Why racquetball is not more popular (IMHO)
JohnFrog
game. There (obviously) have been many posts concerning why
racquetball is dead, dying, or at least not more popular (or getting
more popular). I will be the first to admit that I am no expert on
the subject, but I thought I would give my $0.02 worth. Since I am
relatively new to the sport, and many of you are not, I can somewhat
give the newbie/outsider perspective.
I think there are 3 main reasons for racquetball's status:
1) "Sport for Rich People"
If not rich, at least very comfortable. That is what I thought of
racquetball when I didn't play. When I found out my uncle played
racquetball, I thought to myself "Wow, he is in the upper class now".
That may sound silly, but that is what I used to think (and I believe
many others do, too). Of course now that I play (and am not rich), I
see this is not true. So, IMHO, we need to remove this myth about
racquetball.
2) "Sport of the 70's"
I'm sure this idea is nothing new to you. I still sometimes feel this
way about racquetball, but I still love to play. I think we need to
show people that this is a sport for all time.
3) Lack of understanding
Racquetball is somewhat of a different game compared to other popular
sports. We need to get other people to understand the basics of
racquetball.
Well, there it is. Probably nothing new. Like I said, just my $0.02
worth.
John
kungpao
Nice post. I totally disagree with you, though, about raccquetball
being a rich sport. Anyone can go to Wal-Mart or Target (etc.), but a
10 dollar racquet and be in business. I am 27 and I learned all on my
own. I started playing for fun back in high school when I had a little
piece of crap racquet. My friend and I used to go to this apartment
complex that had r-ball courts. The door to the gym was broken and we
could just walk right in. I know of many people (myself included) who
are not rich by any means, but I still try to make it to every
tournament I can. I also don't know about racquetball being a
"different" game compared to other popular games. Racquetball is
probably a heck of a lot easier to understand than tennis!!! Anyway,
that is just my $.02. - Tim
Jordan Kahn
as it once was.
John has been playing for two years.
It would be interesting to hear how old John is and how he began playing
racquetball.
But as one of the "experienced older Chicago players", I can compare the three
thoughts John indicated.
1) RICH SPORT. Now yes, unless you play free at a school, military or other
similar facility, or happen to play at a park district facility with low rates
(membership and court fees).
In the past (70's) most racquetball facilities charged between $75 and $200 per
year for a membership, with court fees ranging from $4 - $20 per hour.
Typically, a new member would write a check for about $150 which would include
a one-year membership and include a league fee for several weeks ($100
membership and $50 league fee).
Now, because most racquetball facilities are just part of a larger "facility
building", membership can be between $300 and $500 per year. Some include court
fees, some don't. This now IS a rich mans sport. Like tennis used to be.
2) A 70"s SPORT. During the 70's, there were no "Health Clubs", just indoor
tennis facilities and "free-weights" at the local YMCA or JCC. Then during the
late 70's the "Health Club" idea was born and took off like wildfire throughout
the country. New "Nautilus" machines were now available, that looked cool and
were easy to use. Aerobics was the new craze soon to be followed by
"Electronic" machines like "Lifecycles". Racquetball could not compete with an
activity that allowed members to participate everyday, without need of court
reservations, a partner, or a workout that took 1 hour to play.
3) LACK OF UNDERSTANDING. Not sure about this, since I still need to explain
the game to parents of kids I teach and other spectators who have watched
racquetball played. I have bowled played tennis and played squash without
understanding the rules. It only takes one person to try to explain it, but
experience to fully understand the rules to most sports. People participate to
have FUN, so understanding the rules prior to playing is not an issue for me,
getting them to TRY PLAYING is the issue. Heck, there are probably hundreds of
thousands (of 6 million players) who don't understand racquetball. Just look at
the "tournaments" where players "should" know the rules!
My personal view of why racquetball is not as popular is "old school", Price,
location and convenience.
Unfortunately all three work as one, since there are fewer participants.
Customers will pay almost any price, will travel and arrange their schedule if
there is a "need" to play racquetball, like most "die-hard" players already do.
But like any "product" or "service", NO NEED means less demand, fewer places
that offer racquetball, higher prices and less participants or more
participants and less chance to get a court time.
Jordan
--
Subject: Why racquetball is not more popular (IMHO)
From: j0hn...@yahoo.com (JohnFrog)
Date: 12/20/01 12:31 PM Central Standard Time
Message-id: <16008e62.01122...@posting.google.com>
Jordan Kahn
No sport is a RICH sport if you DON'T PAY by sneaking in; switching a
membership cards, or fake a member's name.
But eventually that facility could not cater to its "paying" customers or bring
in the income to survive.
Sneaking in to a racquetball facility is no different from sneaking into a
movie theater, not paying for gas for your car or outright shoplifting.
I have also worked at facilities where I am ashamed to see adults "lie" about
memberships, not pay court fees and sneak in the building, even after being
caught in the past.
One reason why many racquetball "only" facilities went out of business was the
fact they could not effectively control the entry of non-members, or know which
members paid their memberships and are current.
Sure, a racquetball racquet, eyeguard and balls can be purchased for under $30,
but then again it would still be cheaper if you just "stole" them.
But not everyone is a cheat, or wants to become one.
Memberships are still between $300 and $500 at most facilities.
Jordan
--
Subject: Re: Why racquetball is not more popular (IMHO)
From: capt...@yahoo.com (kungpao)
Date: 12/20/01 7:48 PM Central Standard Time
Message-id: <9dc4b324.01122...@posting.google.com>
Ricochet
racquetball when I started playing. My impression was what the "f"
are all these old guys doing around here - shouldn't they be playing
golf??? I tried playing a few times but didn't understand what the
hell I was doing but only knew it took me less than ten minutes to get
gassed out and give up.
After my third attempt I had someone at the club who was experienced
and patient with me to educate me on the basics. Court position,
swing, anticipation and so on. Many of the older, "rich" for the most
part, club members couldn't care less whether I was eager to learn or
not. It was more like get the hell off the court so we can play. The
closest thing I can relate this to is a golf course when the group
behind you is rushing you to move on. The same kind of nose in the
air arrogance fueled by blatant ugly stares, whispering and laughing
at your expense. And people wonder why racquetball is a dying sport?
I made it a point to drill and play against anyone better than me who
was willing give me a match. Within a year and a half I started
kicking these old pompous dipshits around like Ike Turner in a room
full of Tinas.
Yes there are ways to match yourself up against players of an equal
skill level (meet and play and club posting boards) and so on but the
initial impression of racquetball would turn off most people so much
to the extent they'd say screw it and pick up a $10 basketball.
I make it a point to help anyone I see at the club who shows sincere
interest in learning the game. Again, most people would have said
screw this attitude, ego-tripping, grasping for the last straws of
youth b.s. present at most r.b. clubs.
That's not to say there aren't good people of all ages who are willing
to promote the game. Fact is that they are greatly outnumbered by the
old guard not willing to help bring anyone new into the fold.
Ricochet
j0hn...@yahoo.com (JohnFrog) wrote in message news:<16008e62.01122...@posting.google.com>...
JohnFrog
I am NOT saying racquetball is or is not a rich sport (or at least
that is not my focus). Whether or not it is a rich sport (or if you a
player think it is or isn't) is not the issue.
What I meant was that to the general non-playing public, racquetball
APPEARS to be a rich sport. For example, many times when it is
depicted in the media (e.g. movies), it seems to be that it is usually
associated with a well-to-do person. But that is just an example.
That was my impression before I started playing racquetball. Yes,
racquetball CAN be expensive. I think much of the cost has to do with
how serious you are about the sport (e.g. nice racquets, nice
facilities) and your circumstances (e.g. employer reimbursements).
Again, just my $0.02 worth.
As for my age and introduction to racquetball, I am currently 26 and I
started playing as a grad student in college. There was an athletics
complex w/ rball courts that were free to use. My wife and I wanted
to get more exercise, and we gave rball a shot since it didn't cost
anything (could rent racquets and balls). We grew to love it, and we
still play (but not there anymore).
John
Tim Ross
ago. School had 14 courts that were always packed and several racquetball
classes. I moved to a different city and it took me three months to even
find a place that had courts. I wasn't so worried about the cost as the
competition. I already had the experience of signing up for an expensive
club where no one played. But still it's a 30 minute drive though crappy
traffic to get to the place. It's definitely not enticing to play when the
weather sucks. Not to mention the facilies are subpar. But there's five
courts and a group of people that consistently play. There's a club near my
house that could easily fit a couple of courts but they cater to the
weightlifters and new year's resolution people. I moving soon so hopefully
I'll find a place that closer to a club.
My $.02
Tim
"Jordan Kahn" <jorda...@aol.com> wrote in message
news:20011220204817...@mb-cc.aol.com...
Jordan Kahn
As I mentioned earlier, racquetball, like any "product" requires a "demand" and
convenience for the consumer. Location and cost are also determined by the
demand, or need an individual has to use the product or service.
Millions of students have access to racquetball courts (free), but very few
actually continue as "paying members" after college.
Why?
The "need" is not as important as other things in their life.
Also, it may not be "convenient" to play, due to no facilities close by, lack
of players or cost.
Remember most colleges have FREE racquetball use and there is not much else to
do but study or party. Many students have lots of friends they can get a
racquetball game with.
In the real world outside school, there are fewer friends that have the same
schedule, no free courts and other things that may occupy your time, like
boyfriend/girlfriend, family or work related conflicts.
Jordan
PS. If both you and your wife didn't play racquetball, say only one of you,
would one of you still join a club to play racquetball? Or would you have found
something else you both could do together?
--
: Re: Why racquetball is not more popular (IMHO)
From: j0hn...@yahoo.com (JohnFrog)
Date: 12/21/01 8:11 AM Central Standard Time
Message-id: <16008e62.01122...@posting.google.com>
Let me clarify my first point (rich sport).
dropshot99
>That's not to say there aren't good people of all ages who are willing to
promote the game. Fact is that they are greatly outnumbered by the old guard
not willing to help bring anyone new into the fold
Let me give you a historical perspective on why racquetball is not as popular.
Before the USRA/AARA, all the money was focused on local activities with the
main interest being in developing bigger tournaments on a local level. The
clubs were competitive....they would compete for membership by trying to out do
each other with bigger better tournaments. This all was happening before Luke
drained money out of the local venues, with the promise of being part of the
Olympic infrastructure. Trouble is, that that was all "horse shit". The money
and the focus has been funneled into this national organization that has no
intention of helping any local venue, but expects the "locals" to keep giving
up their resources. In the mean time the local clubs lost all their momemtum
that took years to build and now we don't even have the resources to get
started.
Dropshot99
Ricochet
well to do and plays against old fat cats for jars of Grey Poupon.
Hmmm...Hmmm... Pardon me suh but would like to play for a jar of ...
j0hn...@yahoo.com (JohnFrog) wrote in message news:<16008e62.01122...@posting.google.com>...
Steve
would one of you still join a club to play racquetball? Or would you have found
something else you both could do together?>>
Both.
SEFSTRAT
music webpage: http://members.aol.com/sefstrat/index.html/sefpage.html
kungpao
1) I was only trying to make a point of how anyone can play and you do
not have to be rich. I only pay 29 bucks a month for my club and it is
one of the top clubs in nothern california for competition
2) Screw you for paying, lying, stealing references made to me. You
can kiss my big, white butt!!!!!!
3)Merry Christmas!!!!
Kathy Geels
>
>
> > I have been playing racquetball for about 2 years now, and I love the
> > game. There (obviously) have been many posts concerning why
> > racquetball is dead, dying, or at least not more popular (or getting
> > more popular). I will be the first to admit that I am no expert on
> > the subject, but I thought I would give my $0.02 worth. Since I am
> > relatively new to the sport, and many of you are not, I can somewhat
> > give the newbie/outsider perspective.
> >
> > I think there are 3 main reasons for racquetball's status:
> >
> > 1) "Sport for Rich People"
> > If not rich, at least very comfortable. That is what I thought of
> > racquetball when I didn't play. When I found out my uncle played
> > racquetball, I thought to myself "Wow, he is in the upper class now".
> > That may sound silly, but that is what I used to think (and I believe
> > many others do, too). Of course now that I play (and am not rich), I
> > see this is not true. So, IMHO, we need to remove this myth about
> > racquetball.
I agree with you observation. The sport is not well represented to the
masses, and it gives it an air of exclusivity. It's exclusive because
it's nearly impossible to get access to unless you know somebody, not
because it's for the rich. But exclusive is exclusive. Joanne's post
about putting up literature at the club is an awesome way to help
offset this particular problem.
> >
> > 2) "Sport of the 70's"
> > I'm sure this idea is nothing new to you. I still sometimes feel this
> > way about racquetball, but I still love to play. I think we need to
> > show people that this is a sport for all time.
Most of the advertising and literature and instruction is extremely
dated, and that period was the only time the sport had true national
exposure. So that doesn't help. Updating materials and increasing
awareness of the current pro set would only help change that problem
as well.
> >
> > 3) Lack of understanding
> > Racquetball is somewhat of a different game compared to other popular
> > sports. We need to get other people to understand the basics of
> > racquetball.
Again, you are right on, and you didn't have to invest 25 years
playing to have good insight. Thank you for your posts. Poor
communication and a lack of a structured communication plan is the
terminal illness of the sport. Fortunately, it does have a cure, but
it depends if anyone will take it up or not. I'm glad you enjoy the
sport - it is really fun and easy, isn't it? In particular, you don't
have to be an elite athlete to enjoy it's many charms.
Thank you again for playing and for posting your views.
Kathy Geels
Miami, FL