Make Super Serves
Use the service box! Use all of the box! Today’s game consists of serve and how well you can return. To be effective in serving you have to move around the service box. Serving from one position can doom you. Put it another way. How many times have you been serving and the opponent is […]
No Joke Choke
Dear Coach, I have an athlete who does everything great in practice but in a match is helpless. Do you have any advice for this athlete? Signed Coach of Choker! Dear Coach of Choker, This may quite simply a case of not being under enough pressure in practice. The more pressure you practice under, the […]
Doubles Troubles
Doubles is a crazy game and two good doubles players will defeat two good singles players. Here are some signs of common doubles errors: 1. One (or more) players are on the wall–standing near or against a sidewall is a big no-no. Why? Not only are you out of position, you can be hit with […]
Journey More Than Destination
It has been my experience that many athletes undersell themselves. For whatever reason their opinion of their game is way too low. Why? Athletes tend to see results, not ability. I see what could be, not what is. This creates a problem for the athlete. It is hard to believe in a coach if you […]
More Holdups than a Grade B Western Movie?
I cannot stand stealing points. Our game is going to change forever if we do not fix this ridiculous hinder begging. This was written after observing matches at an international tournament. I saw so many holdups I thought I was in the old West in the 1800’s! Some players have gotten so good at it […]
Thank the Local Legends
disclaimer-this is a mythical letter–so do not try to find the player in Texas! haha) Coach Help-one player in my State is winning all the tournaments. We cannot beat this player. What to do? Signed, Ticked off in Texas Dear “Ticked off”, (Editor’s note: Charles Garfinkle passed away some time ago. This post was […]
Take the Shot You Want
It is the shot you want to hit, not the shot you have to hit! Shot selection is a big topic in the camps and all athletes want shot selection. Player: “Just skip the mechanics and the footwork part and give me shot selection!” Unfortunately, with poor footwork and mechanics, you will get poor shot […]
Competiton or Recreation Racquetball Nation?
Are you a recreational player or a tournament player? Recreational racquetball is the fuel that drives our businesses. Let me be more precise in explanation of a recreational player. I define a recreational player as someone who does not practice solo or workout to be a better player, but plays racquetball for recreation. These days […]
Practice Vs Competition
When I entered my first tournament ever, I was shocked to say the least. Every routine shot was so unpredictable! I had to learn the difference between practice games and competitive play! In practice you have to push yourself and be unkind to yourself. Do not be happy with winners, but do be happy with […]
Art of Racquetball
I lifted this quote from the former New England Football Coach, Bill Belichick. “The only sign we have in the locker room is from ‘The Art of War.’ ‘Every battle is won before it is fought,’” This applies to racquetball as well as football. When I coached the USA team I listened to many pros […]