Racquetball Description
Racquetball, one of the most popular indoor sports in America, is
a game in which participants hit a ball against a wall with
stringed racquets. The object is to strike the ball in such a manner that
your opponent cannot make a good return before the ball bounces
twice. It can be played either inside or outside. This sport does a good
job of increasing cardiorespiratory and muscular endurance.
Skill, strategy and quickness are the most important requirements
of racquetball. Racquetball can be played with two to four people.
Racquetball Warnings
- Those with a history of ankle, knee, hip, lower back, wrist,
elbow or shoulder pain should seek medical clearance prior to
engaging in raquetball.
Racquetball Risks
- Elbow injuries such as lateral epicondylitis, sprains, fractures
- Shoulder problems such as impingement syndrome,
muscular strain
- Groin strains
- Achilles tendinitis and calf strains
- Ankle sprains from awkward twists or falls
- Knee sprains, tendinitis
- Cuts, scrapes and bruises from falls, wall contact or
player collisions
- Blisters on the hand and foot
- Eye injuries from ball or racquet
Racquetball Sport-specific applications
- Competition on national and international levels, including
the Pan American Games
Racquetball Equipment required
- Racquets: constructed of fiberglass, graphite or other
compounds; should have a wrist thong for safety
- Ball: made of rubber
- Gloves (optional): prevent blisters on hands
- Protective goggles: prevent eye injuries
- Footwear: avoid aerobic or running shoes, look for a
rounded edge along a flexible sole; should provide ankle support;
wear two pairs of socks to avoid blisters
- Rosin or chalk: to aid grip when gloves aren't used
Racquetball Applicable substitutions
- Paddleball
- Handball
- Squash
- Tennis
Racquetball Reference sources, organizations and publications
- The American Amateur Racquetball Association (AARA):
815 North Weber, Colorado Springs, CO 809032947, (719) 6355396
- RACQUETBALL Magazine (published by above organization)
- Racquetball:The Sport For
Everyone, Randy Stafford, Stafford Publishing, 2876 Putting Green, Memphis, TN 38115
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Mode
Cardiorespiratory:
Aerobic/Anaerobic/Interval
Fitness Benefits
- Cardiorespiratory 3
- Flexibility 1
- Muscular Strength 1
- Muscular Endurance 3
- Body Fat Recution 2
Fitness Requirements
- Cardiorespiratory 2
- Flexibility 2
- Muscular Strength 1
- Muscular Endurance 2
- Coordination/Skill 3
Muscle groups used
Primary muscles: forearms (wrist extensors, wrist flexors),
rotator cuff muscles, upper back (rhomboids, latissimus dorsi,
trapezius), shoulders, chest and quadriceps
Assistance muscles: triceps, biceps, hamstrings,
gluteal muscles, hip abductors and calves
Energy expenditure
Approximately 0.081 Calories per minute per pound of body weight
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