RACQUETBALL Equipment

RACQUETBALL Equipment

(1) Court

Figure 3.1 shows the measurements of four-, three-, and one- wall racquetball courts. The recommended four-wall court is 40 feet long and 20 feet wide, with a front wall of 20 feet and a back wait at least 12 feet high. The short line, parallel to the front wall, divides the playing court in half. The service line is parallel to and 5 feet in front of the short line. The area between these two lines is designated as the service zone. A service box is located at each end of the service zone. It is marked with lines 18 inches from each sidewall and the line is parallel to the sidewall. Five feet back of the short line, broken lines are marked on the floor and this is called the receiving line. The receiver cannot attack the serve until the ball bounces past the short line or crosses the plane of the receiving line. The drive serve rule lines are three feet from each side wall in the service box, dividing the service zone into two seventeen-foot service zones for drive serves only. The safety zone is the five-foot area bounded by the back edges of the short line and the receiving line. This zone is observed only during the serve. All lines are marked on the court with 1.5-inch red or white lines.

The one-wall court has a front wall that is 20 feet in width and 16 feet high. The floor is 20 feet wide and the length is 34 feet from the front wall to the back edge of the ong line. There should be a minimum of 6 feet beyond the long line and each sideline in order to provide movement area for the players. The short line is 16 feet from the front wall. Parallel with the short line and 9 feet back of it are markers designating the service line. The imaginary extension and joining of these lines on the floor indicates the service zone. The receiving zone is the floor area back of the short line bounded by and including the long and sidelines.

The three-wall dimensions are the same as the one-wall court, except that it has two sidewalls extending from the top of the front wall back along either sideline and slanting downward to a height of 6 feet at the short line, at which point they stop.

(2) Racquet

A short-handled racquet must be utilized in racquetball. The racquet, including bumper guard and all solid parts of the handle, may not exceed 21 inches in length. Racquet strings may be gut, nylon, graphite monofilament, plastic, metal, or a combination of these materials, providing the strings do not mark or deface the ball.

It is required that a thong be attached to the handle and slipped over the wrist of the player during the game. During play the hands may become wet with perspiration: this thong will prevent the racquet from slipping from the hand and striking another player.

Most racquets are either made of metal or a composite material, such as fiberglass or graphite. Composite racquets are an advantage because the strong fibers allow the racquet to have stiffness and flexibility without adding extra weight.

Two methods are utilized in the manufacturing of composite racquets. One is termed injection molding and involves the placing of short fibers, such as fiberglass, into a mold. The second method is termed compression molding and uses longer fibers, such as graphite, which are placed in the mold by hand. Of the two types of molding, compression molding makes a better quality racquet. This is the type of racquet used by elite players in a hard-driving and fast-paced game. This type of racquct will also cost more.

The type of racquet you select will affect your style of play, so it is important to take time to look at many styles and types before making the final purchase. Pick the racquet up and swing it to test the grip, weight, and balance of the racquet. If possible, it would be helpful to rent a particular racquet that you might be interested in and take it into the court and hit some balls to determine how feels and plays.

(3) Ball

Many different balls are manufactured by individual coinpanics. The rules state that the ball should be 2.25 inches in diameter. It should weigh approximately 1.40 ounces and when dropped from a height of 100 inches, the bounce should be between 68 and 72 inches when the temperature is 76° F Only a ball having the endorsement or approval of the AARA may be used in an AARA-sanctioned meet.

The type of ball used will determine to a great extent the speed of play. If one chooses to use a regular tennis ball, this will make for a fast-moving, hard hitting style of play. It is suggested that the tennis ball be colored in order to make the ball easier to see.

Some balls are not as highly pressurized as other balls and therefore do not travel as fast. The type of ball utilized in many cases will be determined by individual choice or local player acceptance.

참조 : BADMINTON Equipment