Recent message drifted across my desk:
“Coach, when I practice what height should I hit the ball? Should I let it drop or cut if off high?”
Signed,
Confused in Colorado
Dear CIC,
Yes! Sometimes you want to back up and let the ball drop if you have time and shoot the rock low. Other times it is to your advantage to cut the ball off high while your opponent is out of position. Your margin of error is lower when the opponent is not in good geographical coverage. With good technique and angle you can put the ball down from high and low. Do not try to roll it, but hit the front wall about two feet or lower and use one wall as much as possible from the back court. That puts your opponent under pressure. When the ball comes off the back wall and you have time, move up with the ball and shoot it low. Unfortunately racquetball is a random sport and the ball flies all over the place at high speeds so one rule does not fit all. The best way to learn cutting the ball off is to play outdoor racquetball where you have to cut the ball off. Or you can get a good lesson with a good pro who teaches such shots in the indoor game! Good luck and happy shooting!
Onward and upward,
Coach W