A descriptive analysis of elite-level racquetball.

The results of the three experiments provide insight into the time/motion characteristics of racquetball and the physiological responses of elite-level racquetball players during competition. The maximum oxygen uptakes of the male and female athletes tested were relatively low in comparison to those of other elite-level sports, suggesting that aerobic demand, although necessary, is probably not a limiting factor at this level of racquetball play. Racquetball games at the elite level last from 10 to 15 min, and the distance covered by each player during this time is minimal. Even though the rest periods between rallies are from one to two times as long as the work intervals, the work intensity during the rallies is sufficient to produce an average heart rate of between 75 and 95% of maximum throughout most of a game. Although some lactic acid accumulates in the blood, the concentration remains at a steady state during a game (10 to 30% of maximum).