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 I play in a friendly league and 1 of the players does not have a string attached to his racquet. This enables him to switch hands during play so he can hit all forehand shots. I give him credit for this talent but is it legal? He has a weak backhand and is definitely benefiting from playing this way. If illegal and in a fun league, still debating whether it's even worth mentioning. Just wanted to get your thoughts. Thanks.
Answer Ian,
Good question - your friend's ambidexterity, although admirable, is a moot point because the issue at hand is the fact that his racquet is missing the wrist cord - or, if it has it, he is not using it. Here are the official rules on the matter you describe - read (c) and (e), specifically:
Rule 2.4 RACQUET SPECIFICATIONS
(a) The racquet, including bumper guard and all solid parts of the handle, may not exceed 22 inches in length.
(b) The racquet frame may be any material judged safe.
(c) The racquet frame must include a cord that must be securely attached to the player's wrist.
(d) The string of the racquet must be gut, monofilament, nylon, graphite, plastic, metal, or a combination thereof, and must not mark or deface the ball.
(e) Using an illegal racquet will result in forfeiture of the game in progress or, if discovered between games, forfeiture of the preceding game.
SUMMARY - the fact that he is using an illegal racquet (e.g. it does not have a wrist cord) AND is not using it properly (e.g. securing his wrist through the wrist cord) makes the racquet "illegal," voiding any games played with it. In other words, even if his racquet was "legal" because it has a wrist cord - it would be illegal to play with it without securing the wrist through the cord prior to and during play.
That being said, if you improve (e.g. develop a consistent backhand), you can easily overcome him switching hands. In a fast paced game, switching hands actually is a detriment.
Good luck - let me know if you have any other Qs ...
