Let's Talk Racquetball

Two athletes come to me for a lesson. Athlete one is ranked on the pro tour. Athlete two is a C player who wants to play tournament. Athlete two gets my stationary drop and hit treatment on the forehand and backhand side. Why? I want them to learn how to hit with their lower body, not their upper body. Other teaching pros throw in a step and I do not. It is easy to step, shift your weight forward, and hit a shot. It is also easy to step all over the place and therefore become inconsistent at using your …

    This question came to me through the chat room on a rare appearance for me on USA Racquetball Live Streaming in the men’s finals of the USA Racquetball Doubles and singles qualifying tournament in Feb 2020. Forgive me because I am paraphrasing but it went something like this-“How much time do you recommend on court vs off court preparation?” One of my first influences in the 70s was a book by a track coach who used a pie chart to divide the athlete into categories such as strength, footwork, skill, and endurance. I added a few more such …

Here are 6 common return of serve issues I run into with my athletes at all levels! First, I see some new coaches posting some tips out there that are almost correct. I have to say almost correct because every athlete is different. To make them all the same can backfire. All footwork is different depending upon the athlete you are working with and the circumstances on the court. With that said, below are some examples of general rules. 1. Wrong stance-Bent at the waist too long–you will have to make a move to make a move 2. Too wide …

So a few years ago I am watching one of my players and a fan asked me this question. Does this player have “it”? So I ask what do they mean by “it”? Response: “You know, can they be number one, win pro stops etc. and have the it factor?” My answer: “I have no idea. Does this player have the talent? Yes is the answer. Does this player have the will? I have no idea is the answer. That is in their heart and mind, and not for me to answer.” So watching some of the up and coming …

I was reading something the other day that struck me. It was a response to someone who had claimed their career was ruined by a few experts who told them they would never be any good. Those critics drove this person away from success. Their career was acting and the responses were swift! Most went like this, “You are not that good if the opinion of others, even experts, matter to you. Have a backbone and believe in yourself!” How does this apply to racquetball?? Athletes come to me with a dream, a vision of how good they can be. …

Above: These athletes were remotely coached by me during Junior World Competition last year. sd Remote coaching-how does it work? To do a good job a coach has to answer this question for the athlete, “How do I improve?” Dear Athlete, First-identify the problem– here is why (fill in the blank here) is not working. examples: forehand, backhand, footwork, serve, positioning, shot selection-usually a combination of at least two of these. Second-identify the solution(s) -here is how you improve your …forehand, backhand, footwork, serve, positioning, shot selection-usually a combination of at least two of these-to do that I have to …

I got a phone call from an athlete I coach. “Coach, my opponent’s talking trash to me and cheating! Every time I play this guy in practice he resorts to cheating and trash talking. Do you have any advice? It threw me completely off my game and I ended arguing instead of playing.” First-this happened in practice. Practice is just that. I think it is great that people want to win at any costs and cheat in practice. Why? That gives you more realistic practice and puts you under more pressure. That pressure is great for tournament play. Did you …

In honor of Valentine’s Day-10 tips for racquetball widows and widowers: 1. Yes, your spouse loves racquetball. not more than you, but still …….! 2. Yes, your spouse spends too much time at the gym. Isn’t that better than the bar? 3. Yes, your spouse is a great player and can beat you. Brag about that! 4. Yes, it is Valentine’s Day and your spouse travels to National Doubles every year. Be happy for them! 5. Yes, your spouse acts real tough on the court like they are all that and a bag of chips. It is called confidence, Be …

Avoidable hinder begging can be obnoxious. I have to blame some of this on the pro players who often hold up for the rally hinder. Sometimes it is hard for me to watch due mostly to my old school experiences which often included throwing a half-nelson on your opponent to get them out of the way! But when the amateurs begin holding up it can become laughable at times. Case in point-two pros blasting the ball at mid court and one holds up for a ghost hinder and gets the call. Could be believable-why? They can kill the ball, that’s …