JustBeginning
Beginner's guide

So you're getting into racquetball

Racquetball is the most physically punishing of the racket sports — fast, indoor, walls in play, hour-long sessions that leave you genuinely drained. The gear list is short but specific, and one item is non-negotiable: eye protection. The ball moves at 150 mph in tight spaces. People have lost eyes. Read this guide before you hit a court.

By Colin B. · Published May 8, 2026 · Last reviewed July 16, 2026
person holding a racquetball racquet on an indoor court

Photo by Gabriel Martin on Unsplash

The 60-second version

If you only buy 3 things to start:

  1. Wilson Striker Racquetball Racquet — A balanced 165g racquet — fast enough to react, heavy enough to drive the ball.
  2. Python Xtreme View Eye Guard — Eye protection. Non-negotiable. The ball travels at 150 mph in a small room.
  3. Penn Ultra-Blue Racquetballs (3-pack) — Penn Pro balls — the standard blue ball used at every public court.
Budget total
$95
Typical total
$180
Racquetball gear is cheaper than tennis but more than pickleball. Most beginners are fully equipped under $200, including the mandatory eye protection.

We earn commission on qualifying Amazon purchases — see our affiliate disclosure. Price tiers and budget totals shown above are editorial estimates; actual Amazon prices vary.

At a glance

Our top pick in each category

The fastest path through this guide — each best-starter pick by category. Scroll for the budget and upgrade alternatives.

CategoryTop pickPriceWhere to buy
RacquetWilsonWilson Striker Racquetball Racquet$$ See on Amazon →
Eye protectionPythonPython Xtreme View Eye Guard$ See on Amazon →
BallsPennPenn Ultra-Blue Racquetballs (3-pack)$ See on Amazon →
Court shoesK-SwissK-Swiss Hypercourt Express 2$$ See on Amazon →
Glove & accessoriesWilsonWilson Sting Racquetball Glove$ See on Amazon →
Before you buy anything

A few things worth knowing first

Eye protection is not optional. Racquetball has a real history of eye injuries — the ball is small, fast, and confined inside a four-walled court. Most clubs require eye guards to step on the court at all. We're listing eye protection as an entire category for a reason: do not skip this.

Find a court before you buy gear. Racquetball requires an indoor four-walled court — you can't play it on a tennis court, in a backyard, or with a friend. Most courts are at large gyms (LA Fitness, YMCA, Lifetime), which means a membership or a guest pass. Confirm there's a court within 20 minutes of you before committing.

Don't buy the cheapest racquet on Amazon. Sub-$30 racquets often have aluminum frames that vibrate badly, transferring shock straight into your wrist and elbow. A $50-70 graphite or composite frame is dramatically more comfortable and will save you tendinitis.

The gear

What you actually need

Racquet

A racquetball racquet is shorter (22 inches max), lighter, and head-heavier than tennis or even pickleball. The variables that matter for a beginner: weight (lighter is faster but less powerful), head shape (teardrop is the standard, quadraform is more forgiving), and grip size. A modern composite/graphite frame in the mid-weight range covers everything most beginners need.

Racquet — what's the difference?

A few common shapes, each making a different trade.

Lightweight (155g and under)

Fast maneuverability, less power. Built for quick wrists.

Weight
150-155g
Power
Low
Maneuverability
Highest

Best for Players with quick reflexes, doubles play where reaction time matters, anyone with elbow sensitivity

Tradeoff Less inherent power; you have to swing harder to drive the ball

↓ See our pick
Mid-weight (160-170g)

The default starter weight. Balanced power and speed.

Weight
160-170g
Power
Medium
Maneuverability
Balanced

Best for Most beginners and intermediates — a forgiving starting point with no obvious weakness

Tradeoff Doesn't excel at either extreme — neither maximum power nor maximum speed

↓ See our pick
Heavy (175g and up)

Maximum power. Slower through the air.

Weight
175g+
Power
Highest
Maneuverability
Lower

Best for Strong adult players who want to drive the ball, players with longer prep time on shots

Tradeoff Slower swing means you'll get jammed on fast returns; harder on the elbow over time

↓ See our pick
Wilson Striker Racquetball Racquet Best starter
Wilson

Striker Racquetball Racquet

$$

Our rating

Mid-weight (165g), balanced, graphite construction. Around $50. Covers everything a beginner needs without being so light or so heavy that it forces a particular style. The most-recommended starter racquet at most pro shops.

What we like

  • Graphite frame delivers a crisper feel than aluminum at only $50
  • 165g mid-weight suits nearly every beginner swing speed

What to know

  • Pre-strung nylon strings lack feel compared to multifilament — restring after 6 months
See on Amazon →
HEAD MX Fire 190 Racquetball Racquet Budget pick
HEAD

MX Fire 190 Racquetball Racquet

$

Our rating

Around $40. Aluminum-titanium frame, head-light balance, designed specifically for beginners. Heavier than some budget options at 190g — that weight gives you extra stability on off-center hits, which beginners benefit from. Adequate for casual play.

What we like

  • 190g mass stabilizes off-center hits — forgiving while technique is still rough
  • Cheapest entry point that still plays like a real racquet

What to know

  • Aluminum frame transfers more vibration than graphite — watch your elbow over time
See on Amazon →
Gearbox M40 165 Racquetball Racquet Upgrade pick
Gearbox

M40 165 Racquetball Racquet

$$$$

Our rating

Gearbox is the most respected racquetball-specific manufacturer; the M40 165 is one of their most popular performance racquets. Built from M40 high-modulus graphite with C3 power groove construction. Around $200-300 depending on spec. Wait until you've played for a few months and decided you want a real performance racquet.

What we like

  • M40 high-modulus graphite noticeably crisper than entry-level composite frames
  • Built specifically for racquetball — not a reskinned tennis racquet

What to know

  • Costs 4x a starter racquet; the gap only shows once you have a repeatable swing
See on Amazon →
black ball beside yellow and black racquetball racket

Photo by Thomas Park on Unsplash

Eye protection

The single most important non-racquet purchase you will ever make for racquetball. The ball travels at speeds up to 150 mph inside a 20×40 foot four-walled room with two players swinging hard. Direct ball hits to the eye cause serious permanent injuries. Most clubs and tournaments require ASTM F803-rated protective eyewear — not regular sunglasses, not regular safety glasses. Get racquetball-rated eye protection before your first session.

Python Xtreme View Eye Guard Best starter
Python

Xtreme View Eye Guard

$19.99 as of Jun 22, 2026

Our rating

ASTM F803-rated, anti-fog coating, fits over most prescription glasses. Around $20. Universally recommended at most racquetball clubs. Don't go cheaper than this — you're protecting your eyes.

What we like

  • ASTM F803 certified — the only rating that matters for real racquetball safety
  • Over-glasses fit and anti-fog coating make it work from day one

What to know

  • Anti-fog coating degrades with sweat — budget for a replacement after 12-18 months
See on Amazon →
Wilson Omni Protective Eyewear Specialty pick
Wilson

Omni Protective Eyewear

$19.99 as of Jun 22, 2026

Our rating · Only 8 left in stock - order soon.

Slightly larger viewing area, integrated sweatband, works for players with bigger faces. Around $25. Same ASTM F803 rating as the Python — the difference is fit and comfort, not safety.

What we like

  • Larger frame gives a wider field of view than most eye guards
  • Integrated sweatband handles heat buildup better than a separate headband

What to know

  • Bulkier fit doesn't suit narrower faces as well as the Python
See on Amazon →

Balls

Racquetballs are color-coded by speed: blue is the standard tournament ball, green is the slowest (best for beginners learning to read bounces), red/black is a slow indoor ball, purple is the fastest. For new players, blue is what you want — it's what you'll see at every public court and what the rules use.

Penn Ultra-Blue Racquetballs (3-pack) Best starter
Penn

Ultra-Blue Racquetballs (3-pack)

$

Our rating

The standard ball at every American club, used in USAR tournaments. Around $7 for a 3-pack. Lasts a few weeks of regular play if you don't lose them — racquetballs crack when they get cold, so don't leave them in the car overnight.

What we like

  • The official USAR tournament ball — what you'll see at every public court
  • 3-pack lasts weeks of regular play at around $7

What to know

  • Crack suddenly in cold weather — don't leave them in the car overnight in winter
See on Amazon →
Pro Penn Green Racquetballs (slower) Specialty pick
Penn

Pro Penn Green Racquetballs (slower)

$

Our rating

The slower 'green' ball — easier to track and control as a beginner. Pro Penn Green is the standard slow ball, used in some lower-level leagues. Switch to Penn Ultra-Blue once you can comfortably rally.

What we like

  • Slower speed gives beginners more time to read the bounce and set their feet
  • Good for solo warmup drills before graduating to the standard blue ball

What to know

  • Not the standard ball at public courts; can't practice with what you'll actually play
See on Amazon →

Court shoes

Racquetball is played on a wood or synthetic indoor floor with hard lateral movement, hard stops, and frequent direction changes. Same court-shoe rules as tennis and pickleball: avoid running shoes (they roll your ankle), prioritize lateral support and a non-marking sole. Many gyms enforce non-marking soles strictly.

K-Swiss Hypercourt Express 2 Best starter
K-Swiss

Hypercourt Express 2

$130.00 as of Jun 22, 2026

Our rating

Same shoe we recommend for tennis and pickleball — same reasons. K-Swiss has been making indoor court shoes for 60 years. Non-marking sole, good lateral support, around $90.

What we like

  • 60 years of court-shoe design; lateral support holds up through hard stops
  • Non-marking sole meets gym requirements right out of the box

What to know

  • Priced at $90 — more than off-brand racquetball shoes, though it earns the premium
Find on Amazon →
Adidas GameCourt 2 Budget pick
Adidas

GameCourt 2

$49.00 as of Jun 22, 2026

Our rating · In Stock

Often available under $70. Good lateral support, durable outsole. Same shoe across all our racket-sport guides — it's a solid all-rounder.

What we like

  • Under $70 with genuine lateral support — not repurposed running shoes
  • Durable outsole handles hard court pivots better than most at this price

What to know

  • Narrower toe box than K-Swiss; wider feet may find it uncomfortable on long sessions
See on Amazon →
Upgrade pick
ASICS

Gel-Resolution X

$$$

Our rating

Pro-level court shoe with serious cushioning and lateral support. Worth it once you're playing 3+ times a week and starting to feel knee or foot fatigue.

What we like

  • Gel cushioning noticeably reduces knee and foot fatigue on long play sessions
  • Heel counter locks the foot in place on hard lateral cuts

What to know

  • Overkill until you're playing 3+ sessions per week and starting to feel the wear
Find on Amazon →

Glove & accessories

Two cheap items that meaningfully improve play: a racquetball glove (eliminates grip slippage in a sport where your hands sweat hard inside an indoor court) and a wristband (catches sweat before it runs into your eyes — a real concern with eye guards trapping heat). Total under $25.

Wilson Sting Racquetball Glove Best starter
Wilson

Sting Racquetball Glove

$

Our rating

Cabretta leather palm, mesh back, replaceable. Around $15. Most beginners overlook this and then watch their grip slip on key shots after 20 minutes of play. The glove fixes it instantly.

What we like

  • Cabretta leather palm maintains grip through heavy sweating when synthetic palms fail
  • At $15, the easiest upgrade most beginners skip and regret

What to know

  • Sizing runs different from golf gloves — try before buying if possible
See on Amazon →
Nike Tennis Premier Doublewide Wristbands Specialty pick
Nike

Tennis Premier Doublewide Wristbands

$19.99 as of Jun 22, 2026

Our rating · In Stock

Cheap, effective, and they keep sweat from running into your eyes — which matters more in racquetball than other racket sports because the eye guards trap heat. Around $10.

What we like

  • Thick terry cloth blocks sweat from running into your eye guards during play
  • At $10, the cheapest upgrade that meaningfully improves eye guard comfort

What to know

  • Terry cloth pilling and compression loss after heavy washing; replace each season
See on Amazon →
Going deeper

Your first month of racquetball

Racquetball is the most physically demanding of the racket sports — and the easiest to feel competent at, fast. Here's what your first thirty days actually look like, walls and all.

Read the guide →
Save your money

What you don't need yet

Beginners get pressured to buy a lot of stuff that doesn't help them play better. Here's what we'd skip on day one.

  • A second racquet — Pros carry two in case strings break mid-match. As a beginner you'll wear out strings in months, not break them in the middle of a rally.
  • Custom string-and-tension setup — Whatever string came on the racquet is fine for your first 6 months. Once you have clean swings, an experienced stringer can guide you to a setup.
  • Ball-warming devices — Some advanced players warm balls before play to keep bounce consistent. As a beginner, hitting them around for 5 minutes warms them naturally.
  • Tournament-grade racquetball-specific shoes — Racquetball-specific shoes (yes, they exist) only matter at the competitive level. Tennis court shoes work fine until then.
  • Specialty apparel — Athletic shorts, a moisture-wicking t-shirt, and the wristband. That's the whole apparel list.
First week

Your first seven days

A short, real plan to get from gear-on-doorstep to actually playing.

  1. Find an indoor racquetball court. LA Fitness, Lifetime, YMCA, and many city rec centers have them. Day passes are usually $10-25. · Action
  2. Buy eye protection BEFORE you book a court. Most clubs won't let you on the court without it. · Buy
  3. Order a starter racquet so it arrives before your first session. · Buy
  4. Order a 3-pack of Penn Pro blue balls. · Buy
  5. Watch one professional match — Daniel De La Rosa or Paola Longoria are the dominant current pros. The pace is dramatically faster than recreational play, but you'll see the patterns. · Learn
  6. Find a hitting partner at your level. Racquetball is fundamentally a partner sport — singles or doubles, you need someone in the court with you. · Action
  7. After 3-4 sessions, take one 30-60 minute lesson. Racquetball-specific coaches at most racquetball clubs run $40-60 per hour and will fix grip and footwork issues you can't see yourself. · Action
FAQ

Common questions

Do I really need eye protection?

Yes — and most clubs won't let you on the court without it. Racquetball has a real injury history because the ball is small, hard, and travels at 150 mph in a confined room. ASTM F803-rated eye guards (around $20) are mandatory for safety, and most clubs and all tournaments require them.

How much should I spend on a first racquet?

$40-70 covers everything reasonable for a first racquet. The HEAD MX Spark at the budget end gets you playing; the Wilson Striker is what most pro shops hand new students. Don't spend $150+ until you've played for several months.

Can I use my pickleball or tennis shoes for racquetball?

Yes — court shoes for any of the racket sports work for the others, as long as the sole is non-marking (most gyms require this). The K-Swiss Hypercourt and Adidas GameCourt that we recommend across our racket-sport guides are all non-marking.

How does racquetball compare to other racket sports?

Racquetball is the most physical of the racket sports — fastest ball, smallest court, and you're constantly moving. It's harder on the body than pickleball or ping pong but easier to feel competent at than tennis. The wall-bounce element is unique and takes a few sessions to get used to.

What's the difference between racquetball and squash?

Squash uses a different (smaller, less bouncy) ball, a slightly smaller court, and longer-handled racquets. Strategically they're related but not interchangeable — racquetball rewards power, squash rewards precision and angles. Many North American clubs have both courts.

How often do I need to replace racquetballs?

A 3-pack of balls usually lasts a few weeks of regular play. They lose their bounce gradually and crack suddenly when they get cold — don't leave them in your car overnight in winter. Tournament-grade play uses fresh balls per match; for beginners, they last until they crack.

Going further

Where to next

Related hobbies

Browse by category

Authoritative sources

  • USA Racquetball (USAR) — The sport's national governing body. Official rules, ratings, and the most complete database of US clubs and tournaments.
  • International Racquetball Tour — Pro-tour news and coverage. Watch IRT events on YouTube to see what world-class racquetball looks like.
  • Fran Davis Coaching (YouTube) — Long-time professional coach. Patient, technical, the most-recommended beginner instructional resource.
  • Racquetball Warehouse — The biggest American specialty retailer. Their gear reviews and string database are bookmark-worthy. Bias: they sell the gear; transparent about it.
  • International Racquetball Tour (YouTube) — Full pro matches. Watching a Daniel De La Rosa or Paola Longoria match shows you what real high-level racquetball looks like.
  • r/racquetball — Smaller community than the other racket-sport subs but active and helpful. Search the wiki for beginner-equipment threads.
racquetball player mid-match on an indoor court

Photo by Dennis Schmidt on Unsplash

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