Although not as popular as other racquet sports, Racquetball has been around for many decades now. Developed in a YMCA in Connecticut, this game is played throughout the United States, as well as the world. Racquetball is a high-intensity and delightful game for anyone who enjoys racquet sports.
There is a lot to learn and know about this sport, including its history, how to play it, as well as other fun facts about the game. This includes where it was developed and how it has been recognized over the years.
If you love watching or playing Racquetball, then, of course, you will want to find out all there is to know about this exciting game. Keep reading to discover many facts about the sport.
These are 25 facts about Racquetball.
1. Racquetball was created by Joseph Sobek.
Racquetball was created by tennis player Joseph Sobek. His goal was to create a simple, fast-paced sport that was simple enough for anyone to play.
2. Sobek was a professional tennis and handball player.
3. Racquetball started in a YMCA.
Sobek developed the game in a YMCA in Connecticut. He designed the rules, paddles, and balls that Racquetball is played with. The game was played in handball courts in YMCAs.
4. Racquetball was developed during the mid 20th century.
Racquetball was created around the 1940s and 1950s.
5. Racquetball rules vary from country to country.
Different countries have different rules and regulations in place.
6. Racquetball was originally named Paddle racquet.
Racquetball was not always called Racquetball. Originally, Sobek named it Paddle racquet. In 1969, Robert Kendler founded the International Racquetball Association. This officially changed the name of the sport to Racquetball.
7. Racquetball vs. Racketball
If you have heard of Racquetball, then you have probably heard of racketball as well. Racketball is a similar game with different rules and regulations. It was developed by Ian D.W. Wright when Racquetball started gaining popularity. The game of racketball was inspired by Racquetball.
8. Squash 57 has helped distinguish racketball from Racquetball.
In 2016, racketball was renamed Squash 57. This was done to separate it from Racquetball since the two were often confused for one another. The name refers to the similarities to the game of Squash and to the diameter of the ball – 57.
9. Racquetball gained popularity when it was passed to YMCAs throughout the U.S.
Racquetball gained popularity when Joseph Sobek established the Paddle Racquet Association in 1952. This association defined rules and regulations that allowed it to spread to YMCAs throughout the country.
10. There is a racquetball hall of fame.
With its national and international popularity, Racquetball now has an official hall of fame. One player, Earl Acuff, has earned over thirty medals at national and international events. Twenty of his medals have been gold. Acuff and many others have competed for medals and titles since the creation of Racquetball.
11. Racquetball is played at an international level.
Fans and players of Racquetball look forward to many tournaments, including a world tournament. Since 1981, devoted racquetball players around the world have competed against one another in these annual tournaments.
12. The International Olympic Committee has recognized Racquetball.
In 1989, the International Olympic Committee officially recognized Racquetball as a Pan American Games Sport. Since this, Racquetball has been a part of the Olympic Festival. The sport is one of the youngest games to be recognized by the committee.
13. Racquetball can help you burn around 500 calories per hour.
Racquetball is a high-intensity sport. Players run back and forth across the court, chasing the ball to defeat their opponents. Because of this, on average, Racquetball can help you burn about 500 calories per hour. It is a great workout that can burn calories in a fun and fast way!
14. Racquetball works the entire body.
Not only does Racquetball burn plenty of calories, but it also
15. Racquetball players have served at up to almost 200 mph.
Racquetball is known for being a fast game. Players have been known to serve the ball at over 100 mph. The fastest recorded serve is said to be around 190 mph. This was served by Egan Inoue, a martial artist and racquetball player from Hawaii.
16. Different colored balls have different uses in Racquetball.
Sometimes, Racquetball is played with different colored balls – blue, green, purple, black, red, and more. What do these different colors mean to players? Each ball color has a different weight that allows for different speeds depending on the players’ needs for the game.
17. Racquetball can be played indoors or outdoors.
While Racquetball is most commonly played as an indoor sport due to the way the game is played by bouncing the ball off of multiple walls, the game can also be played outdoors. Usually, it is played in a handball court, but outdoor courts have been created for those who want to enjoy the outdoors while they play this exciting sport.
18. Racquetball improves hand-eye coordination.
As with most racquet sports, Racquetball is a great game to play if you are looking to improve your hand-eye coordination. A major aspect of the game is keeping track of and hitting a small, fast-moving ball. Regular practice is sure to enhance your hand-eye coordination. Of course, this is helpful in other sports and in daily life.
19. Racquetball can be played (or practiced) with one, two, three, or four players.
This game is most often played with two or four players. This type of game is often called singles or doubles, depending on the number of players. Racquetball can also be practiced alone. A more challenging version of the game exists in which three players compete.
20. A three-person game of Racquetball is called “cut-throat”.
A three-person game of Racquetball is sometimes called “cut-throat.” Players take turns serving the ball against the other two, who play against the serving player. This variation of the game can be modified to the players’ preferences.
21. The original racquetball racquet was made out of aluminum.
Sobek’s original racquetball racquet design was made out of aluminum. Since then, the racquet has been improved to be lighter and more efficient for players to use. Today, the racquets are made out of a variety of lighter and stronger materials.
22. Racquetball can help decrease stress levels.
Like all forms of exercise, Racquetball is found to decrease stress. Exercise encourages the brain to produce endorphins. The amount of physical activity and intensity in a game of Racquetball is sure to lower stress levels in anyone.
23. Racquetball is enjoyed throughout the world.
Racquetball is enjoyed globally. Throughout the world, there are tournaments and fans. There are millions of serious racquetball players. Along with those, there are surely casual players and fans that enjoy Racquetball throughout the world.
3 Basic Tips for Playing Racquetball
Are you a beginner or someone who wants to improve on their racquetball skills? There are plenty of tips you can use to play a better game of Racquetball. We’ve put together a list of three tips you should keep in mind next time you step on the court.
1. Prepare for the ball.
Properly preparing for the ball can go a long way in helping improve your strokes. It can be easy to forget about it during the heat of a game. It’s essential to have your racquet ready while you are heading towards the ball, as well as to keep your eyes on the ball at all times.
2. Warm-up before a game.
With all of the running, swinging and lunging that takes place during a match of Racquetball, you need to make sure you warm up before a game. You don’t want to be stiff and unprepared; do some stretches, jogging, and practice your stroke before your game.