Essential Racquetball Equipment
There are only a few pieces of essential racquetball equipment and some of them you may be able to borrow or rent temporarily as you decide whether you like the game enough to invest in your own gear. Racquetball is a fun sport and it doesn't take much to get started. Naturally, you'll need a court to play in, but you'll also need a few other basics. Read below for a list of the essentials.
Racquets
The racquetball racquet has a somewhat short handle and a netting area that is wider at the top than the bottom rather than being perfectly oval. In all, the racquet should measure less than 22 inches, according to the USA Racquetball rule book. Purchase a racquet specifically made for racquetball and not tennis or squash, and you'll know that you're getting one that meets the correct specifications. Aside from the basics, there are different styles of racquets that you might choose from. Some are heavier than others, which can work well if you are especially tall or strong. Some racquets are heavier at the top or bottom, which suits different playing styles better. If you're not sure which type is best for you, try a few different racquets out to see which type you play with best.
Balls
The ball used in racquetball is smaller than a tennis ball and made of rubber. It is dense and will bounce well. Most commonly, you'll find blue racquetball balls for sale, though you can sometimes find alternative colors. The color of the ball has no meaning. Racquetball balls will wear down over time, losing some of their bounce. At this point, you'll need to replace them.
Eyewear
You should always wear protective eyewear when playing racquetball. Even a professional player cannot always control where the ball goes and the sheer force of the ball could do serious damage to your eyes. Protective eye goggles for racquetball are made from a hard plastic. Though most go behind your ears like traditional glasses, you may also purchase ones that strap around your head. If you wear prescription glasses, look for goggles that will fit over your glasses or purchase a pair of goggles with prescription lenses.
Clothing
The basic clothing for playing racquetball is similar to any other clothing you'd wear while working out. Shorts, exercise pants and T-shirts are all acceptable and comfortable. Clothes that are too baggy, though, may get in your way. Men should consider purchasing an athletic cup to protect the groin area. An accidental hit with the hard rubber ball could cause injury.
Getting Equipment
If you're just starting out, you don't want to spend a lot of money. Find out if the gym or racquetball club where you're playing offers racquetball equipment either for free or for a small fee. This gives you a chance to try the sport out and see what you like. When you're ready to buy, you can find equipment at a sporting goods store, or save money by purchasing your equipment used.
