USA Racquetball

The Official U.S. Racquetball Association Website

Magazine Archives

Do you have a collection of old magazines and no longer wish to hold on to?

USA Racquetball may be interested in adding your archive of magazines for a collect that is displayed for the Racuetball Museum.

Please contact USA Racquetball for more information.

How To Play

New to racquetball?

To play a game of racquetball you only need a few things to get started. Most racquetball equipment and accessories can be purchased seperately or starter kits can be purchased for about $30 from a club proshop or sporting goods retail store.
• Racquet (Cost anywhere from $20-$200, depends on budget, and willingness to pay for feel and technology.)
• Eyewear (Recommended and important, helps reduce the risk of injury if you are hit in the eye.)
• Ball (Balls come in different colors such as blue, green, lavender and black. Any color will do.)
• Glove. (Optional, this will help you keep a firm grip on the racquet during those fast rallies.)
• Shoes (Any type of indoor court or tennis shoe, there are shoes designed specifically for racquetball.)

For more information on how to play, tips from the pro's, video instruction and more visit Racquetball University online.

Do you know someone who is interested or new to racquetball? Send them an e-mail about this website.

The History of Racquetball

Jerry and Dave

Where It All Started

As shown in this picture, the Joe Sobek racquet was the first of it's kind.	Joe Sobek, commonly referred to as "The Father of Racquetball" started with an idea of paddle rackets with strings. During the Korean war, Joe asked NJ Magnum Co. (North Attleboro, Massachusetts) to make up 25 racquets during their downtime due to the war. Joe also needed a ball so he called upon a friend at Canfield Rubber Company who ended up going to Seamless Rubber Co. to have the ball created. After many prototypes, the "Joe Sobek" ball was produced.

Evolution of the Racquet

The racquetball racquet has come a long way since the days of the Joe Sobek model, which was made of wood with a leather wrap grip. Racquet frames shortly after transitioned to alloy then fiberglass and now graphite composite. Every year manufacturers are striving to be the leader in new racquet technology by releasing new frame designs, stronger and lighter materials in which to construct the racquet.

1971 - Aluminum alloy frames introduced.
1972 - Fiberglass frames enter the sport
1979 - Graphite frames introduced.
1984 - Oversize frames forever changed the game.

Racquetball History by Year

As displayed in the Racquetball Museum at National Singles in Houston this year, the following documents showcase key events that took place each year.

From the birth of racquetball in 1968 (IRA - Founded in 1969, is today USA Racquetball) to 2006 when the US Team won their 13th World Championship in Dominican Republic, view each year to see the transition of racquetball over the last 38 years.

Pre 68' 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972	1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978		1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984		1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990
1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996	1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002		2003 2004 2005 2006

Content Design by : Chuck Meredith