Jan 152011
 

Z serves are very difficult serves to return. They cut across the court diagonally in front of the returner. This makes it difficult to time the return shot. A properly executed z-serve will land deep into a corner and near a sidewall, and because of the spin on the ball, will come out mostly parallel to the back wall.

Try hitting Z serves at various speeds and heights on the front wall.

After hitting a z serve, immediately move into center court position and watch the ball over your shoulder.

Jan 142011
 

John Ellis explains the rules behind the service box lines and the 5 foot encroachment line.

  • A good serve must pass the service line.
  • The server cannot leave the service box until the serve passes the service line.
  • The serve returner cannot strike the served ball until it crosses the dashed 5-foot encroachment line.

Jan 142011
 

The racquetball serve is the most important part of the game. Use the drive serve to either immediately score a point or cause a weak return of service. Your goal is to win 5 or more points from your serve in each game. In most cases, whoever serves best during a match will win.

Jan 142011
 

IMHO, lob serves are not defensive, because if done correctly, they put you in an offensive center court position and your opponent deep in a back corner.

Most beginners have trouble controlling lob serves because they put too much energy into the ball by using a big forehand swing. However, the lob requires a new stroke technique. The lob stroke has the fewest moving parts, like putting in golf. To gain control, you need to lock your wrist and pin your arm to your side. They remain locked throughout the lob motion. Use your shoulders to move your arm and racquet.

Plus, you do not need to put much energy into the ball, so use a very short backswing. The lob stroke should feel more like a push. So push the ball to a target point on the front wall.