What Are Racquetballs Made of? (Science Behind It)

Racquetball is a fun and easy-to-learn sport even though it involves some intensive activities. Since the sport’s conception in the 1970s, it has grown increasingly popular worldwide. Playing or watching the game is fun when you find the opponent’s weaknesses and dwell on them. But these balls tend to go bad so fast. What could these balls be made of for them to go bad so fast?

Racquetballs are made of rubber because of the elasticity that makes them bounce easily. It is more about the consistency of the bounce in the sport. Rubber is textured to create a rough surface that grips the floors and walls, enhancing rallying.

There are a lot of things you need to know about racquetball, despite its declining popularity. Make sure you read ahead for more info on the same.

What Do Different Color Racquetballs Mean?

The different colors for racquetball balls stand for different speeds, lasting periods, and other purposes in the game. The red balls are unique for their weight, and the black balls for longer rallies. Blue balls for durability, purple for tournaments, and green balls for utmost durability.

Racquetball balls are available in different colors for different types of players and pitches. However, it is not necessary to match the specified ball if you are in for recreational play. The only exception will be if you have practice for a match. It is best to use the appropriate balls to help you in getting accustomed to them.

These colors are:

• Black Racquetballs

These happen to be very fast and somewhat durable. The fact that the black racquetballs are consistent makes them the best choice for longer rallies. It is also because they tend to stay up much longer than other balls. 

These balls, however, make the players get used to playing according to the immediate ball at their disposal, other than relying on the same skills for every other racquetball game.

• Blue Racquetballs

These are the best balls for beginners in the game because of their consistent bounce. The blue racquetballs have a medium speed that is just perfect for recreational gameplays. They are also the best for easy visibility in both indoor and outdoor courts because of their inability to reflect bright light fixtures.

• Green Racquetballs

If you were to compare the green racquetballs with the blue balls, the green ones would outdo the blue ones because of their lively and faster play. However, they do have shorter rallies. These will also offer you some service because of their lengthened durability and maximum speed.

• Purple Racquetballs

Purple racquetballs are the fastest and the best for lively indoor play. These are also the most commonly used for the International Racquetball Tours. However, they have a very low durability than the other balls.

• Red Racquetballs

These balls are your best matches for harder hits because of their heavyweights and fast pace. The red racquetballs are also for outdoor games but most people are currently using them for indoor games as well. Considering the visibility risk with different blend colors red, brown, and white in most indoor courts, this shouldn’t be the case.

• Pink Racquetballs

Pink racquetballs are also the best for outdoor lively play because of their speed. These balls also have the highest visibility and are the most used for Ladies Racquetball Tours.

• Multi-Colored Racquetballs
• These are the best balls for any visibility both indoors and outdoors. They also match usage for any court because of the fast action and medium speed when using them.

How Long Do Racquetball Balls Last?

Racquetballs last for 3 to 5 games. However, it depends on the color of the ball as well as the intensity of the gameplay. For instance, green balls are the most durable, then blue and the others follow with purple balls being on the bottom line for their short durability.

Determining racquetballs last period can be somewhat tricky for beginners in the game. So most people may play with the balls until they break. I’m very sure by the time the racquetball gets to this stage it’s no longer bouncy and I think even the players strain to hit the balls when in this state.

So you ought to tell when a racquetball is new and when it’s dead and unusable. Therefore, the balls come in relatively rough textures when new, which aids in their bouncy consistency and their ability to fly through the air and grip the walls and floors in their rally.

Wondering how to tell the lifespan of the racquetball? Look at this:

The racquetball loses its texture and grip bit by bit the more you play it. As a result, it gets inconsistent in its bounce and slips off on the walls rather than bouncing as expected, hindering your practice or activity in the game.

Another thing you should know is that racquetballs are stored in airtight containers to maintain their general form and hardness. So once you open the can, the balls get exposed to atmospheric conditions where their structure depreciates gently with time. However, unless you know about it, you might not notice this depreciation. It goes on with time as you play more often, your ball loses the bounce. 

Therefore, one way you can tell a racquetball is in a good state is to drop it and check its bounce height and consistency. A ball that hardly bounces is just as dead and is no longer usable because racquetballs are not pressurized. Your racquetball last period will vary depending on whether you are a beginner or experienced in the game, as well as your preferred ball.

If you are interested in the subject in a more in-depth way, I have a comprehensive article about it that I highly recommend you read.

Are Racquetballs Safe for Dogs?

Racquetballs are safe for dogs, but you must consider the dog’s size that you plan to use the racquetball on. Every ball has the same diameter of 2.25 inches. Therefore, racquetballs are ideal for puppies because mature dogs can swallow them easily because they are too small.

Is it your first time to hear of dogs with racquetballs? In the same way, you would buy toys for your kids, you should purchase them for your dog too. By doing so, you will help your dog develop positive behavior. However, before you get to the market and buy any toy for the pet, you need to know that the more the dog grows the more he needs updated toys.

You should still be careful about the type of racquetballs you give your dog, even if it is a mid-sized dog that cannot swallow the racquetballs. Some companies may use substances that are toxic for dogs. Therefore, you should consider rubber balls specifically designed for dogs or from companies you trust. In any case, before you purchase any toy for the pet, you need to know that as the dog grows, he will need more and more updated toys.

Read also: Are Cricket Balls Bad for Dogs? (Tips & Warnings)