IRF History

The International Racquetball Federation is the governing body for all internationally sanctioned racquetball events. Developed in the early 1960s as an alternate workout for tennis players during the winter, racquetball is an extremely fast sport where balls can travel in excess of 150 mph in a 40 ft. long, 20 ft. wide, and 20 ft. high court.

Players compete in Singles and Doubles. Opponents play side-by-side with the objective of returning the racquetball to the front wall before allowing it to bounce twice on the floor. All walls are used including the ceiling. Racquetball players have been found to burn in excess of 600 calories per hour.

5 games are played to 11 points, points are scored by either the serving or receiving side and if the score reaches 10-all, the game continues until one player leads by two points. If the first four games are split, an 11-point tiebreaker is played. Awards at international events are based on performances in singles, doubles, mixed doubles and often from a Team Competition.

Please click on one of the links under the About the IRF button to learn more.