The new “buzz” in fitness and racquetball conditioning is core training. Although many players think of core training as abdominal training, the reality is that the core training actually consists of many different muscles that stabilize the spine and pelvis, run the ENTIRE length of the torso.

Core conditioning exercises need to target all these muscle groups to be effective. These muscles are important in racquetball because they help control movement, transfer energy during your swing and shift body weight for more efficient movement in any direction.

The muscles of the core run the length of the trunk and torso and allow racquetball players to generate powerful movements of the extremities. In future articles we will identify muscles that allow players to maintain a solid core foundation and transfer energy from the center of the body out to the limbs. Along with identification of the muscles we will also illustrate specific exercises that will help develop these core muscles.