- Players keep score during a racquetball match and the first player or team to reach 15 points wins a game. There are three games in a match and the first person to win two games wins the match. The third game, if necessary, is only played to 11 points. The way to score points is by winning a rally, which ends when the opposing player cannot hit the ball before it hits the floor two times or cannot return the ball so that it touches the wall before the floor. The rally also ends on an ace, where the server serves an irretrievable ball.
- Official racquetball courts are 20 feet wide, 40 feet long and 20 feet high. The back wall must be at least 12 feet high. The ball is made of rubber and in official tournaments must be approved by the U.S. Racquetball Association. Racquets must be 22 inches are less and be attached the player's wrist by a cord. It is also highly recommended that all players wear protective eyewear to prevent injury.
- Usually a coin toss determines who is first to serve. The loser serves in the second game. Depending on the rules, the server will have one or two opportunities to put the ball into play. The server must be behind the service line when serving. The ball must hit the floor once and then be hit by the opponent before hitting the floor again. Otherwise, the server will receive an ace.
- The serve will change to the other player if the server cannot return the ball after the opponent returns serve. If a second serve is no good, control also goes to the other player. The serve may also change sides if the server hinders (blocks or pushes) the other player and a penalty is called.
- It is also common to play racquetball with partners. Players take turns serving but not on the same possession. When one player is serving, their partner stands against the side wall. Players must take turns when returning a rally. If the same player returns the ball without allowing his or her partner to hit the ball, they lose the rally.
