Paddleball is a racquet sport which is played either as singles (amongst two players) or in doubles (two teams of two players each) with a wooden and perforated paddle with no webbing and a small rubber ball. In this game, players hit the ball against the wall or walls of a court with a paddle, while their opponents attempt to hit it on the rebound.
There are one, three and four-wall games and are played both in singles and doubles. One and three-wall games are played for 11, 15, 21 or 25 points and four-wall is a 21-point game.
Four-wall paddle was originated in 1930 by Earl Riskey, a P.Ed. Instructor and later Director of Intramural Sports at the University of Michigan. Paddleball is a very popular court sport in the United States.
Equipment
Paddleball - Ball
The ball is usually made of rubber and has a diameter of 2 inches.
Paddleball - Paddle
A wooden and perforated paddle with no webbing is used in paddleball sport. It is maximum 17.5 inches long and 9 inches wide.
Paddleball - Glove
The players wear glove in the hand that they use to hold the racket to get a good hold on it.
Paddleball - Goggles
Protective goggles must be worn by players to protect their eyes from injuries caused by the ball or racquets.
Paddleball - Shoes
Shoes have non-marking soles that allow ankle control and quick movements to the players.
Paddleball - Shorts/Skirts
Men always wear shorts while women can wear shorts or skirts according to their choice.
Paddleball - Shirt
Players wear light and breathable full or short sleeved shirts.
