Is it skill? Is it the team? Is it the strategy? What does it take to win at racquetball? Frankly, it’s likely a combination of all three, coupled with a healthy competitive spirit.

While opinions vary as to how much emphasis should be placed on each of the aforementioned components, most players would agree that they all deserve serious consideration in order to excel in this sport.

Consider skill, for example. Skill can be related to a player’s dexterity, strength, and ability to move quickly forward, backward, or laterally. Good eyesight, quick reaction time, and exceptional judgment are also factors that determine the degree of skill a player possesses.

Without a doubt, the team plays its role to allow a player to win in this sport. Modern technology has allowed for numerous changes in racket manufacturing. Subtle differences in racket weight, frame shape, overall size, and concavity all play a role. What about the racket string gauge? The string gauge ranges from 15 to 18 and determines the power and control with which you hit the ball. The gauge also influences the durability of the rope. A racquetball glove also allows the player to maintain a better grip on the racquet hand. Also, the ball itself does its part when it comes to winning at racquetball. The color of the ball generally determines how it has been made in terms of speed, weight and visibility.

While all the components are needed to be successful in racquetball, many experienced players would say that strategy is most important. The ability to execute a quick serve at the correct destination point puts the player at the advantage. Court positioning allows for a quick comeback and catches your player off guard. Judgment on the final destination of a serve or return minimizes the run and preserves power for future plays.

Knowing what it takes to win is one thing. Winning itself is another. Armed with this information, what should you do? First of all, improve your skill by practicing, practicing and practicing. The more you train the muscles used while playing, the more your ability to move quickly, react quickly, and judge appropriately will improve. Since it all starts in the brain, training those neural pathways through use is the best way to improve your skill.

When it comes to equipment, do your research. Many reviews have been posted rating the quality of the rackets and the caliber and speed of the balls. Some of the most prominent racquetball equipment brands include Ektelon, Wilson, Python, Hi-tec, E-Force, Gearbox, HEAD, Pro Penn, Technifibre, and Ashawy. Of course, you should expect to pay more for those with the highest rating. However, don’t minimize the role that team quality plays in winning in this sport.

Strategy wise, this is also something that usually comes with time. He plays with experienced players. He learns your techniques and then uses them in his own game. Watch racquetball training videos. Read articles on strategies. While some people seem to have an innate natural ability to quickly strategize, most require considerable time to master this important facet of the game.

Now put together this winning combination of skill, equipment, and strategy. Combine that with your love of the sport and your healthy competitive spirit. You’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish on this twenty by forty foot court. Yes, without a doubt, you can beat racquetball!