In this two part video series the two giants of women's racquetball (WPRO) meet in this much anticipated match between Paola Longoria and Rhonda Rajsich, #1 and #2 respectively. Rhonda came out with the trifecta drive serve sequence from the left side, I described in my WPRO semi final article yesterday, that she delivered with devastating proficiency. It went up and down for her at the beginning of this match however, mostly left up for Paola to re kill. Rhonda quickly realized that the serve wasn't going where she wanted to today, and so switched to a lob nick and straight lob very effectively. An incredibly smart move we all should pay attention to for our games and tournaments. This first game was back and forth, tight to the end and could have gone either way. It was a classic game of risk and reward. I'll let you watch the outcome. A critical moment to look for is at 8-5 Rhonda, and her serve choice and result. Listen to the commentators on this one. Both racquetball players were on their games, putting pressure continually on the other. Great game to watch. Rhonda does a much better job of controlling center court and putting away her opportunities while keeping Paola off balance. This is the difference from this first game and her last tournament.
Here is the link to part one. The match starts about 24 minutes into the video if you want to jump ahead. There is an intro and the rest is warm ups, which can be valuable to watch for your own practice drills, and other tidbits of the atmosphere of a racquetball tournament.
http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/22049746
I am writing this as I watch it, so I don't yet know the outcome of the match. The first thing that happens in the break between games is Paola grabs the ball and starts drilling down the line forehands, then backhands, then cross courts. If their no end to her intensity? And determination? Ground the stroke. Ground the stroke. Ground the stroke!! Until it feels perfect! And it makes you mentally tough.
And here is the link for the rest of the match. The toolbar jumps to 45 minutes in. That is correct. You won't miss anything.
http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/22051371
Game two was much the same as game one. Additionally I think, and the announcers also mentioned, that Rhonda gave away a critical point or two by not playing through what she thought to be a screen, and a hinder on a different occasion, instead holding up her hand and stopping movement even though the referee had not stopped play. Was it the difference in the game? Maybe. A lost point or two, or a side out, is a big deal in a tight match where momentum is so important. Rhonda is often too nice. Paola gives no quarter while the rally is in session, doing as she should. A racquetball lesson for us all.
Game three sees a return to the drive serve by Rhonda. Paola's serve strategy that usually never varies uncharacteristically goes to a lob nick. This happens at a 2-5 deficit, and proves to be immediately advantageous getting her back on track. Toward the end of the game is an amazing do or die rally; neither giving in. Don't miss that one. You see just about every shot selection in racquetball in this rally. It really characterized the match. Though it was only three games, it qualified as a barn burner.
Also, watch throughout the racquetball match for their choices in time outs. A tutorial for us all.
Over all a stellar match. Enjoy!! Oh, and the racquetball commentators TJ Baumbaugh, and I believe (though I could be wrong) Andy Hawthorne were excellent with their insights. If you like this video/article and if it gives you some ideas for your game click the +1 button below this article.Thank you!
Here is the link to part one. The match starts about 24 minutes into the video if you want to jump ahead. There is an intro and the rest is warm ups, which can be valuable to watch for your own practice drills, and other tidbits of the atmosphere of a racquetball tournament.
http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/22049746
I am writing this as I watch it, so I don't yet know the outcome of the match. The first thing that happens in the break between games is Paola grabs the ball and starts drilling down the line forehands, then backhands, then cross courts. If their no end to her intensity? And determination? Ground the stroke. Ground the stroke. Ground the stroke!! Until it feels perfect! And it makes you mentally tough.
And here is the link for the rest of the match. The toolbar jumps to 45 minutes in. That is correct. You won't miss anything.
http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/22051371
Game two was much the same as game one. Additionally I think, and the announcers also mentioned, that Rhonda gave away a critical point or two by not playing through what she thought to be a screen, and a hinder on a different occasion, instead holding up her hand and stopping movement even though the referee had not stopped play. Was it the difference in the game? Maybe. A lost point or two, or a side out, is a big deal in a tight match where momentum is so important. Rhonda is often too nice. Paola gives no quarter while the rally is in session, doing as she should. A racquetball lesson for us all.
Game three sees a return to the drive serve by Rhonda. Paola's serve strategy that usually never varies uncharacteristically goes to a lob nick. This happens at a 2-5 deficit, and proves to be immediately advantageous getting her back on track. Toward the end of the game is an amazing do or die rally; neither giving in. Don't miss that one. You see just about every shot selection in racquetball in this rally. It really characterized the match. Though it was only three games, it qualified as a barn burner.
Also, watch throughout the racquetball match for their choices in time outs. A tutorial for us all.
Over all a stellar match. Enjoy!! Oh, and the racquetball commentators TJ Baumbaugh, and I believe (though I could be wrong) Andy Hawthorne were excellent with their insights. If you like this video/article and if it gives you some ideas for your game click the +1 button below this article.Thank you!
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