What is Racquetball?
Invented by American Tennis Professional Joe Sobeck in the 1950’s, racquetball is considered a faster version of squash combined with elements of tennis.
Racquetball courts have no wall markings and should not be confused with "racketball", which is a modified version invented in the 70’s. Racketball is was designed to be played on squash courts, but is much slower and more similar to squash than racquetball. Key differences include:
- A Racquetball court is 8ft longer than a squash court
- The court has no markings or tin on the front wall with the only markings are on the floor (service lines, service box, short serve line, receiving line, service box)
- The balls are faster and racquets have slight design differences
- The ceiling is used in racquetball
Racquetball courts have no wall markings and should not be confused with "racketball", which is a modified version invented in the 70’s. Racketball is was designed to be played on squash courts, but is much slower and more similar to squash than racquetball. Key differences include:
- A Racquetball court is 8ft longer than a squash court
- The court has no markings or tin on the front wall with the only markings are on the floor (service lines, service box, short serve line, receiving line, service box)
- The balls are faster and racquets have slight design differences
- The ceiling is used in racquetball
Who Plays Racquetball?
Millions worldwide participate in racquetball, although the majority of players a derived from North, Central, and South America. The USA, Canada, and Mexico are the usual teams to beat at the biannual World Championships sanctions by the International Racquetball Federation.
Although most players are amateur, the International Racquetball Tour is a professional tour that holds multiple competitions primarily in the United States. The European Racquetball Tour incorporates a number of sanctioned amateur tournaments throughout Europe between August and May. Rankings are given to players in these tournaments based on participant age and skill level.
Although most players are amateur, the International Racquetball Tour is a professional tour that holds multiple competitions primarily in the United States. The European Racquetball Tour incorporates a number of sanctioned amateur tournaments throughout Europe between August and May. Rankings are given to players in these tournaments based on participant age and skill level.