I’ve been (casually) playing racquetball recently (read: a few games every other day for the last week), and just as I am at any sport, I am failing miserably. I went and just practiced hitting the ball at the wall for about an hour tonight, and I don’t really feel like I got much better.
There are (at least) the following problems:
My backhand sucks.
My (umm right word?) underhand isn’t quite as bad, but it still hits the ceiling more than it should.
I have mucho problemos with hitting the ball when it’s going really fast.
Any specific tips on how to get better, other than playing more?
Play mo… oh wait.
Well, really, you should. Against better players.
If there’s an observation area, watch good players in competition. Pick up tips as to where and how hard to place shots.
While you’re at the gym, any sort of wrist/forearm strengthening exercises should help.
A warm-up that I use is to stand facing the right-side wall and practice my forehand (I’m right handed); trying to have the ball return straight back. Then against the alternate wall and practice my backhand.
Also, remember that the power from the impact comes from a snap of the wrist. Most beginning racquetballers take wide swings at the ball (from the shoulder) like they’re playing tennis.