Bounce and burn calories
Your average one-hour racquetball session can burn between 600 and 900 calories, says Stephen Heard.
The basics
Racquetball is what those outside of the United States would generally consider as squash. It’s not. The game was invented by professional handball player Joe Sobek, who had the bright idea to combine handball and paddleball — something he originally coined ‘‘paddle rackets’’.
Like squash, it’s a fast-paced racquet sport played in an enclosed court. Players make alternate strikes until one fails to reach the ball before it bounces twice. The difference lies in a larger, bouncier rubber ball and distinct court and out-of-bounds markings — all sides of the court’s walls, floor and ceiling are counted as legal playing surfaces. You can expect a lightningquick game of ball thrashing, or in this case, chasing.
Giving it a bash
Already experienced in the realm of squash, I was prepared for a heartpounding workout. It’s often preached that you shouldn’t play the sport to get fit, but you should arrive on the court with a decent level of fitness. The same goes for racquetball.
Let it be known that a racquetball is incredibly bouncy. For regular squash players, it’s usually suggested that the energetic rubber orb actually slows down play and allows for more time to plan your next move. Well, the first few sets saw me chasing the ball around the court like a panting dog. These were key tactics from my opponent to tire me out and rack up points. It clearly worked as I closed the first round, out of breath and with zero points on the scoreboard.
The next round I made a slightly better effort, notching up three points to my opponent’s 15. The extra focus came with a bruised ego from slamming directly into the back glass wall. Although I was no good at determining the ball’s final destination, its liveliness did allow more time to keep the ball in play after ricocheting off the front and side walls. By sticking to the centre of the court it also gave easier access to shots. The rallies were lengthy; the rests between them even more so. After seven unsuccessful rounds I was exhausted, yet already planning the rematch.
Why you should try it
Racquetball is a fantastic workout — the muscle fatigue screaming across my entire lower body the following days can attest to that. It’s estimated that your average one-hour racquetball session can burn between 600 and 900 calories. It’s explosive and what you’d liken to high-intensity interval training. As well as great cardiovascular exercise, the sport is a challenge for the mind as you anticipate your opponent’s shots and play out strategies.
Risk rating
Due to the physical demand of the game, it’s recommended that those with heart, back and joint problems avoid launching straight on to the court and seek advice from a medical professional. Gloves are often worn to prevent blisters and the racquet slipping from your hand. Racquetball goggles are recommended to protect your eyes from wayward balls, which can be responsible for soft tissue damage.
Find out more
Dedicated racquetball courts are tricky to find in New Zealand, though the game can be easily translated on squash courts. Specific racquetball equipment can also be found at online sports retailers.
Key tactics from my opponent to tire me out and rack up points clearly worked as I closed the first round, out of breath and with zero points on the scoreboard.