So, I've decided to start writing a weekly article on Tricks and Secrets to winning racquetball. I figured since I played for so long and at such a high level, might as well share some of this tips I learned along the way. So, I will be posting those articles on this site as well, so that you all can benefit from the tips as well as the article readers. I will also link the article for you so that you can read those if that what you so desire. So here's the first lesson called "The down the line shot"...If you (my readers) have any questions on any of these lessons, feel free to comment me and I will address your issue. Thanks,
Drilling the 'Down the line shot'
Drilling or 'practicing' different racquetball shots and variations of those shots is a crucial part of becoming a great racquetball player. Knowing what to drill and how to drill is so important for beginners that are trying to succeed in racquetball. Remember, Practice alone doesn't make perfect. Rather, Perfect Practice makes perfect. Write that down. Ingrain that quote in your mind. I am going to now tell you one of the most basic fundamental 'shots' in racquetball in this lesson, and later lessons cover more advanced shots.
The Down the line shot
When I was competing at a high level, I would practice this shot first of all my drills. This shot is one of the best and most important shots in the game. (you can screen legally) This shot when done correctly is virtually 'un-gettable'.
To practice this shot, first go stand on the first solid line in the court.(the one closest to the front wall)Face the sidewall square to assume the correct racquetball swinging stance. Next, stand an arm and racquets distance away from your forehand sidewall wall. Hold the racquet up ready to swing with your racquet hand, and hold the racquetball in your other hand. Now, gently underhand toss the ball in front of you so that you have to take a step into it to hit it. Don't swing until the ball is in between your ankle and your knee. Strike the ball flat with your racquet so it hits the ball no more than 5 inches above the ground at the front wall. The ball should return off the front wall and bounce AT LEAST two to three times before crossing the first solid line. Do this drill and the first solid line, the middle solid line, the dotted line, and the back wall 50x's forehand and 50x's backhand. That is called a 'down the line kill shot'. Remember, you don't have to hit the ball hard. Try these drills first with a nice easy swing and a nice follow through. I will cover how to hit the ball hard in later lessons.
Once you have mastered this shot, try it from other spots on the court. Start playing around with different angles and shots to experiment different shot types. Racquetball is a very geometrical game, and knowing where the ball is going to end up is key in winning. The 'Down the line' shot is the 'foundation' swing for every forehand shot in Racquetball. The backhand shot is quite different but the technique behind the swing stays the same. Don't use your arm to swing the racquet. It is all about hips, legs, abs, back and wrist snap. If you can practice enough to acquire some of these qualities then you are on your way to becoming a great competitor. Your forehand swing should become second nature to you, and you should be able to utilize the same swing from anywhere on the racquetball court.
I used to hit 50 of these perfectly before I would move on to the next drill. If you mess up at all before you hit 50, start back at 1. It's tough, but it will give you a flawless 'down the line shot' on both forehand and backhand.
Note: If your backhand is weak, drill it more strictly. Allow fewer mistakes to train it.
Lesson #2 will be 'the pass shot'
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