Racquetball anyone? Advice, players wanted.

[brewerjamie15]

Hey folks. My wife and I have recently stepped up our drive to become more physically fit.

Part of my desire to become more physically active includes an interest in racquetball.

I'd like to learn how to play (not must from a web site) and have someone to play against.

We have a membership to the YMCA and I could travel to your court in the Milwaukee area.

 

I know I need some eye protection so I should get that soon, I'd need to buy some new balls as well. I think I'm going to hold off on a racket until I've gotten a feel for the game and know if I should go invest money into one.

 

How much is a racket for someone who just wants to hit the ball around?

Kinds of rackets?

Is there any interest in this sport at all anymore?

good courts?

Leagues?

 

Thanks

[StrangeBreww]

oh man, I used to play a lot back in the 80's and 90's. Great sport!

 

I would be of no use to you in your questions though as things have changed. Raquets are HUGE these days. They look more like tennis raquets if you ask me.

 

If you haven't played yet, prepare for a very sore behind from all the stopping and starting.

[jason21nl]

I used to play with my father a few years ago. He was 60 and could kick my butt all over the court. I got in the way of one of his shots once and took the ball right in the back of the neck. Holy crap does that hurt. He is getting up there in age now, and doesn't play anymore. He has some really nice stuff that he would be willing to sell if you're interested.

[brewers19]

Here at college, one of my friends and I play pretty much every weekend. It's definitely a intense workout, but also a lot of fun; so I'd certainly recommend it. As far as racquets, I think I bought a cheap Wilson one at Wal-Mart for about $20. It serves its purpose well, so I can't really imagine why those really expensive ones at that much more worth it.

[Baldkin]

Find a cheap racquet that is on sale, and pick one up for yourself. The one thing that will need replacing if you play often is the grip on your racquet.

 

I used to have a regular partner and that was our cardio before we lifted at the Klotchke center at UWM.

 

I've never found the courts to matter much, really. Although, during some epic games at the Princeton Club in Madison, we actually got people watching (the back walls were all glass there)

 

As for rules... I'm no expert but there's actually a good writeup here:

 

http://www.crs.umd.edu/programs/spring/intramurals/rules/Racquetball.html

 

Although, the one rule we never could agree on was what happens if you return a ball, it hits the back wall, bounces once, then hits the front wall.

[brewerjamie15]

Thanks for the advice so far. I'm quite serious about this and I am indeed going to go smack the ball around a bit soon. It appears as though I will be playing solo a bit unless someone here wants to join me. I kinda think that playing just by myself would be quite the cardio workout.

[sgtcluels]

Soccer anyone? Our indoor team might need some subs. Wednesdays between 7pm and 12am. C League so we aren't that good, but it makes you run.. a lot. http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif

[bigredrobbo]

Where do you play? I used to play quite a bit of indoor, but haven't for a couple years now. You're right - it's a great cardio workout!

[sgtcluels]

Uihlien (spl?) on 71st and Good Hope. It's the Milwaukee Kickers indoor place. We won last night! Yay.. good start to Session 2.

[Jimbo]

Uihlien (spl?) on 71st and Good Hope. It's the Milwaukee Kickers indoor place. We won last night! Yay.. good start to Session 2.

 

Ah man, I've been for years curious to try it out but never found a team in need. Anyways, good for you.

 

[brewerjamie15]

And now, back to our show. I'm re-hijacking this thread to it's original intent.

 

Racquetball.

 

I have checked with the West Suburban YMCA and they offer leagues for all types of players. Feel free to call over there and inquire, or get a sign up sheet from me via email.

This is a 9 week league plus a tournament at the end. cost is $34.00 for members and $84.00 for non-Ymca members.

leagues are in the evenings M-R.

I think I'm going for the Thursday Coed B league (lowest avail) Hope to work up to B+ league sometime soon.

[brewcrewreview]

Try the Southridge Athletic Club on 68th and Edgerton. They specialize in the sport and have plenty of nice courts and leagues for players of all levels.

Their hours are great as well everyday from 5:30 in the morning to midnight. It's a great club to work out in with reasonable rates. It's never too crowded in there, which is very nice as well.