Squash, kinder
Racketball
The same court, a bigger racket and a bouncier ball. Longer rallies, far less running. Wednesday and Friday mornings at 10am.
Racketball uses a shorter, bigger-headed racket and a larger, bouncier ball on an ordinary squash court. You get hours of rallies for a fraction of the punishment.
It is how a lot of people come back after a long gap, and it is how a good few of our older members carry on when their knees have had enough of squash. It is also just good fun, and nobody needs to apologise for preferring it.
The Wednesday and Friday morning groups start at 10am. Turn up and someone will put you on a court; we rotate after each game. Kettle goes on at half past eleven, and the conversation is usually about somebody's hip.
The rules are close to squash, except that you bounce the ball before you serve and the service line does not count. You will have them in about five minutes. Bring flat, non-marking shoes and we can lend you the rest.
What is included
- Rackets and balls to borrow
- Two mornings a week with partners found for you
- A free first go
- Off-peak court prices
What it costs
Included in membership at the usual court price. Mornings are off-peak, so £3 for 45 minutes. Every price is on the prices list, and the courts page tells you peak or off-peak for any hour.
Questions about racketball
Can I play it with a squash player?
Yes, and it is a good way of levelling up a game between two different standards.
Is it really easier on the body?
The ball bounces higher, so there is less lunging and bending. It still gets your heart going, so start steadily and talk to your GP if you have a condition.
First game is on us. Bring shoes that do not mark.
Ring or send a line and someone from the club will give you a game at about your level, lend you a racket and tell you honestly what you are doing wrong.