UK Racketball

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      • History of Racketball >
        • RB History Ian Wright and Bexley
        • RB History Robbo Brampton Manor
      • Squash57 UK-Racketball Join Forces
      • Does Racketball have a new name?
      • Racketball player's reaction to the new name
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    • Racketball Doubles the best game ever
    • The Racketball Ball
    • Coaching Tips >
      • Drop Shot
      • Narrow Cross Court
      • Front Straight Drive Attack
      • Drive Kill
      • The Serve
      • Two Wall Attacking Boast
      • Killing the ball
      • Psychology Of Racketball
      • Beating The Fast Guy
      • Fitness Training
      • Four Ways to Win
      • Effective Partnership Shots
  • Events
    • UK Racketball Series >
      • Hall of Fame >
        • Series Champions
        • A Grade
        • B Grade
        • Over 40's
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        • Over 60's
        • Women's
        • Table Toppers
      • Series FAQ's
      • Player Reviews
      • 2023 UK-Racketball Series >
        • E1 - East of England Racketball Open - 11th February
        • E2 - North East of England Racketball Open - 25th March
        • E3 - South of England Racketball Open - 22nd April
        • E4 - Scottish Open - 6th May - Newlands
        • E5 - Cambridgeshire Open - 3rd June
        • E6 - Inter County Championship - 17th/18th June
        • E7 - West of England Racketball Open - 1st July
        • E8 - National Racketball/ Squash57 Championships 2022 - 15th/16th July
        • E9 - London Racketball Open - 5th August
        • E10 - South West of England Racketball Open - 9th September
        • E11 - Bluebell Wood British Racketball Open - 7th/8th October
        • E12 - South East of England Racketball Open - 4th of November
        • E13 - Series Finals - National Double - 2nd December
      • 2022 HEAD UK-Racketball Series >
        • E1 - East of England Racketball Open - 26th February
        • E2 - North East of England Racketball Open - 19th March
        • E3 - South of England Racketball Open - 9th April
        • E4 - North West Racketball Open - 7th May
        • E5 - Mike Keogh Memorial Cambridgeshire Open - 28th May
        • E6 - Inter County Championship - 11th/12th June
        • E7 - West of England Racketball Open - 2nd July
        • E8 - National Racketball/ Squash57 Championships 2022 - 16th/17th July
        • E9 - London Racketball Open - 6th August
        • E10 - South West of England Racketball Open - 10th September
        • E11 - Bluebell Wood British Racketball Open - 15th/16th October
        • E12 - South East of England Racketball Open - 5th of November
        • E13 - Series Finals - National Double - 3rd December
      • 2021 HEAD UK-Racketball Series >
        • Series Membership
        • E1 - Nationals Challenger - 7th August - Leamington
        • E2 - National Racketball/ Squash57 Championships 2021 - 21st-22nd August
        • E3 - South West of England Racketball Open - 18th September
        • E4 - Bluebell Wood British Racketball Open - 16th/17th October
        • E5 - South of England Racketball Open - 30th October
        • E6 - Series Finals - National Double - 4th December
      • 2020 HEAD UK-Racketball Series >
        • Series Membership
        • E1 - East of England Racketball Open - 29th Feb
        • E2 - North East of England Racketball Open - 18th April
        • E3 - North West Racketball Open - 16th May
        • E4 - Inter county Championship - 6th/7th June
        • E5 - National Racketball/ Squash57 Championships 2020 - 11th/12th July
        • E6 - London Racketball Open - 8th August
        • E7 - West of England Racketball Open - 5th September
        • E8 - South West of England Racketball Open - 26th September
        • E9 - Bluebell Wood British Racketball Open - 17th/18th October
        • E10 - South of England Racketball Open - 31st October
        • E11/E12 - Series Finals - 5th December
      • 2019 HEAD UK-Racketball Series >
        • Series Membership
        • E1 - East of England Racketball Open - 2nd March
        • E2 - North East of England Racketball Open - 13th April
        • E3 - North West Racketball Open - 4th May
        • E4 - Inter county Championship - 8th/9th June
        • E5 - National Racketball/ Squash57 Championships 2019 - 6th/ 7th July >
          • 2019 National Championship Results
        • E6 - London Racketball Open - 10th August
        • E7 - West of England Racketball Open - 7th September
        • E8 - South West of England Racketball Open - 28th September
        • E9 - South East of England Racketball Open - 2nd November
        • E10 - Series Finals - National Doubles - 7th December
      • 2018 HEAD UK-Racketball Series >
        • E1 - National Racketball Championships 7th/8th April >
          • 2018 Titles
          • 2018 Report
        • E2 - Harrogate- 26th May
        • E3 - Bexley - 9th June
        • E4 - Northumberland- 23rd June
        • E5 - Hallamshire - 28th July
        • E6 - Broxbourne- 18th August
        • E7 - Wakefield - 8th Sept
        • E8- Devon & Exeter - 29th Sept
        • E9 - Chichester - 27th Oct
        • E10 - Series Finals - 8th December
      • 2017 HEAD UK-Racketball Series >
        • E1 National Racketball Championships >
          • 2017 Titles
          • 2017 Full Results
          • Report 2017 Nationals
          • Draws and Schedules National Championships
        • E2 - Limpsfield - 27th May
        • E3 - Hallamshire - 29th July
        • E4 - National Doubles Championships - Leicester 19th August
        • E5 - Wakefield - 9th Sept
        • E6 - Devon & Exeter - 30th Sept
        • E7 - Chichester - 28th Oct
        • E8 Nottingham - 9th December
      • 2016 HEAD UK-Racketball Series >
        • Leicester - 14th May
        • Limpsfield - 28th May
        • Hallamshire - 30th July
        • Nottingham - 27th Aug
        • Devon & Exeter - 10th Sept
        • Wakefield - 24th Sept
        • Chichester - 29th Oct
        • Wycombe - 26th Nov
      • 2015 UK-Racketball Series >
        • Leicester - 2nd May
        • Limpsfield - 30th May
        • Leamington - Date to be confirmed
        • Hallamshire - 25th July
        • Nottingham - 29th Aug
        • Devon & Exeter - 12th Sept
        • Wakefield - 26th Sept
        • Chichester - 31st Oct
        • Wycombe - 28th Nov
      • 2014 UK-Racketball Series >
        • Manor - 19th Apr
        • Limpsfield - 17th May
        • Leamington - 7th June
        • Chapel Allerton - 26th July
        • Nottingham - 23rd Aug
        • Devon & Exeter - 13th of Sept
        • Chichester – 1st Nov
        • Wycombe - 29th Nov
      • 2013 UK-Racketball Series >
        • The Manor - 4th May
        • Limpsfield - 25th May
        • Leamington - 15th Jun
        • Chapel Allerton - 27th July
        • Nottingham - 24th Aug
        • Devon & Exeter - 14th Sept
        • Chichester - 2nd Nov
        • Wycombe - 30th Nov
      • 2012 UK-Racketball Series >
        • Manor 31st March 2012
        • Limpsfield 26th May
        • Devon & Exeter 30th June
        • Chapel A 28th July
        • Nottingham 25th August
        • Abbeydale 29th September
        • Chichester 27th October
        • Wycombe 24th November
      • 2011 UK-Racketball Series >
        • The Manor - 16th Apr
        • The Mote - 28th May
        • Lincoln - 25th June
        • Chapel Allerton - 16th July
        • Nottingham - 13th Aug
        • Torquay - 3rd Sep
        • Chichester - 29th Oct
        • Racquets Thame - 26th Nov
      • 2010 UK-Racketball Series >
        • Nottingham - 24th July
        • Surrey - 7th August
        • Torquay - 4th Sept
        • Wolverhampton - 2nd October
        • Hunts County - 23rd October
    • National Championships >
      • Nationals Hall of Fame
      • National Championships History
      • 2023 Nationals >
        • National Championships 2023
      • 2021 HEAD Nationals >
        • 2021 HEAD NATIONAL RACKETBALL/ SQUASH57 CHAMPIONSHIPS
        • 2021 HEAD National Racketball/Squash57 Championships Doubles
      • 2020 HEAD Nationals >
        • 2020 HEAD National Racketball/Squash57 Championships Singles
        • 2020 HEAD National Racketball/Squash57 Championships Doubles
      • 2019 HEAD Nationals >
        • 2019 HEAD National Racketball/Squash57 Championships Singles
        • 2019 HEAD National Racketball/Squash57 Doubles
      • 2018 HEAD Nationals >
        • 2018 HEAD National Racketball/Squash57 Championships Singles
        • 2018 HEAD National Racketball/Squash57 Doubles
      • 2017 Nationals >
        • 2017 HEAD National Racketball/Squash57 Championships Singles
        • 2017 HEAD National Racketball/Squash57 Doubles
      • 2016 Nationals
      • 2015 Nationals
      • 2014 Nationals
      • 2013 Nationals
      • 2012 Nationals
      • 2011 Nationals
      • 2010 Nationals
    • Independent Racketball Events >
      • 2023 >
        • Essex Open Doubles -Sunday 29th January
      • 2022 >
        • Exeter Golf and Country Club Graded
        • 2022 Jersey Racketball Festival
        • 2022 Hit and Run Graded
        • Racquets Graded Doubles
        • Dover Racketball Open
      • 2021 >
        • East of England Racketball Open 2021
      • 2020 >
        • International Racketball/Squash57 Tournament - Madeira Island
      • 2019 >
        • West Worthing Racketball Open 2019
        • Ebbisham Adult Open Graded Racketball Tournament
        • The PSUK Championships 2019
        • Essex County Closed 2019
      • 2018 >
        • Surrey Racketball Closed 2018
        • Cambridgeshire Racketball Open at Peterborough June 2nd 2018
      • 2017 >
        • 2017 Cambridgeshire Racketball Open - June 18th
        • ESR EAST REGIONAL RACKETBALL CLOSED - 17TH MAY
      • 2016 >
        • WORCESTERSHIRE COUNTY RACKETBALL CLOSED
        • Yorkshire Closed Racketball Championships 2016
        • ST IVO RACKETBALL OPEN ​17TH SEPTEMBER 2016
        • Cambridgeshire Racketball Open - June 18th
        • TECNIFIBRE BRITISH JUNIOR NATIONAL RACKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS 2016
      • 2015 >
        • East Midlands Regional Racketball Closed Championships - 16 & 17th May
        • Southern Area Racquetball Championships 2015 - 19th June
        • Scottish Racketball Series
        • Cambridgeshire Racketball Open - 6th June
        • ESR Northwest Regional Racketball Closed 28.03.15 - 29.03.15
        • Scottish Racketball Open 2015
        • West Midlands Regional Racketball Closed 2015
        • ESR London South East Regional - 16.05.15
      • 2014 >
        • Norfolk Racketball Closed 2014
        • The 4th Racketball Open
      • 2013 >
        • National Racketball Doubles 2013 12-13th October
        • St Ivo Open Racketball Championship 2013
        • Yorkshire Closed Racketball Championships 2013
        • West of England Racketball Team Challenge 2013
        • Heart of England II Racketball Open returns
        • Norfolk Racketball Closed Championships 2013
        • The 2013 Hallamshire Junior Racketball Club Championships 2013
        • The East Midlands Regional Racketball Closed 2013
        • Cambridgeshire Racketball Open 2013 May 18th 2013
        • Tecnifibre National Junior Racketball Championships 2013
        • Civil Service Racketball Event
        • Hallamshire Racketball Open 2013
        • The Jersey Racketball Festival 2013
        • YORKSHIRE U3A Racketball Championships 2013
        • North East Regional Racketball Tournament 9th - 10th March 2013 Chappel Allerton LT & SC
        • SOUTH REGIONAL CLOSED RACKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS 2013
        • South West Regional Racketball Closed 9th-10th March Devon & Exeter Squash Rackets Club
        • East Region Racketball Closed 9th-10th March Bishop's Stortfors Squash & Racketball Club
        • London & South East Regional Closed Racketball Championships 9th-10th March New Malden Tennis, Squash & Badminton Club
        • Mens Inter County Stage 2 Open and Over 40s
      • 2012 >
        • The First Ever Scottish Racketball Series 2012 The Newlands Lawn Tennis Club, Glasgow 8th December 2012
        • Tecnifibre National Doubles Racketball Championships 2012 Thame Racquets and Fitness Centre 17th/18th November
        • The Royal Artillery Lincoln Challenge Sat 22 Sept 2012
        • The St Ivo Racketball Open 2012
        • Yorkshire Closed Racketball Championships 2012 15/16th Sepetember 2012
        • West of England Racketball Team Festival 7/8th July
        • The First Ever Scottish Racketball Series 2012 Dumfries Squash Club 15th September 2012
        • The First Ever Scottish Racketball Series 2012 Whitecraigs Lawn Tennis & Squash Club 30th June 2012
        • Kent Racketball Closed 2012 15 - 17th June
        • PATHFINDER SCOTTISH OPEN RACKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS 2012 27.04.12 - 29.04.12
        • The National Junior Racketball Championships 21.04.12 - 22.04.12
        • The Hallamshire Racketball Open 14th April 2012
        • LONDON & SOUTH EAST REGIONAL RACKETBALL TOURNAMENT 03.03.12 - 04.03.12
        • East Regional Racketball Closed Championships 2012 03/03/12 - 04/03/12
        • The 2012 East Midlands Regional Closed Racketball Championships: Nottingham Squash Rackets Club
        • North East Regional Racketball Closed 03/03/2012 - 04/03/2012
        • North West Regional Racketball Closed 2012 Liverpool Cricket Club 03/03/2012 - 04/03/2012
        • SOUTH REGIONAL CLOSED RACKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS 2012 03.03.12 - 04.03.12
        • Norfolk Closed Racketball Championships 2012 - the first ever! 25/02/2012 - 26/02/2012
        • INTER COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIPS: RACKETBALL STAGE II AND FINAL 18.02.12 - 19.02.12
        • The 2nd Portuguese Racketball open
        • HEART OF ENGLAND RACKETBALL GRADED EVENT 04.02.12 - 04.02.12
        • ESR Two Day Racketball Coaching Course
        • Racquets Open Squash Graded
      • 2011 >
        • North West Regional Racketball Closed 9th - 10th March Liverpool Cricket Club
        • The III Portuguese Racketball Open
        • EAST REGION CLOSED RACKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS 2011 22.10.11 - 22.10.11
        • Racquets 1 day Racketball Open - 22nd Oct - Thame
        • NATIONAL RACKETBALL DOUBLES CHAMPIONSHIPS 2011 08.10.11 - 09.10.11
        • St Ivo Racketball Championships 2011
        • INTER COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIPS: RACKETBALL STAGE I 24.09.11 - 25.09.11
        • Yorkshire Racketball Championships 2011
        • HALLAMSHIRE OPEN DOUBLES RACKETBALL TOURNAMENT
        • THE WINCHESTER OPEN 27.08.11 - 28.08.11
        • West of England Racketball Team Challenge Devon and Exeter Squash Rackets Club 2nd - 3rd July 2011
        • NATIONAL CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS 21.05.11 - 22.05.11
        • London and South East Regional Racketball Closed Sat 16th April 2011
        • North West Regional Racketball Closed 2011 12.03.2011 - 13.03.2011
        • The Jersey Racketball Festival 18th-20th Mar 2011
        • The North East Regional Racketball Championships 5th-6th Mar 2011
        • 2011 Essex County Closed Racketball Championship 05.03.2011 - 06.03.2011
        • INTER COUNTY: RACKETBALL STAGE II + FINAL 19.02.11 - 20.02.11
        • Dorset Racketball Closed Championships 2011 Held on 15th – 16th January
        • Kent Racketball Closed - 15-16th Jan 2011
      • 2010 >
        • EAST REGION RACKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS 20.11.10 - 20.11.10
        • INTER COUNTY: RACKETBALL STAGE I 25.09.10 - 26.09.10
        • ST IVO RACKETBALL OPEN MASTERS SEPT 2010
        • The Yorkshire Racketball Championships 18.09.10 - 19.09.10
        • Chi Open Graded Racketball Tournament 14th/15th August 2010
        • Tournament Success For Aylesbury Elite
        • West of England Racketball Team Challenge 2010
        • Lincoln Open - Graded Racketball Tournament 25-27th June
        • West Midlands Racketball Players Brave the Heat at Stourbridge
        • National Junior Racketball Championships Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th June 2010
        • Southern Areas Graded Racketball Tournament 21/05/10- 23/05/10
        • NORTH WEST REGIONAL GRADED RACKETBALL CLOSED COMPETITION 2010
        • DIAMOND GEEZERS WIN INAUGURAL JERSY
        • Racketball Inter County National Finals
        • NORTH EAST RACKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP, A FANTASTIC EVENT!
        • Dorset Graded Open Championships
        • Devon county closed
      • 2009 >
        • Torquay Club Championships 2009
        • SOUTH WEST RACKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP A MASSIVE HIT!
        • National Racketball Doubles deemed a huge success!!
    • Inter Counties >
      • Inter County Championships 2019
      • Inter County Championships 2020
    • Other Events Squash >
      • Nottingham Open Doubles 2023 - Squash
      • Nottingham Open Doubles 2022 - Squash
      • Innes England Nottingham Open Doubles 2020 - Squash
      • Innes England Nottingham Open Doubles 2019 - Squash
      • Nottingham Open Doubles 2018 - Squash
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  • Home
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    • What Is Racketball >
      • History of Racketball >
        • RB History Ian Wright and Bexley
        • RB History Robbo Brampton Manor
      • Squash57 UK-Racketball Join Forces
      • Does Racketball have a new name?
      • Racketball player's reaction to the new name
      • Squash 57
    • Where To Play
    • Rules of Racketball
    • Racketball Doubles Rules
    • Racketball Doubles the best game ever
    • The Racketball Ball
    • Coaching Tips >
      • Drop Shot
      • Narrow Cross Court
      • Front Straight Drive Attack
      • Drive Kill
      • The Serve
      • Two Wall Attacking Boast
      • Killing the ball
      • Psychology Of Racketball
      • Beating The Fast Guy
      • Fitness Training
      • Four Ways to Win
      • Effective Partnership Shots
  • Events
    • UK Racketball Series >
      • Hall of Fame >
        • Series Champions
        • A Grade
        • B Grade
        • Over 40's
        • Over 50's
        • Over 60's
        • Women's
        • Table Toppers
      • Series FAQ's
      • Player Reviews
      • 2023 UK-Racketball Series >
        • E1 - East of England Racketball Open - 11th February
        • E2 - North East of England Racketball Open - 25th March
        • E3 - South of England Racketball Open - 22nd April
        • E4 - Scottish Open - 6th May - Newlands
        • E5 - Cambridgeshire Open - 3rd June
        • E6 - Inter County Championship - 17th/18th June
        • E7 - West of England Racketball Open - 1st July
        • E8 - National Racketball/ Squash57 Championships 2022 - 15th/16th July
        • E9 - London Racketball Open - 5th August
        • E10 - South West of England Racketball Open - 9th September
        • E11 - Bluebell Wood British Racketball Open - 7th/8th October
        • E12 - South East of England Racketball Open - 4th of November
        • E13 - Series Finals - National Double - 2nd December
      • 2022 HEAD UK-Racketball Series >
        • E1 - East of England Racketball Open - 26th February
        • E2 - North East of England Racketball Open - 19th March
        • E3 - South of England Racketball Open - 9th April
        • E4 - North West Racketball Open - 7th May
        • E5 - Mike Keogh Memorial Cambridgeshire Open - 28th May
        • E6 - Inter County Championship - 11th/12th June
        • E7 - West of England Racketball Open - 2nd July
        • E8 - National Racketball/ Squash57 Championships 2022 - 16th/17th July
        • E9 - London Racketball Open - 6th August
        • E10 - South West of England Racketball Open - 10th September
        • E11 - Bluebell Wood British Racketball Open - 15th/16th October
        • E12 - South East of England Racketball Open - 5th of November
        • E13 - Series Finals - National Double - 3rd December
      • 2021 HEAD UK-Racketball Series >
        • Series Membership
        • E1 - Nationals Challenger - 7th August - Leamington
        • E2 - National Racketball/ Squash57 Championships 2021 - 21st-22nd August
        • E3 - South West of England Racketball Open - 18th September
        • E4 - Bluebell Wood British Racketball Open - 16th/17th October
        • E5 - South of England Racketball Open - 30th October
        • E6 - Series Finals - National Double - 4th December
      • 2020 HEAD UK-Racketball Series >
        • Series Membership
        • E1 - East of England Racketball Open - 29th Feb
        • E2 - North East of England Racketball Open - 18th April
        • E3 - North West Racketball Open - 16th May
        • E4 - Inter county Championship - 6th/7th June
        • E5 - National Racketball/ Squash57 Championships 2020 - 11th/12th July
        • E6 - London Racketball Open - 8th August
        • E7 - West of England Racketball Open - 5th September
        • E8 - South West of England Racketball Open - 26th September
        • E9 - Bluebell Wood British Racketball Open - 17th/18th October
        • E10 - South of England Racketball Open - 31st October
        • E11/E12 - Series Finals - 5th December
      • 2019 HEAD UK-Racketball Series >
        • Series Membership
        • E1 - East of England Racketball Open - 2nd March
        • E2 - North East of England Racketball Open - 13th April
        • E3 - North West Racketball Open - 4th May
        • E4 - Inter county Championship - 8th/9th June
        • E5 - National Racketball/ Squash57 Championships 2019 - 6th/ 7th July >
          • 2019 National Championship Results
        • E6 - London Racketball Open - 10th August
        • E7 - West of England Racketball Open - 7th September
        • E8 - South West of England Racketball Open - 28th September
        • E9 - South East of England Racketball Open - 2nd November
        • E10 - Series Finals - National Doubles - 7th December
      • 2018 HEAD UK-Racketball Series >
        • E1 - National Racketball Championships 7th/8th April >
          • 2018 Titles
          • 2018 Report
        • E2 - Harrogate- 26th May
        • E3 - Bexley - 9th June
        • E4 - Northumberland- 23rd June
        • E5 - Hallamshire - 28th July
        • E6 - Broxbourne- 18th August
        • E7 - Wakefield - 8th Sept
        • E8- Devon & Exeter - 29th Sept
        • E9 - Chichester - 27th Oct
        • E10 - Series Finals - 8th December
      • 2017 HEAD UK-Racketball Series >
        • E1 National Racketball Championships >
          • 2017 Titles
          • 2017 Full Results
          • Report 2017 Nationals
          • Draws and Schedules National Championships
        • E2 - Limpsfield - 27th May
        • E3 - Hallamshire - 29th July
        • E4 - National Doubles Championships - Leicester 19th August
        • E5 - Wakefield - 9th Sept
        • E6 - Devon & Exeter - 30th Sept
        • E7 - Chichester - 28th Oct
        • E8 Nottingham - 9th December
      • 2016 HEAD UK-Racketball Series >
        • Leicester - 14th May
        • Limpsfield - 28th May
        • Hallamshire - 30th July
        • Nottingham - 27th Aug
        • Devon & Exeter - 10th Sept
        • Wakefield - 24th Sept
        • Chichester - 29th Oct
        • Wycombe - 26th Nov
      • 2015 UK-Racketball Series >
        • Leicester - 2nd May
        • Limpsfield - 30th May
        • Leamington - Date to be confirmed
        • Hallamshire - 25th July
        • Nottingham - 29th Aug
        • Devon & Exeter - 12th Sept
        • Wakefield - 26th Sept
        • Chichester - 31st Oct
        • Wycombe - 28th Nov
      • 2014 UK-Racketball Series >
        • Manor - 19th Apr
        • Limpsfield - 17th May
        • Leamington - 7th June
        • Chapel Allerton - 26th July
        • Nottingham - 23rd Aug
        • Devon & Exeter - 13th of Sept
        • Chichester – 1st Nov
        • Wycombe - 29th Nov
      • 2013 UK-Racketball Series >
        • The Manor - 4th May
        • Limpsfield - 25th May
        • Leamington - 15th Jun
        • Chapel Allerton - 27th July
        • Nottingham - 24th Aug
        • Devon & Exeter - 14th Sept
        • Chichester - 2nd Nov
        • Wycombe - 30th Nov
      • 2012 UK-Racketball Series >
        • Manor 31st March 2012
        • Limpsfield 26th May
        • Devon & Exeter 30th June
        • Chapel A 28th July
        • Nottingham 25th August
        • Abbeydale 29th September
        • Chichester 27th October
        • Wycombe 24th November
      • 2011 UK-Racketball Series >
        • The Manor - 16th Apr
        • The Mote - 28th May
        • Lincoln - 25th June
        • Chapel Allerton - 16th July
        • Nottingham - 13th Aug
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history of Racketball a chat with robbo

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UK-Racketball interview John Robertson, "Robbo", one of the founders of Racketball

Racketball was introduced to the UK in the early 80’s by Tony Gathercole who at the time was one of Slazenger’s top reps, a good tennis and squash player and worked for EMI who owned around 25 squash clubs in the UK.

Tony Gathercole saw racketball as a way of boosting court usage during the day. Along with 8 other EMI coaches (including John Robertson his son in law) they decided to make a concerted effort to bring this new game “Racketball” to the UK. The enterprise was sponsored by Slazanger who developed the “green” ball and who initially provided the rackets for the EMI clubs. The rackets were slightly smaller than the ones being used in the US at the time; the ball was nowhere near as fast and probably bounced a similar amount to the blue balls of today. The rules for the US game were also adapted to incorporate the lines on a squash court of which there were an abundance in England.

The reason for racketball’s popularity and the benefits that the introduction of the sport had for squash clubs was the same back in the 80’s as it is today. With the bouncy “green” ball the game was perfect for anyone looking for a medium intensity sociable workout away from the boredom of the gym and was quickly taken up. The game has now spread out from the original 8 clubs to what we have today a sport played all over the country and still spreading.

At its peak John Roberson (Robbo) believed that “The Manor” in Ilkeston (host venue in the 2011 UK-RB Series) and “Brampton Manor” in Chesterfield had around 250 and 500 racketball players respectively. At the start he claimed there was a similar feeling by traditional squash players as there is today, that racketball should not be taking up time on squash courts and with a negative feeling towards many of the players (especially women) that these were squash not racketball clubs. Looking back, “Robbo” said it always made him laugh because the so called big squash fans who would get on his back and grumble about the racketball being played are now the sport’s biggest takers. “Once they got dodgy knees, backs or hips they had to sack in the squash but they were massive lovers of the clubs and once they started playing racketball they got hooked just the same as they had with squash all those years ago. The game that they had despised breathed new life into them, they’re back having competitive matches, big rallies and loving racketball.”

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could do to change things and get membership numbers back on track.

“We did massive leaflet drops” was the first thing he said, “We targeted people for during the day sessions to get them on the courts and ran introductory courses to get them going. It was amazing to see a new sport spring up so quickly, to get 500 people playing at Brampton Manor was fantastic.” 

When asked why he thought clubs were struggling today he was just as quick to voice his opinions.  “One of the big problems with clubs back in the 80s was that managers tried to make too much money without putting enough back. When a profit was made it was taken out rather than put to use maintaining the club. This resulted in lots of clubs becoming run down and as the facilities deteriorate the membership numbers fall. This is why the top clubs today are the members clubs, the ones that invest back in all the money they make. Edgbaston, Nottingham, Hallamshire all have top facilities and are completely owned by the members.”

“Never underestimate the impact that social events have on a club, the big advantage that squash and racketball have over gyms is how social they are, you don’t just go to a box (in most cases a very nice box with Jacuzzis and a swimming pool), exercise and then go home, you make good friends and the clubs end up having a big impact on your life. At some gyms people will have been going 3 years and still not know anything about the other people in the changing rooms, this doesn’t happen with squash, by the nature of the game you have to interact with the people around you. If clubs can tap into this and build a social scene around the members this can have a massive impact on their future.”

Robbo said he thought Pete Goodings at the Manor is on the right lines. “It doesn’t matter who you are if you want a game Pete will pick up his racket and go on court. A top club pro should breath, eat and sleep the game, virtually live at the club (literally in the case of Pete Goodings) and at every opportunity promote the club and the game. As well as having the right (dedicated) club pro the clubs also need to market themselves in the right way to attract new people to the club, it then becomes the club pros job to keep them interested.”

From my own observations the problem that many clubs find is that when money becomes tight the first thing to go is the subsidises for social events, money to attract a good club pro (and keep him motivated) and the marketing budget. This means that if clubs aren’t careful they end up being sucked into a negative spiral which is probably an all too familiar story for the sport today. Less income results in less money available for maintenance and marketing which again results in less income and so forth. How to get out of the hard times is the real test but putting as much profit back in is what John Robertson claims is the best way to try and weather the storm.

Robbo still coaches at Brampton Manor now running racketball and junior sessions, but does it for all for fun, he says to watch out for his next crop of junior’s to rival his old stars (Mark Chaloner, Jason Nicol and Fiona Geeves, to name only a few). Like a true squash addict he just can’t leave the game alone.

Robbo has been coaching for over 50 years, follow this link to the Derbyshire Times article 
​
https://www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/sport/after-50-years-coaching-squash-brampton-mans-england-career-taking-54357
​

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For the full article follow this link... ​http://www.squashplayer.co.uk/workshop/2017/SP171-23(CoachesCorner)2.pdf
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