practicing tennis on a squash/racquetball court
Michael Chang
Recently I was kicked off a racquetball court most rudely by an
attendant for using the court as a tennis backboard. Using a tennis
racquet and tennis ball.
He was very adamant in my dismissal threatening to throw my ball out
of the court. Now I was wondering, is there a technical reason for
not allowing tennis racquets/balls on a squash court?
And if you want to yell at me for being a tennis player on your turf -
go ahead! As long as you have a valid argument!
ttyl
John
Roy Slocum
Sorry, best abuse I can deliver on short notice.
-roy
"Michael Chang" <joh...@tennis.com> wrote in message
news:f31e59d2.0301...@posting.google.com...
dropshot99
No reason, other that racquetball players are jealous of Tennis actually being
an organization with Pro players that can make a fabulous living. The money
made by racquetball players wouldn't be enough to pay the "ball boys" in
Tennis.
Dropshot99
Mike
Why?
Seriously, I can't imagine what a tennis ball could do to harm a racquetball
court, but if you're not careful, I'm gonna come to your tennis court and
start hitting racquetballs at the net. HA, how do you like that!
Mike
Team E-Force <--- The only racquetball manufacturer that DOESN'T make tennis
racquets!
"Michael Chang" <joh...@tennis.com> wrote in message
news:f31e59d2.0301...@posting.google.com...
Leo V
At least your racquet was almost the same size as a racquetball racquet,
just switch to the blue ball and your almost there.
The tennis ball is alot heavier and could possibly damage a panel wall
but not a concrete wall.
Leo V.
"Michael Chang" <joh...@tennis.com> wrote in message
news:f31e59d2.0301...@posting.google.com...
JoelyRB
>The tennis ball is alot heavier and could possibly damage a panel wall but not
a concrete wall.>
I bet you are right but I would go so far as to guess that a consistent
pounding of tennis ball on concrete would be equally damaging. Don't forget
that not all concrete walls are brand spanking new; smack a tennis ball on a
patch/repatch and my guess is that it could do some real damage.
J
jeffca
> Hi,
>
> Recently I was kicked off a racquetball court most rudely by an
> attendant for using the court as a tennis backboard. Using a tennis
> racquet and tennis ball.
>
> He was very adamant in my dismissal threatening to throw my ball out
> of the court. Now I was wondering, is there a technical reason for
> not allowing tennis racquets/balls on a squash court?
A not very technical reason, actually a housekeeping reason, is that the
tennis ball fluff that's left behind can be a nuisance on some floor surfaces.
We have two different surfaces at our club, varnished hardwood and unfinished
hardwood. Tennis ball fluff on the varnished floors makes the floors very
slippery to play racquetball on, whereas traction on the unfinished floors
is not affected significantly at all. We've totally bannished tennis players
from hitting tennis balls on the varnished floors.
As far as a tennis ball causing damage to the walls, ...maybe it could, maybe
not. I guess it depends on the construction, the condition, and perhaps the age
of the materials. All I know is that the walls are designed to withstand
a pounding from racquetballs and handballs. The spec may not support tennis
balls in all cases.
Jeff
PS. It's a coincidence, but just last week I shooed a lacrosse player practicing
on one of our show courts. A lacrosse ball is MUCH heavier, and this guy was
really wailing it. (At the time I couldn't figure out what all the noise was
about, I thought maybe a handiman was working on something nearby.) That ball
would do serious damage to the wall over a period of time (a concrete veneer),
and it would destroy a panel wall (by denting it) in no time at all, I'm pretty
sure.
Dave
> People actually play tennis?
> Why?
> Seriously, I can't imagine what a tennis ball could do to harm a racquetball
> court, but if you're not careful, I'm gonna come to your tennis court and
> start hitting racquetballs at the net. HA, how do you like that!
>
> Mike
> Team E-Force <--- The only racquetball manufacturer that DOESN'T make tennis
> racquets!
Hmmmm... It's a good marketing strategy for E-Force and I don't
"dislike" their racquets. And anyone that likes rball is OK with me.
But... (you knew that was coming) if you make both Tennis and rball
racquets there is that much more research, technology, manufacturing
processes, etc.
Zealots on both sides of the tennis vs. rball debate like to think the
racquets are hugely different but the technology is shared. See a
previous great answer about the wilson 150 dlx from a guy obviously
knowledgeable about this.
Course I like Ektelon rball racquets and don't like their Prince
tennis racquets. Oh well.
see you
<other stuff snipped like crazy>
Michael Chang
just j/k you see there is no real justification other than pride and "rightness"
John
"Mike" <mikevc_s...@u.washington.edu> wrote in message news:<b157b8$140a$1...@nntp1.u.washington.edu>...
Michael Chang
it. So playing fetch with your dog is probably a big nonono
considering these facts.
"Roy Slocum" <rsl...@pacifier.com> wrote in message news:<v3bhbj5...@corp.supernews.com>...
Michael Chang
well and still isn't a dominating sport.
And what use would you have for ball boys? They'd just get in the
way!
John
drops...@aol.com (dropshot99) wrote in message news:<20030127192158...@mb-fs.aol.com>...
Michael Chang
slower... And plus they don't leave marks on the walls like the
rubber racquetball balls do.
And wouldn't hitting a "patch/repatch" with a racquetball ball have
the same effect?
John
joe...@aol.com (JoelyRB) wrote in message news:<20030128090846...@mb-fi.aol.com>...
Teachstd
>attendant for using the court as a tennis backboard. Using a tennis
>racquet and tennis ball.
You were prob playing with, eh ehm, tennis shoes??? Your outdoor shoes dirty
up the court.
Clyde
Jordan Kahn
squash court?"
>"Recently I was kicked off a racquetball court most rudely by an attendant for
using the court as a tennis backboard. Using a tennis racquet and tennis
ball."
John, you may owe the "attendant" an apology, if this occurred on campus at the
PAC Center, since they evidently have a policy about no tennis in the building
(see site below).
--
http://www.athletics.uwaterloo.ca/facilities/pac.htm#booking
SOME PAC POLICIES:
No towel service 30 minutes prior to closing time.
No golf clubs, soccer balls or tennis in the PAC.
No footballs, Frisbees or baseballs in the PAC during free time when
basketball, volleyball or badminton is being played.
No changing clothes in the gym or squash courts.
--
If this occurred off campus, at a different facility, you are still required to
follow the staff (attendant) instructions, no matter how silly it may sound.
While the staff may be enforcing a rule or policy that may not exist, or part
of the facilities "actual rule", you are required to obey the staff.
You should immediately ask to speak to a supervisor and inquire if a policy
exists. Everyone has a "boss" and you should seek the highest level to learn
why a rule exists.
Why do some facilities NOT ALLOW you to practice tennis inside a racquetball
court?
I can't speak outside the facilities I have worked at, but I will share with
you some policies regarding facilities I have worked at that had similar
situations arise.
Recently, this has happened at a facility I work at. It was a local tennis pro
practicing inside the court during the winter season.
I first asked my boss, what the policy is. I will try to explain, since this
seems to be the same policy I have used in the past and at other facilities.
On "panel wall courts" it will not damage the walls. There may be an issue with
"mandatory eyeguards", but basically, practicing alone in any type of court
(unless the front wall is "plaster" and chipping) will not be any more
dangerous than a racquetball or squash player practicing alone will.
The "rule" and "reason" why most, if not all facilities do not allow tennis
inside the court are simple.
It opens up possible liability concerns when others see this and begin using
the courts as a private room for other non-racquetball activities.
Many clubs will prohibit the use of non-racquetball related activities inside
the courts, but allow non-racquetball activities during "supervised programs"
offered by the host facility.
This is typical when a facility allows programs for kids or adults like soccer,
Wallyball, golf, self defense, aerobics. But these are supervised programs by
the facility.
The club I work at has rules posted by every door. It simply states the courts
may only be "reserved" for racquetball, squash or Wallyball.
We do not allow the courts to be used for other activities, without staff
approval. And this is only for special situations that may occur at special
times.
We do not allow kids to run around inside the courts, not even if there is a
parent present. We do not allow older kids, pre-teens and teens to throw
racquetballs inside the court. We don't allow the courts to be used as a "play
pen" for parents, although we may during facility run programs.
We actually had to change the "posted policy" after a mom reserved the court
for her kids to "run around" while she was waiting for another child
participating in a non-racquetball related program.
The reason facilities do not allow access to the courts for non-related
racquetball activities are very simple. Here is an analogy.
It is the same reason why facilities do not allow children to "run" inside the
building.
While the chances of a "particular" child to run and get hurt, or hurt someone
else may be slim, not enforcing this rule will likely lead into someone getting
hurt, which could have easily been prevented by having such a rule.
Once a facility "allows" non-supervised use of a racquetball court for one
person, this will likely lead to other uses like, baseball, soccer, golf,
basketball, volleyball for many other people.
Why do these non-racquetball activities need to be supervised?
I will share with you (and others) a situation that occurred recently.
Some "die-hard" volleyball players were practicing inside a racquetball court
set up with the "Wallyball" net. Seems harmless and we have not had any
problems.
The next day we noticed one of the "glass" court light fixers "dangling" and
about to fall!
Who knew that the "weight" of a volleyball could "move" these glass covers that
"merely hang" in the fixture!
This may have been a "freak" occurrence, but why take chances?
I believe a similar situation has already occurred for "Soccer" inside the
court.
There is a "Warning" about the weight of the soccer ball, from the "Official"
soccer-racquetball website that is promoting soccer inside the racquetball
court.
The easiest way for a facility to prevent any injuries and lawsuits is to
simply not allow the racquetball court to be used for non-racquetball
activities.
Are exceptions made for practicing tennis? It depends on the facility, who is
working, the policy and individual situation.
By the way, our facility "unofficially" allowed the local tennis pro to
practice tennis alone because he understood that we did not want others to see
and follow his actions.
We did allow him to practice, during times few people were around, with the
understanding that it was an "exception" that could be withdrawn. The fact he
was a "professional" was the reason we allowed this.
John, if you are playing with your "strong hand" at the "B" League tennis
level, you may not be considered such a "professional", or have the same
credentials that a facility could use when another member questions why certain
people can practice tennis and they can't.
This is why facilities just "don't allow" anyone to use the court
(non-racquetball use) since it doesn't send any "mixed signals" to members.
Hope this helps.
Good Luck!
Jordan
--
Subject: practicing tennis on a squash/racquetball court
From: joh...@tennis.com (Michael Chang)
Date: 1/27/03 4:12 PM Central Standard Time
Message-id: <f31e59d2.0301...@posting.google.com>
Spiderman
tennis racquet/balls in a racquetball court and it really doesn't seem to be
a productive/efficient way to practice your tennis.
In my high school days when I last played competitive tennis, I practiced
countless hours on a backboard at the tennis courts ... as well as with my
team ... but when I tried to practice on a squash or racquetball court, I
didn't have enough room and the bounce of the ball was nothing like on a
tennis court ... so I stopped wasting my time.
--
your friendly neighborhood ... Spiderman
ProRacquetball.Net
Official Videographers of the IRT/LPRA
Official Video site of the Choice U.S. Open
http://www.proracquetball.net/
"Michael Chang" <joh...@tennis.com> wrote in message
news:f31e59d2.0301...@posting.google.com...
Michael Chang
wouldn't be more specific but our friend Jordan enjoyed exposing
peoples specific location, thanks jordan.
As I was saying, I am Canadian - its too cold/snow covered to hit the
outdoor backboards! Which I do very regularly in the warmer months.
The courts are definitely slower then a tennis hardcourt but thats a
good thing. I found in the limited time I was practicing in there
that I could practice hitting the ball "on the rise." It really was
good practice and I could improve dramatically given more hours in
there. What talent could be spun up if only people exercised
flexibility now and then.
I don't understand "ex-tennis player?" Honestly I don't know anyone
who plays both sports at least well. Do you not play tennis at all
now?
"Spiderman" <spid...@proracquetball.net> wrote in message news:<b195np$gp$1...@news.doit.wisc.edu>...
Michael Chang
indoor when I play matches at our tennis club every weekend. Which is
the only opportunity I can get there b/c of the weather and lack of
transportation.
teac...@aol.com (Teachstd) wrote in message news:<20030128214335...@mb-mk.aol.com>...
Michael Chang
reason b/f I came into the racquetball court and thus used my old
skinned practice balls. That reason, plus they are softer. This is
good for me and your precious walls because they cushion very
generously when the impact your walls and thus come back to me less
quickly.
Playing tennis on a backboard is basically like cutting your response
time in half so using an old skinny soft tennis ball is the only
option to create the most realistic practice environment.
I can full hardedly understand why a lacrosse player could not play in
there. Goodness lacrosse balls are insanely solid. Does anyone know
why the Toronto Rock are called so? They are playing with ROCKS! If
I saw a guy pounding a heavy rock solid lacrosse ball at a squash ball
heck I'd tell the guy what he was doing wrong. If he resisted then of
course I would have to be more harsh and raise my voice, but I'd never
get angry over such a thing.
"jeffca" <jant...@sympatico.not.ca.valid> wrote in message news:<_1AZ9.13239$Xq4.4...@news20.bellglobal.com>...
Dolf wyz
(Michael Chang) writes:
>Recently I was kicked off a racquetball court most rudely by an
>attendant for using the court as a tennis backboard. Using a tennis
>racquet and tennis ball.
>
While one might also more easily gouging walls and wood floors with a tennis
racquet, when you get down to technicalities, it's probably a liability issue.
If you are playing around with a tennis ball and racquet, the next thing is
someone else will show up with a tennis racquet, then folks will start playing
against each other and someone will get hurt by the extra few inches of the
racquet during a follow thru and the court owner might get sued for allowing
stupidity.
Then their carrier may balk at how they are covering racquetball courts, not
tennis in racquet ball courts and the court owner could be left exposed, or
uninsurable next renewal.
Always, Fred C (www.dolf.com) Catching Targets, a putt above the rest
Jordan Kahn
Any "exposure" was not meant in a negative way.
I did not "expose" where you "may" have played tennis inside a
racquetball/squash court, since it is "public knowledge" where you play on a
tennis ladder.
The school you played on the tennis ladder has a policy of not allowing
"tennis" inside the racquetball/squash court facility.
A simple "search" of your name provided this information.
Heck, you even have your own web page! Your web page even list personal
information, including your location!
I found out where you played by using your name and tennis (dot) com, which
immediately listed the web page for your tennis ladder. From there it led me to
the facility policy of no tennis in the racquetball/squash courts.
Some of us will sometimes do a simple quick "search" before replying a "post",
especially if we are not familiar with the poster.
I believe I may have been the only person, so far, to explain "why" facilities
do not allow tennis play inside racquetball/squash courts.
I did not try to "hide" my identity, as your email suggested.
Personally, I see no problems with practicing tennis in a racquetball court.
But as someone who has worked at facilities, I do know that it would probably
lead to a preventable "incident" from others using the court for non-related
uses.
This is why, for "legal reasons" many facilities can only allow the specified
activity use, unless non-related racquetball activities are supervised and
conducted in a safe manner by staff.
All facilities have their own rules and policies. They have a right to, since
it is their business and they are the ones that will be held responsible.
I would suggest, in the future, that you talk to someone at a "facility" that
may be able to "bend" a rule for you. You have nothing to lose and may be
surprised!
Jordan
--
Subject: Re: practicing tennis on a squash/racquetball court
From: joh...@tennis.com (Michael Chang)
Date: 1/30/03 1:30 PM Central Standard Time
Message-id: <f31e59d2.03013...@posting.google.com>
Jordan Kahn
I used to, until I realized that any fluff wouldn't be enough (one person) or
any different that than typical "dust and dirt" found inside a racquetball
court.
Yes, I clean racquetball courts too.
Most racquetball and tennis players don't know this, but indoor tennis courts
actually have special "tennis court vacuum cleaners" use to clean the courts! I
don't know if they were used for safety concerns or just to keep the courts
looking nice.
Yes, I have worked at tennis clubs too.
On the other hand, if you had several people practicing tennis with several
balls, the floor could get more "fluff", but the floor would also have the same
chance to get dirty with several players' shoes!
I also worked at a facility that had "clay tennis courts" (year round bubble).
The racquetball courts would get "clay" brought in from the lobby carpets of
the tennis players!
Talk about slippery floors! We just had to keep cleaning the floors.
Jordan
--
Subject: Re: practicing tennis on a squash/racquetball court
From: joh...@tennis.com (Michael Chang)
Date: 1/30/03 1:38 PM Central Standard Time
Message-id: <f31e59d2.03013...@posting.google.com>
Thanks for answering Jeff! I took into account the tennis fluff
Michael Chang
b/c I disclosed my real name does not mean you should do a search and
then disclose that information to the public.
You sent me the same message on the board to my email. Why not just
send it to my email? I had thought that was the case.
As far as the internet search was concerned I actually tested the same
way in my google bar. with tennis and my name instead. And yes a
site I made comes up as well as the ladder league. This site was made
in a cs100 class and I had not known it made the search engine cut.
But I really don't think it was necessary/appropriate to publicise
your findings especially concerning somebody else's information no
matter how easy it was for you to determine my location.
In the future if you are going to do such a thing you should really
explain how you came to such findings instead of spooking the shit out
of people.
jorda...@aol.com (Jordan Kahn) wrote in message news:<20030130150737...@mb-fm.aol.com>...
Spiderman
type of liability ... hope so, it could cost you dearly ;-)
--
your friendly neighborhood ... Spiderman
ProRacquetball.Net
Official Videographers of the IRT/LPRA
Official Video site of the Choice U.S. Open
http://www.proracquetball.net/
"Michael Chang" <joh...@tennis.com> wrote in message
news:f31e59d2.03013...@posting.google.com...
Jordan Kahn
Ed, what are your "professional court testimonial" fees again?
Jordan
--
Subject: Re: practicing tennis on a squash/racquetball court
From: "Spiderman" spid...@proracquetball.net
Date: 1/30/03 11:40 PM Central Standard Time
Message-id: <J%n_9.293$HG6.1...@newssrv26.news.prodigy.com>
Michael Chang
just post it to finish the job?
jorda...@aol.com (Jordan Kahn) wrote in message news:<20030131004535...@mb-cc.aol.com>...
self
>While the staff may be enforcing a rule or policy that may not exist, or part
>of the facilities "actual rule", you are required to obey the staff.
"Jordan"...
"Sometimes" "you" "worry" "me"...
"Opus"
Jim Leveque
real name is ... Barry Boswick
Spiderman
--
your friendly neighborhood ... Spiderman
ProRacquetball.Net
Official Videographers of the IRT/LPRA
Official Video site of the Choice U.S. Open
http://www.proracquetball.net/
"Jim Leveque" <jams...@aol.com> wrote in message
news:f9959b0a.03020...@posting.google.com...
Spiderman
> I can understand what you are saying, but I live up here in canada. I
> wouldn't be more specific but our friend Jordan enjoyed exposing
> peoples specific location, thanks jordan.
Hi Michael, hey ... don't worry about Jordan, I know him personally and ...
well, lets say he's a nice guy. I think this internet thing changes his
persona a little ... hehehe, the only problem with Jordan is that when you
FINALLY can get out the door, yup ... he'll still be talkin to you ... so be
glad that you can turn this internet thing on and off ;-)
> As I was saying, I am Canadian - its too cold/snow covered to hit the
> outdoor backboards! Which I do very regularly in the warmer months.
>
> The courts are definitely slower then a tennis hardcourt but thats a
> good thing. I found in the limited time I was practicing in there
> that I could practice hitting the ball "on the rise." It really was
> good practice and I could improve dramatically given more hours in
> there. What talent could be spun up if only people exercised
> flexibility now and then.
Wow, that's strange, I'da thought the varnished floors would make the fuzzy
ball slide more ... but perhaps you can't really take some decent strokes in
the limited space... plus you don't know where the "net" is ... what do you
do, put some electrical tape across or something?
Actually, I think if your exercise some respect toward the racquetball court
(that is wear clean shoes, don't smash the racquet against the
floor/sidewalls, etc .... which you seem to have considered already) they
shouldn't worry too much ... as others have noted, there are numerous
activities which are run in racquetball courts ... wallyball,
aerobics/fitness classes ... we used to use them for birthday parties
(remember dodge ball ;-) for my son when I was in Chicago ... but you make a
good point which has been discussed here in the past ... what would we, as
racquetball players rather have? A rball court used for rball as well as
other activities or to lose that rball court? Think the answer is obvious.
> I don't understand "ex-tennis player?" Honestly I don't know anyone
> who plays both sports at least well. Do you not play tennis at all
> now?
I don't play competitive tennis anymore but I do enjoy playing every now and
then. Was just in FL over the holidays ... played some tennis with my wife,
son and bro-in-law ... lots of fun. Still have a reasonable hard and
accurate serve ... which really surprised me. I initially switched to
racquetball for the simple reason that I have always loved to compete ...
I'd lose in tennis tournaments and I'd win in racquetball tournaments. Now
I really play for the fun and the fitness. I can't get the workout from
tennis that I get from racquetball ... but both are great fun.
Take care.
Spiderman
... you're on your own buddy ;-)
--
your friendly neighborhood ... Spiderman
ProRacquetball.Net
Official Videographers of the IRT/LPRA
Official Video site of the Choice U.S. Open
http://www.proracquetball.net/
"Jordan Kahn" <jorda...@aol.com> wrote in message
news:20030131004535...@mb-cc.aol.com...