This page isn’t meant to be an in depth overview of every single rule in racquetball. Instead we will cover the basics for new players plus some rules that often go unfollowed.
How To Play
The goal in racquetball is to be the first player to score 15 points — You don’t need to win by 2. Most tournaments consist of a 3 game series. If the series goes to a tie-breaker, the winner is the first to 11 points.
Play begins when the player serves the ball. A legal serve must be served from within the service zone and hit the front wall first and then bounce after the short line but before hitting the back wall. There are 2 different rulings on illegal serves. The following illegal serves will result in a sideout — or giving up the serve to your opponent;
- If the serve hits anything but the front wall first
- If the serve hits the server
The situations below will result in a fault serve. The player will get 1 more chance at hitting a legal serve.
- The serve hits the ceiling at any time after hitting the front wall
- The serve hits a total of 3 walls before bouncing
- The serve bounces before the short line or hits the backwall without bouncing first
Once the ball has been served the rally has begun. To win a rally, you must make the ball bounce twice before your opponent can hit the ball back to the front wall. Likewise, if the ball bounces twice before you can hit it to the front wall, you will lose the rally. A point is scored only when you are serving and win a rally.
Hinders
During a rally, you must give your opponent room to get to the ball and swing. Otherwise a hinder can be called. There are 2 types of hinders. A replay hinder will result in restarting the rally without a penalty to any player. A penalty hinder (previously called an avoidable hinder) will penalize the guilty player by awarding his opponent the rally. The following scenarios will result in a penalty hinder;
- You fail to give your opponent a shot straight at the front wall or a cross court shot.
- If you hinder your opponents swing or are struck by the racquet
- Non-accidental contact
If you have a scenario and are unsure of what the correct call should be, send us an e-mail and we will be glad to explain the situation as well as add it to this section.
