AboutRob Chabot Expertise Racquetball. Know all the rules, etiquette, etc. Am familiar with equipment and am active on the applicable newsgroups when I have time. I can be of service to players up to the "advanced" level. Have been playing since the mid 1980s.
NOTE: I cannot answer questions on "what kind of racquet should I get?" This is like asking "what kind of dog or car should I get?" There are so many factors I do not know where to begin - how long have you been playing, do you prefer a top heavy or frame heavy racquet, how often do you plan on playing, etc. I recommend you find a pro shop that allows you to "demo" (borrow) racquets. You can usually borrow racquets for one to three days. A borrowing fee may be involved - and if you end up buying the racquet from that shop, it will usually credit you the loaner fees you have already paid against the purchase price of the racquet.
Experience Won the Ohio State University Intramurals tournament ("A" Division) six out of six times entered.
Question Thanks Rob-
I never thought to hit a ceiling shot and just bring the point back to "nuetral."
It is time for me to purchase a new racquet. Do you have any advice in terms of brand/weight/material. I'd like to get the best value for the least amount of money (of course). In case you need some basics about me in order to answer the question effectively. I am 25 years old, 160 lbs.
Thanks again for your help. -Seth
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Followup To
Question -
I don't know the proper terms for this, but I am getting killed on one particular play against my regular opponent. He will hit a hard, high shot that hits the back wall first. My momentum is now running forward and I will not be able to strike the ball until I am very close to the front wall. Whenever I try to dink, he is there, whenever I try to pass, he is there. What do you suggest? Thanks, Seth
Answer -
Seth - interesting question. I am trying to visualize your scenario and will attempt to answer accordingly.
1) if you are ever in a situation where the ball hits the back wall on the fly, then only hits the ground once before hitting the front wall again - I sometimes let the ball hit the front wall THEN return the shot INSTEAD of trying to hit the ball after it's hit the back wall. Obviously, this is not a very common occurence and, with practice, you'll know when the ball is hit hard enough for this to happen.
2) The most likely strategy that would probably work - you need to get him/her out of there (e.g. middle of court, trailing you) - if someone does that to me and I am pretty confident that I canNOT get it past him/her, I hit a well placed/timed ceiling shot - it will travel further back and faster if you hit celing first, then front wall - if you hit front wall first THEN ceiling, the ball usually 'dies' a little bit when it hits the court floor again.
Don't know if this helps? Let me know if you have any other Qs ...
Rob
Answer Seth,
Racquet selection is totally a personal thing. For me, I prefer not to overswing so I can live with a slightly heavier racquet - by 'heavier, I mean around 170g or heavier. Helps me to NOT overswing - however, if you want to generate lots of racquet speed, you'll want something that is 165g or lighter.
You need to find someplace that allows you to demo racquets - e.g. borrow them for a day or two to try out - before purchasing. Sometimes they make you pay a non-refundable deposit - but the accrued deposits will count toward future purchase of a racquet if you purchase the racquet from that same place.
In terms of brands, I've always been partial to HEAD racquets - but it's a personal preference, nothing more (I am not sponsored by any manufacturer so my opinion is simply my opinion).
Let me know if you have any other Qs ...
Rob
p.S. excuse any typos - this email interface doesn't allow for spell check!
