Product Description
Whether you’re a competitive tournament player or a recreational player, Winning Racquetball: Skills, Drills, and Strategies will help you improve your game.

The authors—veteran racquetball player and instructor Ed Turner and #9-ranked professional racquetball player Woody Clouse—show you all the shots and strategies for success on the court. Using more than 140 photos and illustrations, the book includes dozens of practical tips and 35 drills for better practice and performance.

Inside you’ll find valuable information on

• selecting equipment and facilities;

• injury prevention and treatment;

• conditioning to improve strength, power, flexiblity, and endurance;

• common errors and how to correct them;

• effective game strategies for doubles and tournament play; and

• mental training and outthinking opponents. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Too superficial for the better player
I regretably have to agree with an earlier reviewer who panned this book as being too basic to be really useful for the more advanced player.I figured that reviewer was looking for "shortcuts" to getting good, without the hard work of practicing the basics -- and I believe in the importance of working hard at mastering the basics.So I purchased the book.But, the problem is that the basics covered in this book are too basic -- like how to pick a racquet and the trajectory of a lob serve.Those are things the beginner needs to see, but the better player knows them in principle, but needs help in learning how to execute them better -- not the "what" of winning racquetball, but the "why" and the "how" so that the skills can be practiced and developed.It's not that there isn't good stuff in this book -- there is.It does a good job of treating the fundamentals, but that's where it stops. If you've already got a solid grasp of the fundamentals and are already playing at a reasonably advanced level, I would recommend the "Advanced Racquetball" DVD by Jim Winterton which demonstrates the mechanics and strategies that will allow better players to take their game up another notch.A word of warning -- Winterton's DVD is very good, but it is so loaded with specific coaching information that it can be hard to digest it all.Sometimes you just want to yell "explain that a little better before you move on!"But at least, when you've been exposed to Winteron's coaching comments you know what you're not doing right and need to work on, and because it is video rather than static pictures, you can play and replay the stroke mechanics being illustrated.

Not bad, could be much better
I would like to see stop action sequenced photos of the basic forehand and backhand strokes. There is no picture of a decent backhand stroke in the chapter entitled "Hitting Forehand and Backhand Shots" and only two instructional photos.

All instructional photos in the book are of Woody Clouse a LEFT-HANDED player. Why would you use photos that are appropriate for only 10% of the population?

The text presentation is quite good but the photos leave a lot to be desired.

Information that is Very Valuable
One has to apply the information that has been read from this book and use it on the racquetball court. The information is very direct, and their is no mystery to it. One of the authors who contributed information on this book [Woody Clouse] emphasizes that one has to practice hitting alot ofballs on the court, lift weights, and run sprints in order to get better asa player-Male or Female.International Racquetball commissioner HankMarcus along with Irt player Jon Ellis give this book a very positiveevaluation. The book has many pictures illustrating situations where onehas too be hitting the ball away from the player, etc. The book has severalchapters that emphasize all the aspects of game-conditioning, nutrition.The book also has several pictures of players who play on the professionaltour. Cliff Swain, Andy Roberts, Mike Ray, Drew Kachtik , and RubenGonzales are some of the player photographs one will see in this book.Ihave to say that my play was really very limited and highly primitive. Ionly knew how toserve the most basic serve in racquetball and that wasthe drive, and that was the only shot I knew since the beginning. I wasvery fortunate that when I was playing the game I purchased this bookduring the time to help improve my play. It has been a couple of monthsnow, and my play is alot better. I can do a Z-serve, a left and right driveserve, and my lob is coming there. I also learned to hit the ball away frommy opponent and not to hit the ball to him or her but away from myopponent. Alot of patience is needed, and alot of practicing if one desiresto improve. So if your a racquetball player who is from Moscow, Russia, orTijuana ,Mexico, or from Houston Texas who wants to be more knowledgeableplaying the game, I highly recommend this book too you.

Not much solid information here.
I was disappointed by the lack of advanced instruction in this book.Winning Racquetball includes precious little information that an intermediate player wouldn't already know.It seems this book is mostlyfiller.I was expecting insight on advanced strategies and how to improveon fundamentals.Instead I found a lot of information on how I should eatand what I should wear.

Superb. This book taught me a lot about the game!
If you gotta have just one book to win in racquetball-- this is it!My friends (after being frustrated with my newfound techniques) were surprised about my transformation... from a novice player to a real good contenderwithin a month.I plan to join tournaments soon and win.Thanks to thisbook. ... Read more

Product Description

Master the shots and strategies to control center court and win points. Racquetball: Steps to Success features expert instruction, clear photographs, 3-D court diagrams, more than 80 drills, and a proven system for improving your game.

Stroke mechanics for the forehand and backhand and more than 35 shots, including serves, serve returns, and front-wall, side-wall, ceiling, and back-wall shots, are covered and illustrated.

Learn when finesse trumps power, why a risky kill shot may be a better choice than a high-percentage ceiling shot, and what shots will move you into—and your opponent out of—the critical center court position.

As part of the popular Steps to Success Sports Series, with more than 1.5 million copies sold, Racquetball: Steps to Success covers it all to give you the tools to rule the court!

Customer Reviews (1)

Excellent for beginners
This is the best book for beginning players I've ever seen. Well-organized, well-written, with large, clear diagrams and photos. The fundamentals and strategies are all sound and clearly explained. Don't be misled by the picture of the book's cover on Amazon, which makes it look like a cheesy home-press photocopy job - the actual book has a full-color glossy cover and is professionally produced in every way. I'll be giving this book to every novice player I play against. Highly recommended. ... Read more

Product Description
The Ultimate Guide to Weight Training for Racquetball and Squash is the most comprehensive and up-to-date racquetball and squash-specific training guide in the world today. It contains descriptions and photographs of nearly 100 of the most effective weight training, flexibility, and abdominal exercises used by athletes worldwide.  This book features year-round racquetball and squash-specific weight-training programs guaranteed to improve your performance and get you results.

No other racquetball or squash book to date has been so well designed, so easy to use, and so committed to weight training.  This book will have you increasing strength, quickness, agility, and endurance, which will lead to more powerful and precise backhands, forehands, and serves.  Following this program will allow you to compete with all of your energy from the opening serve until the final point.

Both beginners and advanced athletes and weight trainers can follow this book and utilize its programs.  From recreational to professional, thousands of athletes all over the world are already benefiting from this book and its techniques, and now you can too!

As an added bonus, this book also contains links to free record keeping charts which normally sell separately for $20. ... Read more

Product Description
Head to the court and learn to hit that winning kill shot in no time at all! Racquetball Fundamentals will have you playing and competing while you master the basics of the game.

You’ll learn shot techniques for the forehand, backhand, serve, return of serve, passing shot, side-wall shot, and kill shot. You will also become more competitive with instruction on shot selection, court positioning, and footwork. Soon you’ll be winning your share of matches as you employ those techniques with the tactics taught for both singles and doubles play.

More than 75 drills and games will speed your learning and improve your performance. You’ll also gain a greater understanding of the game’s rules, scoring, etiquette, and safety.

Racquetball Fundamentals is a better way to learn the basics in less time. Use it now and get a step--and point--ahead of your next opponent. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Basic concepts
It seems to be a really good book, specially for beginners who are worried about how to grasp the racquet, where to put the feet on the field, where to stand in order to be able to reply the ball. If you want to begin with "school" read this book to have a nice style at playing.

Not Recommended
I'm an advanced intermediate player with 16 years' experience but due to a lack of players in my area I often find myself playingopponents with beginner-level skills. Because unsolicited advice on the court is not always welcome or easily absorbed, I'd like to have a good book on fundamentals to suggest or loan to my friends. This isn't it. It's wildly scattered, rambling, and self-contradictory, with poor diagrams and useless photos. It jumps right in with drive-serve lessons without talking about fundamentals of grip, posture, body position, shot mechanics or footwork. The most common mistakes of beginners (apart from failure to get back to center court) are not strenuously identified and singled out for concentrated attention: watch your opponent make his/her shot; do not chase the ball, let it come to you; do not hit anything bound for the back wall at higher than waist-height - let it go to the back wall; the ceiling shot (hitting it and returning it) is the most important shot in the game at this level; always face the side wall when making a shot; aim your shot with your feet and body; hit drives and kills from knee-ankle height, etc. These are mentioned in passing (no pun intended) at random places and for sure there are bits and pieces of good advice (like the purpose of a return is to move the server from center court) scattered throughout the book, but they're buried in so much drivel, contradiction, and occasional downright misinformation that a beginner would never be able to tell what's important at their level and what's not. Mr. Winterton may be a fine player and coach in person, and his dropping names of top-level players may be impressive, but giving this book to a beginner would be doing them a genuine disservice.

Nothing Special
This book can often be confusing or long winded to get across points that should be simplistic.It will give you a couple beginning techniques, but did not provide the "best practice" advise I was looking for.

Great Book
I am a beginner at the sport and this book offers great insight and instruction on each aspect of the game.

Good entry level book
This book does a good job teaching the fundamentals and my game has improved since reading it. My only gripe is that I would have liked to have seen more diagrams in the book (particularly the chapters on serves and returns) rather than photos of players, in the book. Overall, good book for the money. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great book!
I've been playing for 10 years (minimum of twice a week, three times/week for last 3 years) and started taking a few lessons a year ago.My club pro recommended this book, and has attended several boot camps run by Strademo.I devoured the book in 2 days, and highlighted points on almost every page.Biggest pointer:Defining the "action zone" where 90% of shots bounce to (between 28 and 38 feet)... I was continually playing too far up.If your opponent can kill a shot infront of that zone, let him have it.In stead, say back, and hope he misses and go for the rekill or a defensive shot.I implemented it and it's already helped my game.Also gives many fundamentals on technique, as well as how to make the shots that I never understood.It's only my 1st racquetball book, but Highly recommended.It will take me at least a year of practice to implement everything. ... Read more

Product Description
You have taken your first step to success in learning to play racquetball with the purchase of this book. Racquetball: Steps to Success combines the knowledge and experience of master teacher Stan Kittleson with the latest research on learning racquetball.

Racquetball: Steps to Success is a unique guide designed to maximize your racquetball progress. It is a breakthrough in sport skill instruction through its development of complete learning progressions--the steps to success. You will climb 18 steps on your way to racquetball success. Each step (chapter)

• explains why the concept or skill is important,

• identifies the keys to correct technique,

• helps you correct common errors,

• explains how to practice each skill in realistic ways,

• lists specific performance goals for each drill,

• gives you a summary checklist for evaluating proper technique, and

• lets you proceed at your own pace.

Each of the steps you will take is an easy transition from the one before. The first few steps provide a solid foundation of basic skills and concepts. As you progress you will learn how to choose the proper shots and strategies to match your various racquetball needs--whether you want to improve your quickness, develop power, practice deception, or just have fun. As you approach the top of your climb to success you will have gained confidence in your racquetball ability and experienced the satisfaction of becoming an accomplished player. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Likely To Improve Your Game
This book offers a good deal of useful information to the beginner and intermediate racquetball player.Even if you have played racquetball for some time, this book should still offer you some practical advise and strategies to improve your skills.The book is logically organized around 18 "steps to success,"and there are instructions for specific drills to be carried out individually or with a partner to master each step.A number of figures complement the explanations throughout the book, though I wish the author had also included some real-life pictures to better illustrate some of the techniques. I have played racquetball intermittently for many years without much formal instruction, and this book, indeed, improved my game.All and all,this is a good source to read and refer to if you wish to develop as a racquetball player.

Be a better player, if you have not had other instruction.
This book was definitely designed for a beginner to low intermediate player that has not had any organized racquetball training.The six rules to a better game really have helped me, by teaching me winning strategy.The six rules are also not to overwhelming to stay focused on the techniques during my games.

Nice workbook format with very good diagrams and practice drills to actually get you on the court practicing.The practice drills focus on building each individual skill allowing the end result to come to you naturally over time and practice (sorry the perfection of the skill does take time and practice- otherwise we'd all be incredible wouldn't we)?

I also liked that fact that the author did not bore me with the history of the game, the racquet, or many other frivolous items (there are a few, but they are quick).He gets down to the business of how to simply play better racquetball.

I cheated and skipped around from chapter to chapter getting the most bang for my buck in the shortest time.If something in a chapter needed some supporting info or skill I was referred back to the other chapter.However, I read the entire book and did find some great info on areas that I was more familiar with before I started the book.

If you are an advanced player look elsewhere for improving an intermediate or better game.If you are starting out or never learned racquetball strategy you can't go wrong with this book.

Good for Learning and Reference
This book has been a great source of information and has helped to improve my game.The author does a good job of identifying the different aspectsof the game and describes each well.The various shot drills and courtdiagrams are also a great learning tool.Anyone who wants to improve theirracquetball and follows this manual can't help but get better.

Good Overview/Practice Book
This is a worthy book to have around.It includes many drills to help you home in, especially useful are the "what youre doing wrong" sections.

Good drill book
This book is good for people who are just beggining and for people that have been playing for a while. This book has alot of the usual knowledge and strategy but alot of drills and dril charts that have improved my game.This book never leaves my bag ... Read more

Product Description
A DRM free eBook.

History of Racquetball
A Bit Of Racquetball
Racquetball – A Primer On Rules
Gearing Up For Racquetball
Racquetball - Playing Tips
The Racquetball Way
Dealing With Racquetball Injuries
Joining Racquetball Gyms
Own The Racquetball Court
Promote Racquetball in Your Facility
Racquetball and Mentoring
Racquetball And Some Swinging Tips
Racquetball Check
Racquetball Defense Strategies
Racquetball Offense
Racquetball Skyrocketing
Racquetball Talk
Racquetball – The Many Don’ts Of The Game
Racquetball Tips – Getting The Right Grip
Relieving A Racquetball Past
The Future of Racquetball
The Racquetball Party
The Racquetball Show
The Racquetball Trigger
Tips for Racquetball Instructors
... Read more

Product Description
The most comprehensive instructional racquetball book for beginners availabe today.Everything you need to know to get started, and build a solid foundation for anyone interested in learning the proper techniques and strategies.This manual is set up as an eight week instructional course for easy of use by students and instructors alike. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Great Racquetball Review
This book does a very good job of covering the basics of the game and providing drills to help you improve.I really liked the chapter on the service game and the detail on the different types of serves.His approach to court coverage from a defensive perspective was extremely helpful as well.I would recommend this book to anyone looking to learn or review the fundamentals of the game.

New Player
In his effort to get me more into the game, my husband gave me this book for my birthday,. It was great for a beginner! Recommend it for anyone trying to learn the basics.

Excellent Book for New Players
Darrin has done an excellent job of taking his Percentage Racquetball book, (which is an excellent resource for tournament players) and making it applicable for the beginner player. I purchased both, and gave the 101 book to my son in college. He had never played before, but is trying out for the schools racquetball team this year! I highly recommend both!

Loved it!
I purchased this book in effort to learn how to play racquetball and break up the monotony of going to the gym and riding the stair master for an hour.The game is so much fun!I love playing, and am getting a great work out doing it.The book is very simple to follow, and is set up with "tests" at the end of each section to make sure you grasp all the concepts correctly.I definitely recommend this book for anyone wanting to learn hoe to play racquetball. ... Read more

Product Description
The most comprehensive training and instruction book for Racquetball players.Voted by Racquetball Magazine as the best book for competitive players to own. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

It just works...
...pure and simple. Darrin does a great job explaining how percentage racquetball works, and (while we will all make mistakes that lead to losing) how the system itself never fails. This book starts at the mechanics of making a good game, and goes forward from there all the way up to fitness for the game itself. Completely worth the read, there isn't a better book out there for this game.

Unimpressed
The content of the book, while there are obvious tips, is not particularly noteworthy.

Also, in terms of the other reviews, I noticed that the actual author reviewed his own book by pretending to be a reader. What kind of blatant scam is that.

Great book
I read Darrin's book from cover to cover, many times.I realized that Darrin lived in Phoenix and being as I had family there I decided to try and look him up.After some effort I was able to make contact and took lesson's from him.If you think his book is good (and it is) he's even better in person.I now visit my family once a year and find time to work with Darrin when I visit.Who knew visiting family would help my game!

Great Read
I've read the pre-published version of this book and it's hands down the most informative well written instruction to Racquetball that I've ever read.The author is very descriptive and through.I've been able to incorporate some the "play smart" not "hard" tips that Darrin offers.Before being introduced to this book I was over swinging everything and my form was off.It's a must have for the beginner/intermediate or the veteran player that has developed years of bad habits.

Excellent Racquetball Resource
I had been playing racquetball for several years before came across this book.The book made me realize that most racquetball players (including myself) spend most of our time playing without a clear strategy and trying to hit impossible shots.No wonder it was so easy for me to get frustrated.Darrin's percentage system helped me simplify my grossly convoluted racquetball style. It taught me to hit simple, easy shots; and I now find myself playing calm and under control, and consequently winning a lot more rallies.This book is an excellent resource for the beginner player, and also has some excellent tips for the semi-veteran like me who needs to start thinking more and running less. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Wow!
This was an amazing title!I never knew what I was doing wrong until, finally, I purchased and read this book.
What a difference it made!
Well worth the effort to find one.
Cheers!

This book saved my game!
This was an excellent guide for reducing injury on the court. I play several times a week and didn't realize what I was doing wrong! Now I am more confident and certainly prepared for anything!! I recommend it. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

It's Like Racquetball's Gospel of Thomas
"Lucky is the lion that the human will eat, so that the lion becomes human. And foul is the human that the lion will eat, and the lion still will become human."

Still unclear what Keeley was. What is clear is that the man was brilliant on the court. His style was more analytic than the physical, spiritually freeing style of Hogan. Yet there is something Zen like to his teachings.

This book could also double as a great book for poker players, with it's principles of reading and exploring your opponent. . ... Read more

Product Description
BEGINNING RAQUETBALL covers the fundamentals of raquetball and is suitable for players at all levels. Its major strengths are its comprehensive art program and rich pedagogy, which include "Points to Remember"-a checklist of helpful hints for players and "Check Points"- study questions at the end of each chapter. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Excellent source for Beginer Players
This is a great book for beginner players.The book contains many nice photos and the instructions are simple and straightforward. I started playing racquetball about 3 months ago and has used this book to greatly enhanced my skills which make the game a lot more fun. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great R-Ball Tool!
Very complete book on racquetball.Very easy to understand explantions and charts. Highly recommended! ... Read more

Product Description
The Steps to Success Activity Series is the most extensively researched and carefully developed set of sport skill instruction books ever published. The series provides not only outstanding participant books for many sports but also the most comprehensive instructor guides ever developed for teaching sport skills. The conceptual model developed for the Steps to Success Activity series is explained in Instructional Design for Teaching Physical Activities.

The participant and instructor books for each sport represent a breakthrough in instructional technology through the development of complete learning progressions--the steps to success. This innovation was achieved by combining the knowledge and experience of master teachers with the latest research on sport skill instruction.

Your students will find the participant book, Racquetball: Steps to Success, a vital resource to complement your instruction. Each of the 18 steps (chapters) provides students with

• sequential illustrations for correct execution of all basic skills,

• suggestions for error detection and correction,

• excellent drill progressions,

• specific goals for measuring performance, and

• summary checklists of keys to correct ... Read more