Indoor Racquetball Rules

Racquetball is a fun, intense and quick-moving game that can be played with two, three, or four players. Indoor racquetball is played on a court usually measuring 20 feet wide, 20 high, and 40 feet in length, where the four walls, floor and ceiling are all used as a part of playing strategy.

  1. The Basics

    • The basics of racquetball are easy to understand, making the game enjoyable for persons of all ages and levels of expertise. With fundamentals similar to tennis, the object of the game is to garner 15 points and win in two games. Players utilize a small, hard rubber ball for play and only the server scores points during gameplay. The server starts by bouncing the ball in the Service Zone, then hitting it hard enough to bounce it off of the front wall and back to the rear half of the court. The opponent may then return the serve after one bounce, but must also hit the front wall before the server can hit again. Players then "rally," taking turns hitting the ball alternatively until someone misses, and the ball is considered "dead."

    Playing the Game

    • As players rally, points are earned. The server earns a point if his opponent lets the ball bounce twice before returning a hit or if the ball hits the floor before contacting the front wall (known as a Skip Ball). For each err, the server can gain one point, but if there is an error committed by the server, no points are awarded that round and whoever won the rally serves the next ball. Players are not allowed to hit the ball twice in a row, but may make use of all walls in the room for a chance to score points. A serve or service return can hit the ball into a side wall before striking the front wall, as long the ball does not bounce on the ground between walls.

    Hinders

    • Hinders are stoppages of play due to a "hindrance" by another player. If the opponent is in the way of a clear swing to hit the ball, it is the responsibility of the player to announce the Hinder and the play will start again. No points are awarded for Hinders, and players are technically responsible for ensuring opponents have access to clear shots.

    Equipment

    • Racquets for this game are typically smaller than tennis racquets, but are of similar shape. These racquets also include a wrist strap to keep it from flying out of a player's hand. It's also necessary to wear protective goggles or eye wear for safety, since this game moves very quickly and injuries are possible.

    Game Types

    • The most common form of indoor racquetball is singles, where two players go head-to-head on the court. However, there are different ways to play the game that can involve more players. Doubles is played with two teams of two, where each team alternates hitting the ball. Cutthroat racquetball involves three players, where whoever is serving is playing a game of one against a team of two. Though there are various ways to play the game, indoor racquetball rules are designed to cover every style of game play.