Here are some general facts about racquetball:

• COSTS: Racquets range from $10 to $300. A durable racquet for normal use costs about $30 to $40. Goggles and court shoes are also needed.

• RULES: Racquetball is played by two, three or four players. When played by two, it is called singles, and when played by four, doubles. A non-tournament variation of the game played by three players is called cut-throat.Each player uses a racquet to serve and return the ball. The objective is to win each rally by serving or returning the ball so the opponent is unable to keep the ball in play. A rally is over when a player, or a team in doubles, is unable to hit the ball before it touches the floor twice, is unable to return the ball in such a manner that it touches the front wall before it touches the floor, or when a hinder is called. A hinder is when you impede an opponent's play.Points are scored only by the serving side when it serves an irretrievable serve, called an ace, or wins a rally. Losing the serve is called a side out in singles. In doubles, when the first server loses the serve, it is called a handout, and when the second server loses the serve, it is a side out.A match is won by the first side winning two games. The first two games of a match are played to 15 points. If each side wins one game, a tiebreaker game is played to 11 points.

• WEB SITES: www.usra.org; www.dmoz.org/Sports/Racquetball/Organizations/; www.pa-racquetball.com; www.surfermall.com; www.racquetworld.com; www.ohioracquetball.com.

• FAMOUS COMPETITORS: Marty Hogan, Lynne Adams, Greg Peck, Bret Harnett and John Egerman

• NATIONAL GROUP: U.S. Racquetball Association, 1685 W. Uintah, Colorado Springs, CO 80904-2906; Phone: 719-635-5396; FAX: 719-635-0685; E-mail: tmorse@usra.org; Web: www.usra.org