Advice for Amateurs
For those amateur racquetball players that made the decision to jump from playing recreationally to competitive what advise would you give those players?
As one that made the jump a few years ago, I learned how mental the game of racquetball is at the competitive level. It's important to be patient with yourself. You may be a player that is gifted and your first competitive win will come quickly, or it may take a few tournaments. Keep putting forth the effort and it will come to you. Also, enjoy your time at the tournaments. Its a chance to make new connections and see how other people play. Also, when you're ready, be open to broaden out your game. Set a goal to try doubles or mix doubles. Most important, continue to have fun!
As one that made the jump a few years ago, I learned how mental the game of racquetball is at the competitive level. It's important to be patient with yourself. You may be a player that is gifted and your first competitive win will come quickly, or it may take a few tournaments. Keep putting forth the effort and it will come to you. Also, enjoy your time at the tournaments. Its a chance to make new connections and see how other people play. Also, when you're ready, be open to broaden out your game. Set a goal to try doubles or mix doubles. Most important, continue to have fun!
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Don Grigas on -
One, don't be intimidated and don't get discouraged. Everybody loses their share of games and matches, but the reward is in improving over the course of time....success will come.
Second, if you have the health, the facilities and the financial wherewithall to play the sport, you already have won something...not everyone has all three of those elements...keep competing at whatever level you feel comfortable (whether it is recreational, tournaments, in-house leagues or travel teams).
Third...learn as much as you can from watching others play (a lesson or two wouldn't hurt, either), try to absorb and understand what skills are most beneficial, strategy, even the underlying nuances of competition.
Four...try and control those things you can control, and don't get distracted by those things you cannot control.
Finally....have fun (the operative word in "Let's Play Racquetball" is the word "Play")...and watch the ball (really....for beginners, nothing is more important than watching the ball, especially when you are in front of your opponent and it is their shot...you can ask me why in another forum).
Have fun.
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Permalink Reply by Daniel Lavely on -
the best piece of advice i have is to never give up. Persistence is everything in this game, with no exceptions. You are going to lose games before you start to really win. The will to improve and prepare is vital to the game. The "never give up" attitude will take you further than you can possibly imagine.
Also, work on your technique and footwork from the beginning. These two things maybe the most important things in starting your journey toward becoming a better racquetball player.
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