Hustling vs. Rushing: A few thoughts on patience

Racquetball is a fast game. Ask most players what attracts them to the game and they'll answer that the pace is one of the most attractive elements. The ball moves fast, the players move fast, the racquets move fast, and the score moves fast. But at what point is one sacrificing all-important control for the sake of speed and power?

We've all played the long rallying points, the ones where you take turns with your opponent smashing the ball against the front wall from close together in the center court. These points are exhausting and at times frustrating. The ball is coming right to you, so why can't you take control of the point and get the killshot? Next time you find yourself mid-rally, actively institute a slower pace to your game.

This isn't to say don't move quickly to your setup position or swing in slow motion. Let the ball pass you when your opponent slams a chest high line drive into the center of the front wall. Allowing the ball to pass you and rebound of the back will often give you a better shot. The primary reason is that the ball will likely return to center court. Center court is the most valuable real estate in the game, and being here brings with it many advantages on both offense and defense. Waiting for the ball increases the number of seconds that you are "on offense". This is the time when you have the right of way to the ball and your opponent must move out of your way. Use this advantage to push your opponent into the back court. This shot will also be better due to ball height. The longer the ball is in the air, the closer it gets to the ground. If you stick your racquet out simply to make quick contact you may hit a less accurate shot and you will definitely hit the ball from higher up in the air causing it to bounce higher than it would if you hit the ball from 3 inches off the ground. The lower you hit your shot from, the less air time it will have off the front wall and the harder it will be for your opponent to return. So next time you are on the court be patient, wait for your shot, and hit a nice smooth killshot to the front corner. See you on the court.