in high school?

There’s a multitude of theories for why racquetball is off the grid.  For one, it’s not easy televising a sport where half the time the ball is traveling so fast you can’t see its path, let alone appreciate what’s going on inside the court; the cost of prime-time television spots doesn’t help either.  Also (and maybe more importantly) its exclusivity, which is a big barrier for many, as most courts tend to reside in members-only sport clubs.  Of course, there’s also the equipment, though there are many cheap options available, equipment can get to be a little pricey.

Now, I feel, is an appropriate time to come clean and confess; I was not born into the world of racquetball - my loyalties rested with its pretty, proper, country-club older brother, tennis.  I resisted against racquetball tooth and nail with the fear that my skills as a tennis player would become muddled with the different techniques and virtually opposite strokes of racquetball.  However after being introduced, playing in tournaments, and harnessing my competitive nature, a new respect for the sport has put down roots, and I feel will soon grow into a love for racquetball.  Being thrown into the racquetball crowd and culture was a bit of a shock, and I have to confess to the nerves I experienced when one starts something completely new.  As my athleticism now starts to translate to this new game I feel a strong urge to make waves in this sport.  My newly founded enthusiasm is one that my predecessors and current co-workers here at Racquetball Warehouse have possessed and have been trying to spread since even before the company’s inception in 2004.

This drive and desire to grow the sport is fueled by an uncorrupted passion, an almost naivety of a sheltered child in a new world.  Working for Racquetball Warehouse gives myself and the rest of the staff here a unique opportunity to reach out and help to make others see all the benefits, and most importantly, the fun this sport provides.  Everyone I’ve met through tournaments and in the clubs have shown how much the love for this sport can blur lines between age, race, and gender and promote friendly competition while keeping yourself healthy and active.  Now that we’re in a time in American history where approximately 3/4’s of our nation’s states have obesity rates of 25% or higher, I think it’s time that everyone picked up a racquet and joined our seemingly underground movement of battling in a sweat box.  It’s our mission at Racquetball Warehouse as racquetball players and fans, to help grow the sport for the benefit of the sport itself, as well as the well-being and health of people all over the world; our goals and desires go beyond the world of business.  Yes, we offer the best customer service in the business and guarantee the lowest prices, but we also put ourselves out there as individuals and are constantly brainstorming and strategizing as to how we can motivate as many people as possible to enjoy all the fruits that this fast, fun, and slightly dangerous sport, has to offer.

-Jackson, RBW.

During his transition from the court to the office, Croft will continue to play on the pro tour, attending most major events and tournaments. “We are extremely excited to bring Ben’s talent, passion and invaluable insight to Racquetball Warehouse. We are equally eager for him to continue his reign on the court in support of his career, the IRT and the many fans who love to watch him play,” said Racquetball Warehouse Operations Manager, Ben LoBue.

With the season fast approaching, HEAD Penn and Racquetball Warehouse will join forces in a unique partnership to support Croft during the 2011-12 season. Ben Simons, HEAD Penn’s Senior Business Manager for Racquetball, expressed accolades for Croft. “Ben is an intelligent young man with a true passion for the sport of racquetball. I am confident that he will excel in his new role with Racquetball Warehouse. HEAD Penn remains committed to supporting his efforts on the court and appreciates the opportunity to co-sponsor his activities with Racquetball Warehouse for the coming season.”

Ben Croft, who has already made the move to California, begins his new responsibilities at Racquetball Warehouse on August 22, 2011.

ABOUT RACQUETBALL WAREHOUSE

Racquetball Warehouse was started in 2003 as a sister company to online market leader Tennis Warehouse. Since then it has come to the forefront of specialty racquetball retailers with a focus on customer service and product information. Racquetball Warehouse is an official partner of USAR, IRT and WOR. To learn more about Racquetball Warehouse, visit: http://www.racquetballwarehouse.com/.

To connect, visit: http://www.facebook.com/racquetballwarehouse

and http://twitter.com/rbwarehouse.

When I first saw these shoes I wondered how much support the shoe could have with the gap between the bottom of the shoe and the rubber sole.  I have a weak ankle, and support is key to me when it comes to racquetball shoes.  I thought I would give these a try.  Most recently, I have been wearing the Asics Gel Volley Lyte and the Adidas 6-3-1 CC shoes.  Both of those shoes have been performing well for me, so I was reluctant to try another shoe, but went for it.

I have a narrow foot, and these shoes are ideal for individuals who have a hard time with the fit of the typical wide racquetball shoe.  When I put the shoe on, it fit great.  Was a little snug initially, but after about 10 minutes, was as comfortable as any shoe I have worn in a while.  The look of this shoe caught my attention right away.  It is sharp, classy and not overdone with colors.  The material is breathable and so far, rugged.

I have now worn this shoe approximately 16 hours playing both indoor and outdoor racquetball.  In both locations, the shoe performed well beyond my expectations.  The shoe is light enough to allow quick movements on the court, but sturdy enough to give the support on quick cuts and change in direction.  I have even slipped on a wet spot on the court and these shoes held up great.

Breathability is good.  I didn’t notice an issue good or bad on these shoes in that area, which tells me that they breathe good enough.  Even after several games on an outdoor court in 85 degree weather, my feet were not hot.

Overall, this is a great shoe.  As I mentioned earlier, I have been wearing the Adidas and Asics shoes over the past 6 months.  This shoe provides better traction and support than the Asics shoe, and is more comfortable than the Adidas.  Again, this shoe is not for individuals with a wide foot.  It has a narrow fit and will fit tight to your feet.

By Jesse Serna

Physical Trainer & Strength and Conditioning Specialist

Summertime in Stockton is a busy time of the year for racquetball even though there are no tournaments, shootouts, leagues won’t start until the fall, and the IRT’s first Grand Slam of the year is still little over a month away. It is the off season and in Stockton that means up and coming professionals Jose Rojas, David Horn, Jose Diaz, and Jose Serrano are in the midst of serious training to prepare for the 2011-2012 season. The guys are using this time to improve their games through sessions of hard work both on and off the court. During the competitive season it is difficult to make changes to their games and their bodies, so the extra time offered by the off season really needs to be taken advantage of if they are to get better. For players of all abilities, this is the opportunity to improve your game. It takes planning, work and more than a little sacrifice, but when it gets you that one win that you REALLY want (and as racquetball players we all have at least one) it will be worth it!

Make a plan

As the Speed and Strength Coach for the Stockton Pros, I sat down with Coach Dave Ellis and we put together a program for our player’s off season training. Planning is the first part of an off season routine, and this step cannot be underestimated. Sometimes it takes a little assistance during this initial phase. Consulting with your club pro and/or a personal trainer familiar with movement analysis can get this process started. This plan needs to cover how long the program will run, how many hours each week the player has to train and practice, an analysis of what the player needs to improve upon, and how this work will make the player better.

Focus on Weaknesses

What areas on the court are your greatest liabilities? Identify what limits success, and focus on improvement in these areas. If fatigue is a factor, strength and conditioning need to be addressed. Mobility, flexibility, balance and coordination all affect the ability to execute proper foot work and stroke mechanics. Training weaknesses requires letting egos go and being uncomfortable. Working through this discomfort not only improves weaknesses, but trains the mind to be strong in times of struggle (an invaluable racquetball skill)

Play Less

Here is that part where you have to sacrifice. Exchange time that is normally spent playing racquetball, for time spent getting better at racquetball. This is not to say eliminate playing, but don’t play as much. If the temptation is too much, leave all racquets and gear at home. If it is a day you are supposed to drill, get to the club a little earlier than normal. Make getting better, not just playing, the priority.

Work at game speed

To get the most transfer effect from all training and drilling, the work must be done at game speed. Racquetball requires maximal exertion and focus, and training intensity should reflect that reality. That does not mean simply going hard or fast, but producing maximal effort without sacrifice to quality of execution. Relate what you are training specifically to racquetball, while understanding how it improves play to maintain focus and purpose in off season training.

Train Like a Stockton Pro

With so many up and coming players training in Stockton, the local clubs take on a camp feel. These young men identified the value in training together, pushing each other to become better every training session. Two times a week they work together doing plyometrics, agility drills, playing medicine ball tennis, spinning, doing resistance and core training, and at least another two days individually dedicated to strength and conditioning. Three weekly practices conducted by Coach Dave Ellis focus on specific racquetball skill improvement. Not typical summer vacations for a group of college students, but these young men understand that all the off season sweat and effort will pay off all season long. Check in with these pros on the Official Ektelon Facebook page all summer long, and get ideas for your off season program.

Free Training from Home

Visit the Racquetball Warehouse Media Center for free instructional videos covering all of the fundamentals with strength and conditioning coach Jesse Serna, top pro Jose Rojas, and retired top 5 pro John Ellis. You can find videos that cover just about every aspect of the game so you can fine-tune the aspects that will make the biggest difference for you!

]]> http://blog.racquetballwarehouse.com/racquetball-tips-instruction/keeping-fit-during-the-off-season/feed/ http://blog.racquetballwarehouse.com/racquetball-warehouse/the-evolution-of-racquetball-technology/ http://blog.racquetballwarehouse.com/racquetball-warehouse/the-evolution-of-racquetball-technology/#comments Tue, 17 May 2011 22:52:35 +0000 Ben http://blog.racquetballwarehouse.com/?p=514

Just about every year, each racquet company releases a new ‘technology,’ whether an improvement on a past design, a supplemental technology for combined performance, or a revolutionary introduction that completely changes racquet feel and playability. We haven’t seen the latter for a few years but revolutionizing racquet technology is no easy feat. As we are quickly approaching the new product season, you will begin to hear the buzz and see the sneak peaks of new racquets on the horizon but before that happens, let’s take a look at the recent evolutions.

Ektelon – O3 to EXO3 Technology

Ektelon first introduced the O3 Technology in 2005, a truly revolutionary approach to racquet design. The O3 technology consists of large holes in the frame of the racquet, rather than traditional grommet holes, increasing string movement by eliminating the friction between strings and grommets. The end result: a larger sweet spot and more lively string bed for more power and improved playability.

These round ports next evolved into the Speedport Technology, changing into rectangular holes for further increased string movement and improved airflow through the frame for a faster swing and improved maneuverability. Ektelon further changed the frames in 2009 to incorporate the EXO3 Technology. This technology removed more graphite from the frame and now suspended the strings from “Energy Bridge Inserts,” further increasing the sweet spot, string bed movement, and added power to the frame. Ektelon continues to fine tune and improve this technology to maximize power and string bed response so stay tuned for the new line.

Head – Liquidmetal to d3o

Head has been all about material technology, introducing revolutionary materials into their graphite racquets to get the perfect balance of power and performance. They introduced Liquidmetal in 2004, a unique composite with a liquid atomic structure located in key areas on the frame to minimize energy lost in ball impact, transferring the maximum power possible back to the ball.

Head next introduced Microgel in 2007, a super low-density material with high stiffness to lower weight and again maximize energy return and power while dispersing any negative energy throughout the frame. Most recently in 2010, Head took it one step further with d3o, a smart material that changes behavior under dynamic loading to stiffen when you swing your hardest and stay flexible when you want to make those touch shots. Combined with these space age materials, Head has added proprietary technologies – the Inner Grommet System for maximum string bed movement and Corrugated Technology at the throat to increase stiffness and energy return. Head has focused on creating racquets that cater to individual player’s strengths; keep your eyes open for what is new in 2011.

E-Force – Longstrings to Heatseeker

E-Force has more technology in their frames than any other company and is very proud of this heritage. The most notable technology unique to E-Force racquets is the hollow handle with vertical strings that extend the entire length from butt cap to head. This technology has continued to evolve over the years, now incorporating all mains, a unique string pattern and dampened Zero Richter Tubes to create the largest, most powerful string bed in the market, so they say. Combined with the unique Dual Cylinder profile of their frames, E-Force has constantly pushed the envelope of frame technology to maximize power.

In 2009 E-Force introduced the Powerhouse Shaft, which visually increased handle length at the throat. This strategically placed graphite stiffens the throat, moves the flex point of the racquet closer to the sweet spot and increases whip and snap in your swing. In 2010, they introduced the Heatseeker, which combined existing tech with a new grommet technology and an improved graphite lay up to make the most stable E-Force racquet ever. Can they keep reinventing the racquet? We will see this year..

Pro Kennex – Kinetic Technology

ProKennex has been a quiet force in racquet technology, though Kane has loudly brought PK to the forefront in recent years. ProKennex invented the revolutionary Kinetic Technology, which has been featured in publications such as Popular Science, ESPN, and Time, and was proven in tests by MIT. The Kinetic Technology utilizes free-floating micro bearings that ‘load’ on ball impact and explode foreword unleashing kinetic energy to increase power while simultaneously absorbing shock and vibration from ball impact, producing some of the most arm-friendly racquets available.

ProKennex further advanced the Kinetic technology with an ionic coating that reduces friction to maximize the effectiveness of the micro bearings. Their other proprietary technologies of note are the Quad Technology that focuses weight in key locations around the sweet spot to increase stability, and the String Suspension Technology, which reduces string-grommet friction to increase string bed movement. What new technology will the #1 player in the world be using in the 2011 season?

What does it all mean?

Why should you care about any of these technologies and marketing stories? Because they are real, and they change how the racquets play. You cannot find the right racquet for your game if you do not know what options you have, and as new products are released this year it will only get more confusing. At Racquetball Warehouse we do our best to simplify racquets and to educate the players about what products they are using. We are really excited about new racquets coming out this year and we want you to share our excitement! Check the website often for sneak peaks, pre-sales, and exclusive offers and follow us on facebook for all of the latest racquetball news!

Homepage: www.racquetballwarehouse.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Racquetball-Warehouse/151007447801?ref=ts

But now on to what I really meant to write about and that’s the upcoming In-Shape WPRO Championships this coming weekend here at our home club in Stockton, CA.  This is the third year in a row and fifth out of six years that we’ve hosted a Tier One WPRO Stop either in Stockton or Sacramento.  We’ve been fortunate enough to have nice support from a few local business owners and a few “friends of racquetball” when it comes to raising the $10K to host the WPRO.  This area loves professional racquetball whether its the men or the women and I know we’ll have great crowds throughout the weekend.  I’d be lying if I said I didn’t care who made the finals as we’re no different from other WPRO cities in that we want to see the big rivalry between Paola and Rhonda go down here in the 209.  It was an awesome final last year with Paola outlasting Rhonda in a tough fought five game battle.  But, I do know that there are a few other gals on the WPRO that are capable of taking one or both of them down so whomever reaches the final, we know we’ll be in for a great match.

I get asked a lot why I host a WPRO Stop and not an IRT Stop.  There are a few key answers, but it should be clear that I would love to host an IRT Stop and believe that we will eventually bring back the Stockton Pro-Am, which used to be the longest running pro stop in the game.  But for now, my ties are connected to the women’s game and the WPRO.  The fact that racquetball has become even more of a man’s game over the past 10 years is really a sad situation and one that I want to help drastically change.  I grew up at a club where we had almost as many women playing racquetball as men and the atmosphere at the club was awesome because of this.  The social aspect of racquetball is one major factor that drew me and my parents to the game of racquetball and that social atmosphere is barely alive, even at the national level.  I believe that this mostly has to do with the lack of women at events.  It’s just not that much fun to have a tournament with 95% of the players being men.  Our WPRO Stop takes on a different vibe because of having so many women in the club at the same time.  I can’t explain it in detail other than it’s just that natural feeling of men and women being involved in the same thing, making most everyone feel like they’re apart of something special.  Of course my dad has held the position over the past two years as Deputy Commissioner for the WPRO and that certainly influences my decision to host a WPRO Stop.  And, yes I’m apart of the Ektelon Management Staff so it makes sense to have a WPRO Stop with Ektelon being the Official Ball of the WPRO.  But, I’m very pro IRT and look forward to the year that we get back to hosting the guys here in Stockton.  I believe the IRT is heading in a good direction and their schedule looks solid for next season, plus we have plenty of players here in Stockton that would love to play a pro stop at their home club.  It will eventually happen…….

But for now, let’s embrace women’s racquetball here in Stockton and prepare to enjoy a great weekend event.  We need it around here as the Shootouts have taken over the tournament scene and the nature of shootouts is not very social at all.  Having said that, we need the women of Nor Cal to sign up and support this tournament.  The numbers are not great for this event as we’re at about 120 players today, which happens to be the deadline date.  Hopefully we’ll see a spike in the number of entrants today, especially with the amateur women.  Come on ladies, what better way to get motivated about your racquetball game then to watch the best females in the game at the same event you’re playing??

Lastly, I’m very thankful to Racquetball Warehouse for being apart of our sponsorship team.  As the Official Retailer of the In-Shape WPRO Championships presented by Ektelon, they provide a ton of stability for this event and a service that most tournaments don’t have anymore.  RW has been a great partner for me over the past seven years and to be honest, without them in my life, I might be out of RB at this point and doing something else for my living.  I can’t thank them enough!!  Please support RW whenever possible and feel free to use my referral code of RWEllis whenever you order online.  This code does not make me any income, it’s there for you!!

If you’ve read this far down my blog today then I want to thank you for taking the time to read my rant!!  Best wishes to all of the RBers and remember to Keep Em Rollin…………………….

John Ellis

The agreement comes as no surprise as Racquetball Warehouse continues to grow their national presence, according to Manager Ben LoBue. “We are very excited to be partnered with the sport’s governing body and national instructor program. In combination with current partnerships with the IRT and IRTNetwork, we feel we have the necessary resources to really help grow participation in racquetball both internationally and at a grassroots level while providing a complete and satisfying experience for all of our customers.”

Be sure to support your national organization if you do not already and check the USAR website often for racquetball news and updated links and content from Racquetball Warehouse.