Racquetball is unquestionably one of the fastest sports in the world.  So fast, in fact, that first-time or casual observers often have  trouble keeping pace with the action during heated rallies -- particularly as players make seemingly impossible retrievals of a ball traveling at speeds in excess of 120 miles per hour.

Speed aside, racquetball shares a number of strategies and rulings with other racquet sports.  Like tennis, a player must retrieve each shot on one bounce.  Unlike tennis, only the server scores points.  Like squash, walls are used to strategically place the ball and a player in scoring position.  Unlike squash, a shot hitting the front wall below a height of 1.5 feet is excellent, rather than out of play.  In racquetball, players hit "killshots", squash players hit "penetrating lengths".  To be successful, you must control centercourt in racquetball and the "T" in squash.

Two solid lines a mid-court designate the service zone, with the server standing between them to begin the service motion.  The ball is put into play after making contact with the front wall and passing into the rear half of the court.  On its course, the ball may strike one side wall, but no more.  If it hits 3 surfaces (including the ceiling or back wall) before bouncing, a "long" or fault serve is called.  A serve not carrying beyond the mid-court service line is "short", also a fault.  The ball cannot hit a side wall, floor or ceiling before the front wall when attempting to serve.

The server is given two opportunities to put the ball into play.  Players try to earn points or win the serve by putting an end to a rally.  

You can play singles (two players), cut-throat (three players), or doubles (four players).  Play leisurely or at a fierce, competitive pace.  Either approach results in a great workout in about one hour.  Anyone watching racquetball for the first time is typically struck by its physical demands. Men and women demonstrate form, conditioning, concentration and agility during competition.

Racquetball equipment is relatively inexpensive.  All you need to get started is a good pair of court shoes, non-restrictive shorts, a T-shirt, athletic socks and some eye protection.  Of course, don't forget the ball and racquet.  Beginners should start with a good mid-range racquet, typically priced in the $40-$50 range and as your game progresses, move up to a more expensive racquet.  The racquet is the most important piece of equipment because it's the primary link between you and the ball.