Last month I discussed the importance of routines as we are creatures of habit and perform best when there are no surprises. In order to obtain optimal performance levels, you need a pre-performance routine, which improves your accuracy, consistency, and timing. Now I’ll describe how to take it up to the next level to create a ritual, which is a specialized routine. (more…)
Control center court: Being in the center-court box puts you in the best position possible to get a majority of the shots. Keep your opponent out of center court: If you keep the other player out of your space, they are not in the best position to get to a majority of the shots. You can accomplish this by putting the balls in the corners and hitting lots of down-the-line shots. Watch the ball at all times: By watching the ball, you gain valuable information and more time so you can better determine your opponent’s shot and react faster to
Athletes thrive on consistency and routine. We are creatures of habit and perform best when there are no surprises. In order to obtain optimal performance levels, you need a pre-performance routine. (more…)
Shot selection is defined as taking the right shot at the right time and making your opponent run the farthest distance to get to the ball. It is the offensive player’s (the one hitting the ball) choice of shots based on himself, the ball, the opponent, and the score. When many of us get into the heat of the battle, we don’t think about our shots—we just bang away and play what we call survival racquetball. You may be guilty of hitting the shot you like or that you feel comfortable with rather than the most effective shot that will
In my last article, I wrote about developing a Preseason Schedule which uses the components of flexibility, speed play, aerobic conditioning, strength training , drilling, playing, and mental toughness. This schedule gave you adequate time to prepare your Racquetball Skills, Conditioning Skills, and Mental Skills. Now that you've gone through the Preseason Schedule let's introduce you to the In-Season Schedule. (more…)
