Basic Racquetball Rules

Racquetball is a fast-paced game played with tennis-like racquet, or a paddle. You can play against one other player, or two players can oppose two others. The game is played indoors. You are required to hit the ball against the wall, and the wall returns the ball to play. This can be an exciting, exhilarating workout consisting of sharp wits and great agility. If you want a good workout, take note of the basic rules for racquetball and get into the game.

  1. Serving the Ball

    • The floor of the court has what is called a short line. This is the line closest to the wall. The server must bounce the ball once against the floor and then hit the ball against the front wall. The ball must make it back across the short line before it hits the floor. Failure to achieve this counts as a fault. Once crossing the short line, the ball may hit the ceiling or the side wall, but may do so only once. Hitting the side walls or the ceiling more than once also counts as a fault. Two straight faults will result in losing the right to serve.

    Returning the Ball

    • The opponent returns the serve by hitting the ball against the front wall after the ball bounces no more than once on the floor. Bouncing the ball more than once will cost a point, and the ball will return to the server. If, on the other hand, the server fails to return your shot, you acquire the right to serve and thus have the opportunity to score points. If the serve is good and the return is good, players take turns hitting the ball until someone misses the ball or hits an illegal shot.

    Remembering the Basics

    • Remember that you can score points only if you are serving. Before you start the game, decide how many points are needed to win the game: 11, 15, 21. You must hit the ball before it bounces a second time. After you hit the ball, the shot must make it back to the front wall. The ball must not hit the ground before hitting the front wall or the shot is no good. You might consider bringing a towel. Once you get into the speed of the game, you'll need it, to wipe off all the sweat a good, healthy workout will grant you.