Racquetball was invented by Joe Sobek in 1949 on a Connecticut handball court. Seeking a game with a fast pace that was easy to learn, Sobek designed the first short strung paddle, devised rules combining the basics of handball and squash, and named the modification "paddle rackets". His experiment was an overnight success, the sport caught on quickly and has since evolved into racquetball as we know it today.
By the early 70's, court clubs could be found in every state and the sport enjoyed a rapid and steady rise in popularity. As Americans sought out new and challenging athletic activities, the timing was perfect for racquetball -- courts were accessible nationwide abd the sport was fun and easy to learn. The late 70's and early 80's saw racquetball become one of the fastest growing sports in America, and thousands of new racquetball coruts were built to satisfy the demand.
The sport saturated the market and reached its peak in the mid-80's, when many clubs either closed their doors or began converting courts to other uses. By 1987, the decline had leveled off and racquetball regained a steady, manageable growth rate.
From this original core group of loyal enthusiasts, participation now stands at 6.3 million american players who enjoy the sport each year (1995 American Sports Data, Inc.).
Internationall, the sport has also attained great heights in its short history -- with World Championships beld bi-annually since 1981, its inclusion as an International Olympic Committee approved event, and its debut as a Pan American Games sport in 1995.
As we make way into the new century, times are exciting for the sport of racquetball. With increasing exposure to a growing market of recreational and competitive players -- combined with the sport's proven track record of loyal participation and the promise of achieving the "Olympic Dream" -- racquetball is well positioned for the future.
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