Straight-In (Down The Line) Shot

A Straight-In Shot is a shot that goes directly toward the front wall.  A commonly used strategy of hitting a straight-in shot is to hit it "down the line" or "down the wall".  This is racquetball terminology for a straight-in shot that travels between the hitter and the wall, and is parallel to the wall (as pictured).  The ball is contacted off the front foot within your hitting zone so that your racquet angle is parallel to the front wall (see Forehand Stroke Mechanics).

This is one of the most common shots in the game, and also one of the most effective.  You've heard the phrase "the fastest way from point A to point B is a straight line".  Well, that phrase comes in to play during this shot.

There are 3 ways to hit this shot:  Pass, Pass-Kill, or Kill.  If you're not yet familiar with those terms, check out the section that describes each shot type.

Here are some video examples of the straight in or "down the line" shot.

 Important:

The Down the Line Shot can be the perfect shot to hit if you are close to the side wall as pictured above.  However, if your opponent is also close to the side wall you'd be hitting the ball right back to them, and we don't want that.  In that situation you might want to check out a Cross Court Shot.