Handball and Racquetball

Nature and Purpose

Handball and racquetball are related competitive sports in which the hand (or a racquet) is used to serve and return the ball. In their principal variations these games can be played by two opponents (as a singles game), by three opponents (as a cut throat game), or by two opposing pairs of players (as a doubles game). In this chapter, whatever is said about handball also applies to racquetball, unless otherwise stated.

Although the game can be played on one or three walls, the four-wall enclosed court provides the greatest challenge to skill and the most competition. The four wall game is discussed primarily, but most if its related description is meaningful to the other variations of the game.

The game is won by the first side scoring 21 points. A match is won by the first side winning two games. The third game, or tie-breaker, is usually played to only 11 points. There is no tie score nor requirement to win by two points, as in some games.

A player may use either the right hand or left hand for hitting the ball (or holding the racquet), but only one hand at a time may be used to play the ball, and the ball must be struck only once in each instance.

Playing Area and Equipment

Court - The standard four wall handball court is 40 feet long by 20 feet wide and 20 feet high. An outdoor single wall court is 34 feet long by 20 feet wide and 16 feet high. The four wall court is divided into a front court and a back court or equal dimensions by a line called the short line, running parallel to the front wall. Five feet in front of the short line in another parallel line called the service line. Eighteen inches from and parallel with each side wall is a line drawn to form a box, termed the service box, where the partner of the sever, in doubles, must stand while the ball is being served.

Ball - The handball is made of black rubber, has a diameter of 1 7/8 inches and weighs 2.3 ounces. In racquetball a seamless rubber ball is used that is 2 1/4 inches in diameter and weighs approximately 1.4 ounces. If one-wall handball is to be played in a physical education class, it should be advisable to use the racquetball ball.

Gloves - The rules of handball require that gloves be worn. This is not only for protection but to keep perspiration off the ball as much as possible. In racquetball, gloves are not required by the rules; however, many players prefer to wear them for a better grip and reduced slippage due to perspiration.

Racquet - The racquetball racquet will have a maximum head length of 11 inches and a width of 9 inches. The handle may not exceed 7 inches in length. The racquet frame may be made of any material, with popular types made of aluminum, steel or fiberglass. The strings of the racquet

must be gut, monofilament, or nylon. The price of racquets ranges from $10.00 to $100.00. For physical education classes a less expensive solution is to use wooden paddle racquets that cost much less.

Goggles - Racquetball players are encouraged to wear eye protection of some type. Special racquetball goggles are available in various price ranges and styles.

Basic Rules

A strong point in favour of handball is the simplicity of the rules governing the game. Any person can become familiar with the basic rules in one or two class sessions. In 1958 the Amateur Athletic Union, the U.S. Handball Association, and the YMCA agreed upon a unified set of handball rules that would be applicable throughout the country, and in 1959 these rules were adopted by the Jewish Welfare Board.

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The Game

In the act of serving, the server drops the ball on the floor (between the short and service lines) and on the first rebound the ball is struck in such a manner that it will first hit the front wall and on the rebound land upon the floor back of the short line either before or after striking one of the side walls. After the ball is legally served, one of the players of the receiving team returns the ball by striking it either on the fly or on the first bounce so that it will strike the front wall before striking the floor either directly or having struck one or both of the side walls, back wall, ceiling, or any combination of these surfaces. The receiving side then returns the ball to the front wall, and play continues until one side is unable to return the ball legally, which will then constitute either a point of a handout.

Playing Regulations

The choice for the right to serve the ball shall be decided by the toss of a coin, and the player or side winning the toss starts the first and third games. The server may stand any place in the service zone. When the server or serving side loses the service, he or they shall become the receiver and the receiver the server; they alternate in this fashion in all subsequent services of the game. The serve must be made within the service area; stepping on the line, but not beyond, is permitted. In serving, the ball must be bounced on the floor and struck on its first rebound from the floor. If the server attempts to hit the ball on this rebound, and fails, he is out. The server may not bounce the ball more than three times in the service zone in making a service. Violation of this rule retires the server. A server shall not serve until is opponent has had a fair opportunity to get placed. The server=s partner, in doubles, must stand within the service box with his back to the side wall, both feet on the floor, until the ball passes the short line or its return from the front wall.

If a player=s partner is hit by a served fly ball while standing in the service box, it counts as a Adead ball@ without penalty, but does not eliminate any short or long fault proceeding this service. If he is hit by a served ball on the bounce, it is a short ball. If the served ball should pass behind the partner and strike the floor back of the short line, it is a dead ball.

In doubles the side starting the game is allowed one handout only. After that both partners are permitted to serve. After that both partners are permitted to serve. Players in doubles must follow the same order of service throughout the game. It is not necessary for players to alternate serves to their opponents.

If a ball is swung at and missed, it may be played again, providing it is hit before bouncing twice on the floor. If a player swings at and completely misses the ball and if in his, or his partner=s attempt to again play the ball there is an unintentional interference by an opponent, it shall be a hinder. If the completely missed balls should on the fly or first bounce strike an opponent, it is a penalty against the opponent - a point or handout, as the case may be.

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Receiving Service

The receiver or receivers must stand at least five feet back of the short line while the ball is being served. The receiver may play the ball on the first bounce or volley, provided he does not cross the short line. The receiver may not play an illegally served ball.

Illegal Service

Any two of the following serves in succession retires the server.

1. When the served ball hits the front wall and fails to strike the floor back of the short line on the fly.

2. When a served ball hits the front wall and two side walls before striking the floor.

3. When a served ball hits the front wall, side wall, and back wall before striking the floor.

4. When a served ball hits the front wall, then the ceiling or back wall before striking the floor.

5. When the server steps beyond the short line or service line in the act of serving

6. Failure of the server to properly return a ball in play.

7. A served ball hitting the ceiling, floor, or side walls before striking a front wall.

8. A served ball which hits the front and side wall, or front wall and floor, or front wall and ceiling at the same time (crotch ball)

Safety Considerations

1. Dress properly for the game. Always wear rubber-soled shoes to ensure firm footing.

2. Always warm up thoroughly before beginning competition.

3. Do not play a dead ball, because your opponent may turn and get struck in the face.

4. Do not deliberately hit an opponent with the ball in the hope that he will call a hinder on the play. You may both get hurt, and ill feelings will develop.

5. After you play the ball to the back court, do not watch the ball; you may get hit in the face by a returning ball.

6. Allow your opponents room to make the play. Don=t crowd or you may be struck.