What Sport Is Similar To Racquetball? | Paddle2Racket

Any sport that involves a racket is considered to be derived from tennis. But what about racquetball? What sport is similar to racquetball?

The first sport that comes to the mind of most people when they hear racket is tennis. Yes, tennis is a very popular sport all around the globe, but many other sports use rackets and balls.

Racquetball is considered similar to squash because it is played on a court similar to squash. Tennis also has similarities with the sport. But the most surprising sport, which is like racquetball, is handball. The sports share several similar rules when it comes to handling the ball.

The idea of racquetball is to use the racquet to control the ball and use its bounce to trick your opponent into making an error. The game involves agility and strategy.

Racquetball players find that squash is the most similar sport to racquetball. However, the rules differ between the two games. Even though squash and racquetball can be played on the same court, the scoring methods and strategies required are pretty different.

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What Is Racquetball?

Racquetball is a sport that can trace its origins back to the early 20th century. It is a fast-paced, high-energy game that is played with a small, hollow rubber ball and two players wielding racquets. The object of the game is to hit the ball off of the front wall so that your opponent cannot return it before it bounces twice on the floor.

Racquetball is a great workout and an excellent way to relieve stress. It is also a relatively safe sport, as there is little contact between players and no risk of being hit by the ball (unlike in other racquet sports such as tennis or squash).

How Is Racquetball Played?

Racquetball is typically played indoors on a court that measures 20 feet by 44 feet. The front wall is made of solid material (usually wood, Masonite, or metal) and is covered with a smooth surface; the other three walls are usually made of wire mesh. There is also a ceiling above the court, and players are not allowed to hit the ball above the midway point on the front wall.

Players start the game by serving the ball from behind the backline; the receiver must let the ball bounce once before returning it. After that, players can either let the ball bounce once or twice before hitting it off of the front wall. The rally continues until one player cannot return the ball before it bounces twice on the floor, at which point that player loses the point.

Racquetball is usually played as a singles game (two players) or a doubles game (four players). The first player or team to score 15 points wins the game. In tournament play, matches are typically best-of-three games.

Rules Of Racquetball

The basic rules of racquetball are simple: players must hit the ball off of the front wall, and their opponent must let it bounce once before returning it. However, there are a few other important rules to know:

  • Players must serve the ball from behind the backline; the receiver must let the ball bounce once before returning it.
  • After the serve, players can let the ball bounce once or twice before hitting it off the front wall.
  • The rally continues until one player cannot return the ball before it bounces twice on the floor, at which point that player loses the point.
  • Racquetball is usually played as a singles game (two players) or a doubles game (four players). The first player or team to score 15 points wins the game. In tournament play, matches are typically best-of-three games.
  • If the ball hits any part of the court frame, it is considered out, and the opposing player gets the point.
  • If a player hits the ball before it bounces, that player automatically loses the point.
  • Players cannot hit the ball above the midway point on the front wall.
  • If a player hits the ball into the opponent's court and is not returned, that player gets the point.

What Sport Is Similar To Racquetball?

Many sports are similar to racquetball. It will not surprise that all of these sports require a racket or a paddle, a ball, or a similar projectile.

Squash

Squash is a racket sport played by two or four players on a four-walled court with a small, hollow rubber ball. The players take turns between hitting the ball with their racket and hitting the ball onto the four walls of the court. The game was named squash racquets initially, which was due to the squashable ball.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) recognizes the governing body for the sport of the World Squash Federation (WSF). Still, the sport has not made it to the Olympic Games.

Squash has been described as "the hardest racket sport in the world" due to the energy required to hit the ball and keep it in play. The game is also one of the noisiest, with loud grunting often accompanying each shot.

The basic rules of squash are as follows:

  • The ball must be played off the front wall first.
  • After hitting the front wall, the ball can hit any of the other three walls before hitting the floor.
  • The ball can bounce once on the floor before a player must return it.
  • Players must alternate shots, with players only being able to hit the ball if their opponent has already hit it.
  • A player can only score points if they were the player who hit the ball last.
  • A player can hit the ball before it bounces but must not hit it twice in succession.
  • The game is usually played to 11 points, with players winning by at least 2 points.

How Is Squash Played

The game can be played singles (one against one) or doubles (two against two). Singles squash is more common than doubles.

To start a rally, both players must first stand inside their respective service boxes located at the back of each court. One player serves the ball, and the other player returns it. The ball must bounce once before it hits the front wall and then bounce again before the racket hits it. Either player can then hit it before it bounces a second time on the floor.

Players take turns to serve and must alternate between serving from the right and left service boxes. A point is scored when:

  • The server wins the rally
  • The receiver wins the rally
  • The server hits the ball out
  • The receiver hits the ball twice in succession
  • The server hits the ball before it has bounced
  • The receiver hits the ball on its way up or down, rather than after it has bounced
  • Either player hinders their opponent in any way

The first player to reach 11 points wins the game. In the event of a tie, the first player to reach 10 points wins. Suppose the score reaches 9-9, and the first player to reach 2 points more than their opponent wins. For example, if the score is 12-10, the player with 12 points has won.

Squash vs. Racquetball

Squash is a sport that is played by two or four players on a court enclosed by four walls. The game uses a hollow, and small rubber ball. Squash is similar to its parent game, racquetball, but with a few key differences.

For one, squash is played on a smaller court than racquetball. This makes for a faster-paced and more intense game. Additionally, the ball used in squash is significantly smaller than the one used in racquetball. This requires players to have quicker reflexes and better hand-eye coordination.

Another critical difference between the two sports is that, in squash, players are not allowed to bounce the ball on the floor before hitting it. This rule adds an element of strategy to the game, as players must carefully consider where to hit the ball next to keep their opponent from being able to return it.

Finally, unlike racquetball, which is played with a solid-colored ball, the squash ball has tiny black dots. These help players see the ball more easily and make for a more aesthetically pleasing game.

Despite these differences, Squash and Racquetball remain similar in many ways. Both are racket sports played indoors with a small rubber ball. And while the rules and equipment may differ slightly, the overall goal of each game is the same: to score points by hitting the ball in such a way that your opponent cannot return it.

Handball 

Handball is a sport played with a ball and two teams of seven players each. The game's objective is to score goals by throwing the ball into the other team's goal. The team that scores the most goals in a match wins.

The handball game is thought to have originated in medieval Europe, and it is believed to have been first played in Denmark. The modern handball game was codified in Germany in the late 19th century, and it has since become popular in many European countries. Today, handball is also played extensively in South America, Africa, and Asia.

A typical handball match consists of two 30-minute halves with a 10-minute break. The game is played on a court that is 40 meters long and 20 meters wide. Each team must have six players on the court at all times, with one player in goal.

Players can score goals by either throwing the ball into the other team's goal or by dribbling the ball into the goal. There are also three types of handball: beach handball, field handball, and indoor handball. Beach handball is played on a sand court, while field handball is played on a grass field. Indoor handball is played on a hard court surface.

How To Play Handball

If you're interested in playing handball, you should know a few things. First, handball is a fast-paced, physical sport, so it's essential to be in good shape. You'll also need to have good hand-eye coordination and be able to think quickly.

To start a handball game, each team must have six players on the court and one player in the goal. The teams line up on either side of the centerline, with the forwards on the front line and the backs on the backline.

The game begins with a throw-off, taken by the team that did not win the coin toss. One player from each team throws the ball into the other team's goal, and the game begins.

Players can score goals by either throwing the ball into the other team's goal or by dribbling the ball into the goal. If a player throws the ball into the other team's goal, it is worth 1 point. If a player dribbles the ball into the other team's goal, it is worth 2 points.

The game is played until one team scores 30 points or more or until time expires. If both teams have scored less than 30 points at the end of regulation time, there will be 2 minutes of extra time added on. If neither team has scored at least 30 points after extra time, the team with the most points wins.

Rules of Handball

Handball is a fast-paced and physical sport, so it's essential to know the rules before you start playing. Here are a few of the most important rules to keep in mind:

  • The ball can be thrown in any direction, but it must not touch the ground before reaching the other team's goal.
  • A player can only dribble the ball for three steps before they must pass or shoot.
  • A player can only hold the ball for three seconds before they must pass or shoot.
  • A goal can only be scored from inside the shooting semicircle.
  • After a goal is scored, the team that conceded the goal takes a throw-in from the center of the court.
  • A free throw is awarded if a player is fouled inside the shooting semicircle.
  • A penalty throw is awarded if a player is fouled inside the goal area.
  • If a player receives two yellow cards, they are shown a red card and must leave the game.
  • The team that has scored the most goals at the end of regulation time wins the game. If both teams have scored the same number of goals, there will be 2 minutes of extra time added on. If neither team has scored after extra time, the team that conceded the least number of goals wins.

Handball vs. Racquetball

Although both racquetball and handball are racket sports, there are several key ways they differ. Handball is played with a much larger ball that cannot be hit with the racquet. Instead, players must use their hands to hit the ball.

In addition, handball courts are significantly smaller than racquetball courts, making the game much faster-paced. Another key difference is that in handball, players are not allowed to bounce the ball off of the walls; instead, they must pass it to their opponent. Finally, while racquetball is typically played as a singles sport, handball is played with multiple team members

Despite these differences, racquetball and handball share several similarities. For example, both sports are played indoors, typically in gymnasiums or similar facilities. In addition, both racquetball and handball require players to wear protective eyewear to prevent injuries.

Finally, both sports are relatively easy to learn and can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or a beginner, you'll find enjoyment in either racquetball or handball.

Tennis

The game aims to score more points than your opponent. Points are awarded when your opponent makes a mistake, such as hitting the ball into the net or out of bounds, or if they fail to hit the ball back to you. A game consists of four points, and a player must win by two points.

A match is usually the best of three or five games.

Why Is Score 15, 30, and 40?

The game of tennis is scored in a peculiar way. The numbers go 15, 30, 40, and then game points. Why those numbers? No one is quite sure. Some claim that it was once 20, 30, and 40, with players changing sides after each game (thus the deuce). But no matter the true origins of the scoring system, we still use it today.

How to Play Tennis

Here are some simple instructions to get started with tennis.

  1. Choose either singles or doubles. In singles, you will play against one opponent, while in doubles, you will play with a partner against two opponents.
  2. Pick a court. You can play on an indoor or outdoor court, but make sure the surface is level, and there are no obstacles in the way.
  3. Decide who will serve first. This can be done by flipping a coin or playing rock-paper-scissors. The player who wins will serve first.
  4. Stand behind the baseline and toss the ball into the air to serve. Hit the ball with your racket to go over the net and into your opponent's service box. Remember, you can only hit the ball once before it must bounce in their court!
  5. Your opponent will then return the ball. Once again, you can only hit the ball once before it must bounce in your court.
  6. The point is over when one player fails to return the ball, hits it out of bounds, or hits the ball into the net. The first player to reach four points wins the game.
  7. If both players reach three points each, the score is called deuce. The next player to win two consecutive points wins the game.
  8. The first player to win six games wins the match.

Tennis vs. Racquetball

Tennis and racquetball are both racket sports that are played indoors or outdoors. Both sports use a hardball, although the size and weight of the ball differ.

In tennis, the ball must bounce within the court boundaries, while there is no such restriction in racquetball. Tennis is played with either one or two players, while racquetball is played with two players. Scoring in tennis is done by counting points, while in racquetball, scoring is done by counting rallies.

The main difference between the two sports is that tennis is played on a larger court with more Players, while racquetball is played on a smaller court with fewer players.

Because of these differences, tennis requires more stamina and fitness than racquetball. Racquetball is a faster-paced game and requires quick reflexes. Tennis is considered a more strategic sport, while racquetball is considered a "power game." Both sports are enjoyable to play and offer a great workout.

About THE AUTHOR

Michael Stevens

Michael Stevens

Since initially playing at the collegiate level, I have amassed several decades of experience playing racquetball, tennis, and pickleball. I have played thousands of matches and games, and won medals and awards in multiple tourantments. I am constantly improving my game and enjoy mentoring and coaching other players in strategy and technique. I have authored dozens of articles on the sport.

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