Where is it played?: The game is played primarily at selected clubs and schools in the United Kingdom, and at some clubs in the United States.
Who can excel at it?: Anyone with time and dedication and money to learn a challenging sport.
How fast does the ball move?: Due to the length of the racquet, and the very hard ball, racquets is among the fastest racquet sports in existence. The ball moves so fast that referees are directed at all times to guard against dangerous play. The ball can move at close to 170 miles per hour.
How big is the court?: A racquets court is 60 feet long by 30 feet wide, and is usually 30 feet high. The walls are dark and the ball is white.
Is it an Olympic sport?: Racquets was in the 1908 Olympics in London, but is no longer an Olympic sport.
Who are some all-time great players?: Jock Soutar and William Surtees are US players who have won the world championships. Some other all-time greats would surely include Geoffrey Atkins, Donald Milford, Charles Williams, and Peter Latham, all of Great Britain.
How long does it take to learn?: Learning the basics of racquets could take months to years, depending on your level of proficiency with other racquet sports, and your commitment to regular practice and lessons.
How easy is it to start?: It is easy to start if you live near one of the few clubs where racquets is still played. The best ways to start, in that case, would be to arrange a lesson with the local professional.
How much does it cost to begin?: A lesson should be available for around $50.
How many players and courts are there?: There are seven courts in the US where the game can be played, and one in Montreal. The North American Racquets Association provides links to all of the clubs that have racquets courts.
