Choosing the right racquetball racquet is vital to your game. We've gone over the basics before but now we're going to look at little deeper. If you are new to the sport, you may want to start with our post "Finding the Right Racquetball Racquet" and then come back for more detailed information.

We're still going to pay attention to the racquet weight and balance, but we're also going to look at your individual swing speed and swing weight.

RACQUET WEIGHT

Racquet weight can affect how much power, maneuverability and control you have. Racquets come in three basic weights: , and . How do you know which weight is right for you? Look at your swing speed. Players with a faster swing speed can use since they usually have enough power on their own. Moderate speed swingers should go for a racquet in the . These racquets are good for all types of players as they balance control and power. Slower swingers should try for more power. Beginner players usually have slower swings and benefit from heavier racquets. Remember, these are just general rules of thumb, and there are exceptions; for example, if you have any arm or shoulder issues than a medium or even heavier racquet might be better since they should have less vibrations.

RACQUET BALANCE

You know how some racquets feel very different from others? This is due to the balance of the racquet. are just like they sound, they have more weight at the top. These racquets can help you increase your swing speed and swing weight, and therefore, increase your power. are the opposite—most of their weight is toward the throat, or handle, and they feel lighter in general. If you tend to play in the frontcourt and need more maneuverability, this may be the racquet for you. However, if you want a balance of control and power, look at an , where the balance point is (surprise) in the middle of the racquet.

STRING WEIGHT

You've probably noticed that almost everything comes down to power or control. If you are a seasoned player with a lot of finesse, you might have all the power you need and crave more control for those well-placed pinches and strategic lobs. However, if you're a beginner, and haven't really mastered ball control or strategic angling, you may need something with more power. give you more control and allow you to adjust quickly; generate more power with less effort. Racquetball racquets with offer both power and control whenever you need it. Most competitive or high-level players prefer these racquets.

GRIP SIZE

Grip is pretty easy, you can either choose bigger or smaller. Most players choose smaller but it can be a matter of preference. However, things change when you get into Super Small and Extra small. A much smaller grip, like the Super Small, can provide more wrist snap; if you have the skill, this can translate into increased power. However, it's important to note that too small a grip (such as the Extra Small) can cause pain and injuries due to over clenching the handle. If you aren't sure, it's probably best to go with smaller or bigger.

STRINGING

All racquets, in all racquet sports, lose some string tension over time. If you notice reduced power or response, it might just be that your strings have lost some tension. As a rule of thumb, higher tension offers more control thanks to the stiffer string bed, while lower tension offers more power thanks to the springy effect from the string bed.

Some directors seem to use racquetball when they want to throw their main characters around and place them in really physically comedic situations. I guess it really is funny to watch people gasping for breath, chasing the ball, and just generally flailing around. In the late 80s and early 90s, it felt like the racquetball court popped up everywhere. Maybe in the mid-2000s we'll see the squash court making a cinematic rise. Here are some of the best and funniest racquetball scenes.

Cape Fear
Although the overall plot of this movie is far from a comedy, 1991’s Cape Fear, features a scene where Sam Bowden (Nick Nolte) and Lori Davis (Illeana Douglas) battle intensely on the court. While both are running into walls, Lori yells “Mr. Perfect Form!” to which Sam replies, “You gotta’ snap your wrist on the backhand!”

Along Came Polly
Ben Stiller is screaming, running into walls, and dodging the ball in a scene from Along Came Polly. His character Reuben Feffer is playing an aggressive match with Leland Van Lew (played by Bryan Brown), a business associate. This hilarious scene features Reuben screaming at the top of his lungs while simultaneously trying not to get tagged by the ball or Leland. In the end, someone loses a tooth. Ouch.

The King of Queens (season 6, episode 18 “Trash Talker”)
In a 2004 episode titled “Trash Talkers,” King of Queens main characters Doug Heffernan (Kevin James) and Deacon Palmer (Victor Williams) hit the racquetball court at World Gym to settle a dispute they’re having over Deacon’s friendship with Doug’s enemy from elementary school. Doug introduces Deacon to his friends “Hu- and -miliation,” before also showing Deacon what he had for lunch earlier. You can find the episode in season 6, episode 18.

Splash
Comedy legend John Candy as Freddie Bauer attempts to give Tom Hanks as his brother Allen Bauer, a “lesson in humility.” They meet on the racquetball court to have a serious discussion about Allen’s love life when Freddie decides that the best way to get through to Allen is to take over the game himself. With a cigarette in his mouth for most of the game, Freddie steals the scene when he decides to serve the ball…to his forehead.