Racquetball
Racquetball instruction program is tailored to the needs of veterans, service members, and their families with visible and invisible injuries. It is the first adaptive court sport adopted under the name Military Racquetball Federation. These nation-wide racquetball programs are FREE and available to any/all veterans who have served in the military.
All About Racquetball
Brief History of Racquetball
Racquetball's story is a unique blend of creativity and innovation. Born in the early 20th century from a mix of tennis, handball, squash, and the Spanish game jai alai, it quickly captured hearts. Joseph G. Sobek, a passionate athlete, is celebrated for crafting the game's iconic rubber ball while working in a rubber factory in the 1940s. Thanks to Sobek's dedication, racquetball blossomed into a beloved sport, spreading joy and camaraderie in communities worldwide.
Is Racquetball popular?
Today, racquetball boasts a global following of over 20 million enthusiasts, with players spanning across more than 95 countries worldwide. It gained recognition when it became part of the U.S. Olympic Festival, aspiring to secure a spot in the official Olympic Games, marking it as one of the youngest sports acknowledged by the United States Olympic Committee.
Potential Benefits of Playing Racquetball
Playing racquetball offers a multitude of health benefits that extend far beyond the court. It's a calorie-burning powerhouse, with just a 20-minute game torching hundreds of calories and promoting weight loss. Additionally, this dynamic sport strengthens bones and muscles, improves heart health, enhances balance, coordination, and flexibility, and sharpens hand-eye coordination and mental agility. With both aerobic and anaerobic benefits, racquetball provides a full-body workout that's not only effective but also enjoyable and social, reducing stress and lowering the risk of various health issues.
How would I play if in a wheelchair or not able to move as well?
If you're in a wheelchair or have limited mobility, racquetball can still be enjoyed through adaptive equipment and court modifications. Regular play not only enhances heart health and circulation but also improves strength, flexibility, and coordination, making racquetball an inclusive and beneficial activity for all.
How to Play Racquetball
To play racquetball, aim to outscore your opponent while reaching an agreed-upon score, typically played in a best-of-three format with games scored to 15 and a tie-breaker to 11. In singles matches, engage in a one-on-one competition, while doubles matches involve teams of two players competing against each other. Additionally, a three-player variation can be played where the server competes against two opponents, offering a unique and enjoyable gameplay experience for odd-numbered groups.
Reach out to Join the Community!
We have a sports clinics with coaches that are ready to support you!
Did You Know?
Racquetball was originally named Paddle racquet.
Playing racquetball for an hour may result in approximately 500 calories being burned.
Globally, racquetball boasts a staggering 14 million players across 90 countries, highlighting its widespread popularity beyond American borders.
People of ALL abilities can play!
Meet Our Volunteer Instructors
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RAYMOND BIERNER
GLENDALE, AZ (CIVILIAN)
MACS Racquetball Instructor
AMPRO certified racquetball instructor volunteering with the Military Racquetball Federation to promote Arizona Veterans racquetball clinics for many years. My motivation is to grow the sport under the theme of conditioning, camaraderie and competition. I donate my efforts in memory of an uncle and cousin who lost their lives in the Bataan Death March and the Korean Conflict. I appreciate the talent and inspiration that our troops and our veterans bring to my continued involvement in sharing racquetball. Military Adaptive Court Sports will allow our outreach to grow.
Clinics held at these locations:
-Family Life Center, Phoenix, AZ
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Patricia Barney
Hattiesburg, MS (Civilian)
MACS Pickleball, Badminton, Table Tennis, Racquetball Instructor
I am a USPTA, PPR certified pickleball and tennis professional. I played tennis in high school, and then again as an adult, competing for many years in USTA leagues and tournaments. I was introduced to pickleball in 2015 and became a tennis and pickleball instructor in 2019.
I began teaching for MACS in 2021 as the New Orleans VA pickleball/badminton lead instructor. I then relocated to the Hattiesburg, MS area in 2023 and continued teaching the basics of pickleball, badminton, table tennis and racquetball to active-duty military at Camp Shelby. I have loved my work with MACS; most notably my work with wheelchair-bound veterans, one of whom won 3 bronze medals in 2 US Open Pickleball Championships in Naples, Florida.
