Racketball

Racketball is growing fast in squash clubs across the country as an entertaining alternative to squash.

The game played in Europe is derived from the American game, but modified to work on a conventional squash court.

With a bouncier ball, the game is of particular interest to squash and tennis players who want to extend their playing career without all the stresses induced by playing squash.

Ask your Club Manager or Professional about how to get started.

There is a degree of confusion in racketball circles about which ball to use, caused principally by the explosion in popularity of the game exceeding the ability of the regulators to legislate. However there is updated guidance from ES&R. Briefly the advice is:

• Elite players competing in national championships, regional and county premier leagues should be encouraged to play with the black ball.
• Players competing in leagues below premier leagues should use the blue ball, unless both players agree/prefer to use the black.
• All recreational players should use the blue ball.

The balls that are currently approved by ESR at both the Blue and Black specification are Dunlop, Price and Tecnifibre.

Norfolk Squash are organising a 'fun' Racketball Grand Prix event in Diss on Sunday, Feb 12th. Entries have to be with Richard Millman by Feb 8th. Get the entry form here.

The inaugrual Suffolk Closed Championships will be held at Ipswich Sports Club on February 25th and 26th. Entries close at noon on Monday,' Feb 20 either by e-mail to squash@ipswichsports.co.uk or by phone or text to 07803 003215. There is a £5 entry fee and everyone is guaranteed at least two games. Any questions should be directed to Alec Livingstone on 07803 003215

The East Regional Racketball Championships, will be held at Woodford Wells Squash Club in Essex on 3rd and 4th March 2012.

All participants are guaranteed at least two matches and will receive a free Event t-shirt. There are prizes for all winners including FREE entry to the National Racketball Championships.

This year's Regional Championships will cater for players of all abilities across the following three grades, PLUS there will be the first ever Ladies event:

Men's A grade = County / higher level team players

Men's B grade = Regular club and recreational club players

Men's C grade = Beginners / players new to squash or racketball

Ladies

Closing date is Friday, Feb 24th. Get the entry form here.

Please send all entries to philip.wright@englandsquashandracketball.com

• RACKETBALL is exciting.
• RACKETBALL is ideal for players of all ages and abilities.
• RACKETBALL skills are acquired quickly.
• RACKETBALL rallies are longer and beginners rapidly gain confidence in their game.
• RACKETBALL is played on a standard squash court and uses a larger bouncier ball and a racket with a larger head making the game easier to play.
• RACKETBALL players are therefore quick to enjoy a competitive game and a great workout!

Click here for a full set of Rules from ES&R.