Raquetball
RaquetballRacquetball
Racquetball is a fast-paced sport played indoors by two or four players. It combines elements of other games such as squash and tennis. Players use racquets with wrist straps to hit a ball that is a slightly smaller and lighter version than a tennis ball. Racquetball enjoyed a rise in popularity throughout North America in the 1970s, although interest and participation in the sport has since declined.
HISTORY
Joe Sobek developed racquetball in the United States in 1950. Sobek was trying to develop a new fast-paced game that was easy to learn, and the game that developed he called "paddle racquets". Sobek designed the new short racquet, and devised new rules that combined handball and squash; the actual sport has changed very little since its creation. Because it was fun and easy to learn, racquetball caught on quickly and gained immense popularity. Racquetball reached its peak in popularity in the 1970's, where racquetball clubs abounded across North America. During the late 1970s, racquetball become one of the fastest growing sports in North America as thousands of new racquetball courts were built to satisfy the demand of new players. However, by the late eighties racquetball popularity subsided and many clubs either closed or changed their courts to fit other uses. However, there are approximately 7.7 million Americans who still enjoy playing racquetball. Racquetball also enjoys international status, with World Championships held bi-annually since 1981.
RULES
Racquetball may be played by two players (singles) or by four players (doubles). In doubles teams both players should meet minimum age requirements or classifications, as well, a team with players at different skill levels must play at the ability class of the higher player. When playing racquetball, the first side that wins two games wins the match. The first two games of a match are played to fifteen points, and tiebreaker games are played to only eleven points. The objective of racquetball is to win each rally by serving or returning the ball so the opponent is unable to return it....
To view the complete essay, you be registered.