https://www.sportstototop.com Racquetball was invented by Joe Sobek in 1950. Sobek, an American professional tennis and squash player wanted to invent a new game that combined elements of squash, handball and paddleball that was quick and easy to learn. Originally called paddle rackets, the game’s rules were codified in 1952 and, through use of America’s 40,000 YMCA and Jewish Community Center handball courts, the sport achieved rapid growth. In 1969 the International Racquetball Association was founded and recognition by the US Olympic Committee followed.