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Racquetball

The American four-wall game — invented in 1950 in a Connecticut YMCA, with a world tour and Pan American Games medals.
✓ Last reviewed: August 2026
FamilyRacquet & Paddle Sports
World governing bodyIRF · ~100 nations
Invented1950 — Greenwich, Connecticut YMCA, by Joe Sobek
CourtFour walls, ceiling in play · hollow rubber ball · no let-serve rules like squash
GamesPan American Games · World Games

What is racquetball?

Racquetball is the American enclosed-court game, invented in 1950 by Joe Sobek at a Greenwich, Connecticut YMCA — a hollow rubber ball, short strung racquets, and a four-walled court where the ceiling and back wall are in play, making rallies wilder and faster than squash. It boomed spectacularly in 1970s and 80s America and has been consolidating since.[1] [2]

How is it organized?

The IRF governs internationally across roughly 100 nations, running the World Championships and racquetball's competition at the Pan American Games and World Games. Professionally, the IRT (men's) and LPRT (women's) tours run the circuit, with the United States, Mexico, Bolivia, Canada, Costa Rica and Japan the leading nations.[2] [3]

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — Racquetball. Accessed August 2026.
  2. IRF — International Racquetball Federation. Accessed August 2026.
  3. USA Racquetball — official site. Accessed August 2026.