racketball

Racketball, also known as squash racquetball, is a court sport played with a strung racquet and a ball on a four-walled court. Two players, or four players in doubles, compete to hit the ball against the wall. The objective is to hit the ball in such a way that the opponent cannot legally return it. A legal return involves hitting the ball directly off the front wall, either before or after it bounces on the floor. The ball can hit any of the side or back walls before reaching the front wall, but it must not touch the floor more than once.

Points are scored when a player fails to make a legal return. This can occur if the ball bounces twice before being hit, if it hits the ceiling, or if it hits the opponent directly. Games are typically played to 15 points, with a requirement to win by two points. Matches usually consist of the best of three games.

The game is known for its fast pace and requires quick reflexes, agility, and strategic shot placement. Equipment includes a specialized racquet, typically lighter and with a larger head than a tennis racquet, and a soft, bouncy rubber ball. The court dimensions are standardized, with specific markings for service zones. Racketball has gained popularity worldwide as a recreational and competitive sport, offering a vigorous workout and engaging social interaction.