How to Dive in Racquetball

When playing racquetball, nothing gets you fired up like returning a shot you have to dive for. Not only does it boost your confidence and determination, but it also discourages your opponents when they notice you are out-hustling them. Good diving is as technical as hitting a good backhand or ceiling shot, so let's take a closer look at how you can get on the floor and 'get to the ball!' without hurting yourself.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. 
    
   Stay low

   First, keep in mind that, when you are playing a game of racquetball, you should be in a low, squatting position every time your opponent is about to take a shot. Imagine a lion squatting low in the bush, waiting to pounce on it's prey.

2. 
    
   Watch your opponent

   Second, watch your opponent and try to predict what kind of shot they are going to take. Is it going to be a ceiling shot? Is it going to be a pass? Is it going to be a pinch? Playing racquetball is like chess - always try to stay at least one move ahead of your opponent and know exactly what you plan to do in response to their moves before they even play them.

3. 
    
   Know the kinds of shots you may have to dive for

   Now let's 'get down' to it. The kinds of shots for which you may have to dive are as follows: pass shots, pinch shots, splat shots, and of course, the dreaded kill shot. Anything low, hard, and out of your reach you may have to stretch yourself out for. If it is so low that it takes a quick first bounce after hitting the front wall, squat a little lower, bending at the knees like a spring, getting ready to pounce like the lion out of the bush.

4. 
    
   Lunge across the floor horizontally

   AS SOON AS YOU CAN DETERMINE what kind of shot your opponent has taken, and AS SOON AS YOU CAN JUDGE THE ANGLE of the shot, lunge with your body horizontal to the floor in the direction of where you think the ball is going to take the second bounce. Try to get as close to the floor as possible without touching it at first. It should feel like you're gliding across the floor on a thin, invisible cloud.

5. 
    
   Don't bend your knees toward the floor

   During the dive, DO NOT bend your knees toward the floor. If you feel your knees bending, try to bend them such that your lower leg is bent up toward the ceiling, and so that your thighs are the first to make contact with the floor when you land.

6. 
    
   It's fun to dive!

   Also, when you are in flight, keep the non-racquet holding hand beneath you, as if you are doing a one handed push-up with bended elbow. This hand, palm to the floor, will be the first part of your body to touch the floor, and will sort of ease your body down light as the arm collapses at the elbow.

7. 
    
   Get that racquet out!

   Try to get the full extension of your arm holding the racquet. You don't want to just get to the ball and return it, but also get a good strategic shot in. By maximizing the extension of your arm, you increase the chances of hitting the sweet spot on your racquet. Make good contact and get a good shot away from your opponent. It is even possible to hit a kill shot off a dive...Talk about demoralizing your opponent!

8. 
    
   Win the point!

   After you've gotten the return and hit the floor, don't think the point is over. Most of the time, a good dive will keep the point alive for you, but not necessarily win you the point. Get back on your feet as quickly as you can, get back in your squatting position and WIN THE POINT! It's very tempting to get a good dive in, then proudly lay there while your opponent proceeds to hit another kill shot on you and win the point.

Tips & Warnings

• Every once in a while, just or practice, dive for balls that you don't really have to dive for. Just getting down and dirty on the floor can make you a more confident diver when you really need it.
• If you find yourself diving all the time, there may be another aspect of your game that needs development. A good player shouldn't have to dive often.
• Don't be discouraged by a missed shot on a dive or by a clumsy dive. Just like anything else, this will take some practice.
• BE CAREFUL. Stay low and don't let any bony parts of your body hit the floor first with the exception of your landing hand. Diving can give you a boost, but it can also give you a bump.
• Watch where you are headed! Don't dive into your opponent and don't dive into a wall!

[sonni57]

on 8/4/2009 Good article on racquetball I haven't played in a while.

[kaldrich88]

on 8/3/2009 good tips. thanks 5*

[dengineer]

on 7/29/2009 Excellent article!! I've never tried diving, still trying to develop my "kill" shot.
Thanks!!!