Projeto Raquetebol Brasil

As primeiras formas de se jogar racquetball na América remontam-se ao início da década de 1920. Joe Sobek, um tenista e jogador de squash profissional de Connecticut, EUA., considerado o verdadeiro pai do racquetball, lapidou uma forma de esporte que teria sido levada pelo exército britânico ao Canadá como resultado de uma prática do século XIX. Sobek, então, misturou a essa modalidade regras de squash e de handebol, numa simbiose que resultou na forma como hoje a modalidade é praticada em todo mundo.

Embora pessoas munidas de suas raquetes tenham começado a invadir quadras de handebol nos EUA, o experimento de Sobek e a sua forma estratégica de fazer com que suas regras passassem a ser conhecidas pelo grande público fez de seu experimento um verdadeiro sucesso! Rapidamente o esporte ganhou adeptos. Já nos anos 70, clubes possuíam suas quadras de racquetball em todos os estados americanos, o que fez do esporte uma modalidade muito popular em um curto espaço de tempo.

Racquetball

Internacionalmente, o esporte também adquiriu novos adeptos em um curto espaço de tempo, com eventos esportivos como Campeonatos Mundiais, de 2 em 2 anos, desde 1981, a adesão de cinco Comitês Olímpicos internacionais e seu início como esporte Panamericano em 1995.
Com uma grande exposição em um mercado crescente de jogadores profissionais e recreativos e alcançando o sonho de se tornar um esporte Olímpico, o racquetball está bem posicionado par ao futuro, inclusive no Brasil.
Eventos esportivos que o racquetball está presente como modalidade de medalha são:
- Jogos Centro Americanos;
- Jogos Centro Americanos Caribenhos;
- Jogos Panamericanos;
- Jogos Sul Americanos;
- Jogos Bolivarianos;
- Campeonato Mundial de Racquetball.

Quadra e Equipamentos

O Racquetball é jogado em uma quadra fechada com quatro paredes, chão e teto, como no squash, porém um pouco maior.
O chão é dividido em três áreas distintas chamadas de "Forecourt,“ onde encontra-se a zona de saque e o "Backcourt." As linhas que definem essas áreas são chamadas de “linha de serviço”, “linha curta” e a “linha de recepção”. As paredes também têm nomes e são chamadas de "Play Wall," a "Side Wall," e a "Back Wall." As regras são aplicadas em relação à essas áreas, linhas e paredes e determinam onde os jogadores deves se posicionar durante os jogos.

A bola utilizada para jogar é a mesma utilizada para se jogar frescobol. A raquete é feita fixed frame with strings e possui um grip no final onde os jogadores seguram para jogar. Óculos de proteção são obrigatórios para proteção. Os tênis usados não podem ter solado preto e o vestuário e luvas conforme preferência do atleta.

Raquetebol no Brasil e ABR

No Brasil, o esporte começou a ser praticado em 1985, no clube A Hebraica, na cidade de São Paulo, SP, onde existem duas quadras – que são as únicas quadras do Brasil. Os atletas do clube representam o Brasil em campeonatos sul americanos, panamericanos e mundiais desde 1987.

A ABR - Associação Brasileira de Raquetebol - foi fundada em 2004 para representar oficialmente o Brasil em competições esportivas e incentivar a criação de novos núcleos. Ela é reconhecida pela IRF (International Racquetball Federation) e pelo PARC (Panamerican Racquetball Confederation). Agora só está faltando mesmo o reconhecimento do COB (Comitê Olímpioc Brasileiro) e é exatamente disso que a ABR está correndo atrás.

Equipe / Campeonatos

No Brasil, o esporte começou a ser praticado em 1985, no clube A Hebraica, na cidade de São Paulo, SP, onde existem duas quadras – que são as únicas quadras do Brasil.

A equipe Brasileira hoje é integrada tanto por homens quanto por mulheres que treinam diariamente (dentro e fora do Brasil) e participam tanto de campeonatos nacionais (simples e duplas) quanto de campeonatos internacionais (simples e duplas), havendo grande exposição internacional. Devido ao fato de ainda não haver um técnico para equipe, atletas reconhecidos internacionalmente vêem ao Brasil para ministrar clínicas e melhorar o nível dos jogadores. Os campeonatos internacionais disputados até hoje por atletas brasileiros foram:

2006 – Campeonato Panamericano de Raquetebol – Guatemala, Guatemala;
2005 – Campeonato Panamericano de Raquetebol – Caracas, Venezuela;
2004 – Campeonato Mundial de Raquetebol – Anyang, Korea
2004 – Campeonato Panamericano de Raquetebol – Cuenca, Equador;
1994 - Campeonato Panamericano de Raquetebol(classificatório para o primeira participação da modalidade – nos Jogos Panamericano de Mar Del Plata – 1995) – Buenos Aires, Argentina
1992 – Campeonato Mundial de Raquetebol – Montreal, Canadá;
1991 – Campeonato Panamericano de Raquetebol – Santiago, Chile;
1990 – Campeonato Mudial de Raquetebol – Caracas, Venezuela
1989 – Campeonato Sul Americano de Raquetebol – Santa Cruz de La Sierra, Bolívia
1988 – Campeonato Mundial de Raquetebol – Hamburgo, Alemanha
1987 – Macabíada Panamericana – Caracas, Venezuela

Reportagens

http://www.hebraica.org.br/NOTICIAS/ver_news.asp?idNoticia=100

http://www.hebraica.org.br/noticias/ver_news.asp?IdNoticia=48

http://www.racquetball.ca/en/tournaments/toa/2005/WOS2005PAELIM.pdf

http://www.internationalracquetball.com/00irf_news010306.htm

http://www.internationalracquetball.com/00irf_news.htm

http://www.canadiansport.com/news/news_view_e.cfm?id=10408&search=&show=&month=&year=&search_whererch_where=

http://www.racquetball.ca/en/press-releases/2006/panamch090406.html

http://www.racquetball.ca/en/tournaments/toa/2006/cdn_res_2006.html

http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/OtherSports/2006/04/09/1527493-cp.html

http://www.hebraica.org.br/BoletimEvento.asp?qtdeftpg=5&ev=294

http://www.hebraica.org.br/BoletimEvento.asp?qtdeftpg=0&ev=370


Planos Futuros

A ABR está no começo e são muitos os planos para expansão da modalidade raquetebol no Brasil, entre eles:
- a construção de mais quadras na cidade de São e em outros estados
também;
- conseguir mais adeptos à modalidade, como crianças e adolescentes masculinos e principalmente feminino com intuito de treinamento
para competições internacionais;
- uniformização de toda equipe;
- continuar a ministrar clínicas com atletas de outros países para melhor formação de atletas;
- contratação de uma equipe técnica para a delegação Brasileira;
- continuar com participação em campeonatos internacionais e a organização de campeonatos nacionais;
- criar newsletter para divulgação da modalidade juntos aos esportistas cadastrados no mailing via site a mailing dos clubes;
- estar mais presente na mídia (tanto em revistas esportivas, TV e internet), formando, dessa maneira, um clipping com matérias sobre a modalidade;
Exposição Patrocinador

Exposição e Visibilidade em campeonatos internacionais, que conta sempre com mais de 14 países das Américas (nos Panamericanos) e mais de 30 países do Continente (campeonatos Mundiais). O raquetebol é dedicado em 102 países conforme o cadastro da IRF(International Racquetball Federation).
Qualquer assunto sobre o raquetebol no Brasil, entre em contato
com a Associação Brasileira de Raquetebol - ABR:
no site http://raquetebolbrasil.vilabol.uol.com.br/
ou no email: raquetebolbrasil@bol.com.br

World Juniors in Santo Domingo

Players and their families heading to the Dominican Republic over the holiday break will want to start planning now. The World Junior Championships will take place in Santo Domingo, December 14-20, and the event's host hotel has just released its special tournament services and rates.
Nestled in the heart of the oldest city in the Americas, the Hotel Santo Domingo offers a unique combination of facilities providing all the pleasures of a resort with the conveniences of a city location.

World Senior Championships on Deck

Organizers are preparing for the 2009 event, which will take place September 1-5 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Follow the action >>
Now celebrating its 21st consecutive year, the event is hosted in a series of venues and scheduled in a flighted round-robin format to maximize playing time. It's an annual best-seller among senior athletes who enjoy traveling, good friends and great competition

XXII 2009 Pan American Racquetball Championships; Cali-Colombia Overall Final Rank

XXII CAMPEONATO PANAMERICANO DE RACQUETBALL
CALI, ABRIL 3 AL 11 DE 2009
POSICIONES GENERALES FINALES
CATEGORIA OPEN MASCULINO
1º Álvaro Beltrán-México
2º Leopoldo Gutiérrez-México
3º Andrew Hawthorne-USA
4º Kris Odegard-Canada
5º Juan S. Herrera-Colombia
6º Felipe Mercado-Bolivia
7º Vincent Gagnon-Canada
8º Chris Crowter-USA
9º José D. Alvares-Ecuador
10º Fernando Ríos-Ecuador
11º Osvaldo García-Puerto Rico
12º Iván Villegas-Costa Rica
13º Jorge Hirsekorn-Venezuela
14º Ricardo Monroy-Bolivia
15º Santiago Canedo-Chile
16º Andrés F. Herrera-Colombia
17º Fernando Mansell-Nicaragua
18º Antonio Yamin-Venezuela
19º Javier Canales-Honduras
20º Mauro Barbosa-Brasil
21º Fernando Kurzbard-Argentina
22º Pablo Kurzbard-Argentina
23º Sebastián Roessler-Chile
24º Selvin Cruz-Honduras
25º Noslem Jimenez-Cuba
26º Ward Myers-Puerto Rico
27º Cristian Jaime-Rep. Dominicana
28º Mykel Moyet-Cuba
29º Christian Wer-Guatemala
30º Fernando Sierra-Guatemala
31º Felipe Camacho-Costa Rica
32º Luis Pérez-Rep. Dominicana

European Racquetball Federation signs ball agreement with Ektelon

Ektelon is proud to announce that the ERF (European Racquetball Federation) has signed an Official Ball Agreement with the global racquetball leader. The deal was finalized and announced at the 15th bi-annual European Racquetball Championships, held August 3rd-9th, 2009 in Paris, France. Ektelon becomes the first racquetball company to finalize an official product agreement with the ERF. As part of the agreement with the ERF, the federation will use the Ektelon Classic Ball as their official ball for the ten top level ranking events and for any newly developed “satellite events” on the ERF schedule for the coming year."We are very excited to start this new partnership with Ektelon as the "Official Ball" for our events", says ERF Vice President Mike Mesecke. "It’s great to be partnered with the leading brand in the sport and we know that Ektelon is the right choice for us to work with to accomplish our goals. Ektelon has the best staff and marketing team in the sport and also the best product. We conducted some extensive testing of all racquetballs on the market and the Ektelon balls came out on top.” Currently, the Ektelon ball consists of three ball types, making it simple to understand which ball type is best suited for different levels of play, court environments and overall preference. Fast = Classic: A lighter, softer compound is used to reduce arm shock and lower bounce for maximum control. Classic balls are black in color for high visibility on indoor court walls and perfect for players looking for a slightly slower-moving, easy-to-see, low-bouncing ball. The Classic allows players more time to set up on shots and is the official ball of the NMRA and CPRT. Faster = Premium Select: The #1 seller in the Ektelon line, Premium Select balls come in the popular blue color and deliver a traditional speed and lightweight, crisp feel ideal for a wide population of players. Fastest = Fireball: The fastest balls in the sport, Fireballs are easily identified by their unique, highly visible hot red color. Made of a reinforced compound for maximum durability, Fireballs are ideal for outdoor as well as indoor play and best suited for players who want the hottest ball in the sport. The Fireball is the official ball of the WPRO and WOR and WFRA. “We have been following the ERF for the past several years and we recognize them as a top notch organization that is extremely well run. In addition to having a regular schedule of annual events which have been established for many years, the ERF is definitely growing racquetball throughout Europe commented Scott Winters, Vice President of Ektelon. Winters went on to say, “We are very excited to be the first company to partner up with the ERF as an official product sponsor and we look forward to a long-term relationship with this organization”. “We are especially excited to be coordinating this partnership with a focused sales effort and our Ektelon European Division based in the U.K. This is great testament to all the hard work we have put into developing the best balls for the market and we are very proud to expand our partnership portfolio outside of the U.S”.

Ektelon Racquets Latest Technology

Ektelon, a leader in racquetball product innovation, announces the launch of EXO3, its newest high performance racquet line. EXO3 features the patented, revolutionary Energy BridgeTM and Energy ChannelTM designs which suspend the string bed, expand the sweet spot and deliver a myriad of playing benefits. The line-up includes two initial models, the EXO3 Black and EXO3 Copper available wherever Ektelon products are sold beginning July 2009.
Commenting on the technology, Scott Winters, VP of Indoor Sports at Prince said, “For years, racquet manufacturers have been trying to create a racquet with ultimate power by making larger and stiffer frames, elongating main strings and reducing cross strings in the string bed. All of these methods result in more shock to the arm which can cause injury. EXO3 features the Energy ChannelTM, a radical new discovery - a new source of energy which creates ultimate power while reducing shock and improving stability on off center hits.”
The Energy Channel is a radical new frame design which creates elongated open channels located at the 12, 3 and 9 o’clock positions of the frame - which moves the mass to the outer most edges of the frame for exceptional stability. Complementing the Energy ChannelTM of EXO3 is a visible, engineering breakthrough called the Energy BridgeTM. Soft thermoplastic pieces are inserted into the Energy Channel to create an exo-skeletal bridge structure along the outside surface of the frame. The result is a string bed that is almost entirely suspended from the frame itself.
“To have the majority of the strings never come into contact with the frame is an amazing feat that offers unprecedented benefits,” said Roberto Gazzarra, VP of Research and Development at Prince Sports, Inc. “Through our laboratory testing, we actually found that compared to current competitive frames, EXO3 delivers up to 63% less shock and up to a 51% larger sweetspot without ever having to increase the physical head size of the frame. The result is a virtual head size increase from 106 to 117 square inches creating our highest power level ever of 4000 in a frame that feels even more stable, more comfortable and more maneuverable.”
“Having the ability to take advantage of a super-oversize racquet without compromising, and actually enhancing, control, feel and maneuverability is incredible,” said IRT Pro Champion, Rocky Carson. “My new EXO3 racquet feels incredibly stable in my hand and allows me to blast the ball with higher velocity than ever before. I cannot wait to hit the tour next season with this new weapon.”
“We have spent more time than usual playtesting the new EXO3 frames and the feedback has been incredible,” states Ektelon Product and Promotions Manager, Bryan Crosser. “This technology is so radically different than anything we have ever developed that the entire playtest team and our key players got involved and played a huge role in the final product. Through the process, we determined that thinner gauge strings and higher string tensions enhance the overall performance of the frame. This is why we are introducing EXO3 with a 17 gauge version of Ektelon Premier Power versus the 16 gauge equivalent from last year. Our players are also excited about the addition of the new grip size, SSR = Super Small Round which will feel like a smaller size handle than our SS grip allowing them to generate more snap in their stroke.”
Quick Technical Facts About EXO3 Energy BridgeTM - An exo skeletal structure made from thermoplastic that creates racquetball’s first suspended string bed. The suspended string bed increases the virtual headsize of the racquet and reduces frame vibration by up to 63% and enlarges the sweetspot by up to 51%.
Energy ChannelTM - A sculpted groove within the frame that enhances the dynamic benefits of the Energy BridgeTM to provide added stability, boost ball control and increase spin.
The Racquets: There will be two models in Ektelon’s initial EXO3 offering:
EXO3 Black EXO3 Copper Unstrung Weight: 170-180 grams Unstrung Weight: 185-195 grams Balance: 1 point head heavy Balance: 1 point head light String: Premier Power 17 (Black) String: Premier Power 17 (Black) String Tension: 34 +/- 4 lbs String Tension: 34 +/- 4 lbs Grip: Vision II Grip: Vision II Grip Sizes: SSR, SS, SM Grip Sizes: SSR, SS, SM SRP: $300 SRP: $280

Basic Racquetball Rules

Racquetball is played with two or four players. When the game is played with two players, it is called singles and when played with four players it is called doubles. A recreational variation of the game that is not played in tournaments is called cut-throat. The cut-throat is played with three players in the court and one player plays against two players. The same rules and scoring system applies.

The objective is to win each rally by serving or returning the ball so the opponent is unable to keep the ball in play. A rally is over when the player (or team in doubles) is unable to hit the ball before it touches the floor twice, or hits the ball before it touches the floor twice but, after taking the shot, the ball touches the floor prior to hitting the front wall, which is called a skip. The rally can also be end when a hinder is called.

Points are scored only by the serving side when the serve is not returnable (an ace) or the server wins the rally. Losing the serve is called a side-out in singles. In doubles, when the first server loses the serve, it is called a handout and when the second server loses the serve, it is a side-out.

A match is won by the first person or doubles team to win two games. The first two games of a match are played to 15 points. If each player or doubles team wins one game, a tiebreaker game is played to 11 points. Please note that 15-14 or 11-10 wins the game.

Racquetball participation growing

Colorado Springs, Colo. - June 25, 2009 - According to data recently released by the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association (SGMA) in its annual report for all sports participation, racquetball is once again, one of the fastest growing sports in America. The SGMA Sport's and Fitness Participation Report (2009 Edition), is the latest in a series of reports and studies that have cited significant growth for racquetball in overall participation.
The SGMA study showed total player participation in 2008 grew by more than 18.1% from the previous year. The renewed interest in racquetball validates the ongoing efforts of the sports various programs within the United States Racquetball Association (USAR). This also includes supporting organizations and industry manufacturers that have been instrumental in working together on a range of successful growth initiatives. The increase in participation has also fueled a significant increase in total play occasions and also affects industry sales for all racquetball manufacturers.
Racquetball has experienced a healthy increase in the number of total racquetball players and frequent players in 2008 despite the constantly changing market and economy. Currently the sport has a large international presence with people playing worldwide, in over 90 countries on five continents.
This growing participation base certainly strengthens the foundation of the sport of racquetball and helps racquetball emerge as a healthier and stronger sport. "This is a unique and exciting time for our sport. Interest in racquetball is on the rise and participation levels are growing," said Jim Hiser, Executive Director, USA Racquetball. "We will continue to promote and grow youth and adult participation in order to keep this momentum going."

Racquetball Health Benefits

The average number of calories burned during racquetball play ranges from moderate at 640/hour [Prevention, 1995] to 794/hour [Men's Health, 1995] -- to a high level at 13.7 per minute (or 822/hour) [Sports Training Institute].
An average game will take 20 minutes, during which a player will run a distance of approximately 3,650 feet -- or over two miles in one hour of play. [U.S. Olympic Training Center]
Racquetball players work at a constant rate of 75 to 85% of their maximum heart rate for the duration of a typical racquetball game. [USRA Elite Training Camp, 1992]
Racquetball offers both aerobic and anaerobic benefits, with both sustained high level heart rate activity and quick bursts of energy required during play.
Racquetball works nearly every muscle group, including sustained, repetitive use of large muscles that increase calorie burn and reduce fat percentage.

Racquetball's Backhand Swing Mechanics

First grip your racquet in the forehand grip, as though you are shaking hands with the racquet. The space between your thumb and index finger should form a “V”. Now, to properly grip the racquet in the backhand grip, just turn the racquet in your hand 1/8 of an inch clockwise. Do not move your hand while doing this, only the racquet. If you hold out your arm to full extension the racquet will now be slightly angled toward the ground. This is the proper backhand grip.

Stand facing the side wall with your hitting arm closest to the front wall (so you hit the ball toward the front wall). Your feet should be shoulder width apart, and your knees should be a little more than slightly bent. Your feet, knees hips and shoulders should all be square to the side wall.

Elevate your arm to the ready position. To do so, hold your racquet arm up in front of your torso, your forearm slightly inclined toward the back wall. Make sure you hold the racquet straight up in the air. Do not curl your wrist. Your non-hitting arm should be slightly relaxed.

To begin the swing from the backhand side you take a short step with your lead foot at a 45 degree angle to front wall. As your foot lands the swing motion will begin. You do this by leading with the elbow and shoulder of your racquet hand. The wrist lags behind slightly as your arm maintains it’s momentum toward the hitting zone.

As you continue the swinging motion your hips should be rotating and your back foot should pivot. Try to imagine that you are squishing an insect with your back foot.

As you approach the contact point your wrist and racquet will snap forward. The contact point for a straight-in shot (directly toward the front wall) from the backhand side is exactly off your front foot and full extension away from your body. As your racquet snaps through the hitting zone follow all the way through so that your belly button is facing the front wall and your racquet is pointing toward the back wall.

You should finish the swing with your upright torso directly over the ground between your front and back legs, evenly distributing your weight.

It is important to understand your follow through and what it can mean. For example, if you follow through your swing and finish with your racquet arm high in the air, you didn't swing level (parallel to the ground). That is, you swung your racquet down toward the ground and followed through up toward the ceiling. This is commonly known as a pendulum swing. A pendulum swing keeps your racquet in the hitting zone only for a short time and can lead to a high amount of inconsistency. Always swing level.

video demonstration

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxwwMK8Q-k4&feature=player_embedded

Racquetball Forehand Swing Mechanics

Grip your racquet like you’re shaking hands with it. The space between your thumb and index finger should form a “V”.
Stand facing the side wall with your hitting arm closest to the back wall (so you hit the ball toward the front wall). Your feet should be a little more than shoulder width apart, and your knees should be a little more than slightly bent. Your feet, knees hips and shoulders should all be square to the side wall.
Elevate your arm to the ready position. To do so, hold your racquet up level with your elbow which should also be level with your shoulder. From an overhead view your forearm and upper arm should be perpendicular. Make sure you hold the racquet straight up in the air.

Your left arm should be in front of you and somewhat relaxed. It is an important function of the overall swing so don’t take it for granted.
To begin the swing from the forehand side take a short step with your lead foot directly toward the front wall. As your foot lands the swing motion will begin. You do this by leading with the elbow of your racquet hand. It is important that the elbow leads into the swing to ensure proper power and control. The wrist lags behind slightly as your elbow maintains its momentum toward the hitting zone.

As you continue the swinging motion your hips should be rotating and your back foot should pivot. Try to imagine that you are squishing an insect with your back foot.

Also happening simultaneously to the motion of the racquet is your non-hitting arm is “pulling” you forward. Imagine that you are moving a pesky bush out of the way with it. Do not bring your non-hitting arm up to your chest as you swing. This is a very common error.

Continue leading with your elbow as you approach the contact point. The contact point for a straight-in shot (directly toward the front wall) from the forehand side is exactly off your front foot and full extension away from your body. Just before you reach the contact point snap your forearm and wrist through the hitting zone and follow all the way through so that your racquet is wrapped around your torso and pointing toward the back wall. Try to contact the ball at a height that is below your knee.

You should finish the swing with your belly button facing the front wall, and your upright torso directly over the ground between your front and back legs, evenly distributing your weight.

NOTE: It is important to understand your follow through and what it can mean. For example, if you follow through your swing and finish with your racquet arm high in the air, you didn't swing level (parallel to the ground). That is, you swung your racquet down toward the ground and followed through up toward the ceiling. This is commonly known as a pendulum swing. A pendulum swing keeps your racquet in the hitting zone only for a short time and can lead to a high amount of inconsistency. Always swing level.

video demonstration

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fT1G0Gpe4Q&feature=player_embedded

European Championships 2009

Victor Montserrat of Catalonia successfully defended his European Championship by defeating countryman Carlos Oviedo, 15-13, 15-13, in the Men's Open division at the 15th European Racquetball Championships in Paris, France.Elisabet Consegal made it a sweep for Catalonia as she defeated Germany’s Yvonne Kortes in a tie-breaker, 13-15, 15-8, 11-7 in the best Women's Single final of the last 15 years. Catalonia also won the men's and women's team competitions earlier in the week.Ten countries were represented this week in Paris. Unfortunetely, representatives from Poland and Romania had to withdraw at the last minute. In addition to the mens and ladies individuals, European seniors and juniors were also competing for prestigous gold medals in Paris

With an impressive win in both team finals, Catalonia (Spain) won the European Ladies and Men Team Championships at the 15th European Championships 2009 that currently take place in Paris, France. In both finals the Barcelona team faced the team from Germany and both final competitions where decided in the doubles match.

World Racquetball 2009 Highlights

Racquetball has been confirmed as a full medal sport for the Central American Games to be held in mid December 2009 featuring the seven counties in Central America. Competition will be held in San Pedro Sula , Honduras.

Racquetball has been confirmed for the Central American Caribbean Games in mid July 2010 in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico 4 new Racquetball Courts are being built at the University where the competition will be held. They will be a lasting legacy for the sport.

The Pan American Sports Organization-PASO – has approved the quadrennial coaches seminar under the IOC Solidarity Program. 22 Coaches from 14 countries in the Americas will meet under the auspices of IPRO and Gary Mazaroff for a week in Guadalajara, Mexico. This is a major program under PASO to continue the development of Racquetball and all Pan American Sports. The entire seminar is funded from IOC Solidarity funds. The program is administered through each countries National Olympic Committee. Supporting Gary are Ron Brown, Miguel Perea, Coach Moreno, David Ellis, Jo Shattuck as well as experts from the Mexican Olympic Committee.

Racquetball is once again a full medal sport in the Pan American Games that will be held on the beautiful 5 glass courts at the Olympic Complex in Guadalajara , Mexico –October, 2011. More on this at a later time.

The IRF has signed a 4 year agreement with Penn as the “Official Ball “of the IRF. We would like to thank Doug Ganim of Penn for his and Penn’s continued support of racquetball worldwide. Penn joins E-Force as a major Sponsor of the IRF and its major World and Regional events.

The IRF held a Strategic Planning Session in February to chart the course of the IRF for the future. It was great success with major participation from all major areas of the International Racquetball Partners. The goals and objectives that came out of this exercise can be found on the IRF Web Site.

The 4th Annual World Seniors Doubles Championships were held in Vancouver, British Colombia. Over 130 competed and it was a great success. We are currently negotiating with Ireland to hold the 2010 edition of the World Doubles. Look for more information as it becomes available.

The World Senior Racquetball Championship - which is one of the longest running year to year International Racquetball Competitions - will once again be held in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The entire event has been restructured and the committee is most excited about this years Worlds. To date 12 countries are sending competitors. We expect up to 20 to compete. The WSRC are World Racquetball Championships under the umbrella of the IRF. The WRSC is open to all racquetball players worldwide.

The IRF World Juniors are on schedule for Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic for this December.

The 2010 IRF World Championships are shaping up nicely for Seoul, Korea. The all Glass Portable Court used at the World Games this year will be featured as the championship court located in a nearby shopping center with seven other portable glass backwall courts installed in a nearby exhibition hall. The courts will be used to promote racquetball throughout Asia after the championships.

World Racquetball News

We have just come from what can be arguably the best International Racquetball competition ever. The World Games exposed the sport for the first time to International Olympic Committee Members as well as over 70 countries worldwide.
Led by IRF President Keith Calkins the IRF contingent of 60+ was comprised of players from 13 Countries , 10 officials, and many coaches and delegates who showcased racquetball to the world over four days
Racquetball was showcased on the Korean Racquetball Federation's all-glass portable court, which is also the first new racquetball court built in Taiwan in 25 years.
The Taiwan Racquetball Federation believes that this event will bring a boom of court building in Taiwan, which could exceed that of Squash in the future.
The World Games is a IOC supported Multi-International Sports competition for non Olympic sports founded in 1981. Racquetball was a founding sport competed in 1981 in Santa Clara , California.
The World Games is a major step towards the inclusion of Racquetball in future Olympic Programs.
The 2013 edition of World Games will be held in Cali, Colombia and once again Racquetball will be a full medal sport on the program.