A Guide to Racketball for Schools and Youth Settings
Racketball is a fast-growing sport that offers a fun, inclusive, and accessible way for children to build key physical skills. Played on a squash court with a larger ball and shorter racket, it is perfect for PE lessons, after-school clubs, and youth organisations.
What is Racketball?
Racketball is a racket sport played indoors on a squash court. It uses a larger, bouncier ball than squash and a short-handled racket, making it easier to hit and ideal for children and beginners. The game is simple to learn and fast-paced, providing a great cardio workout while developing coordination and agility.
It is sometimes referred to as "Squash 57" due to the ball's 57mm diameter, distinguishing it from traditional squash.
Why Teach Racketball in Schools?
Racketball offers several benefits that make it a strong addition to any PE curriculum or extracurricular programme:
- Easy to Learn: Pupils can get involved with minimal instruction
- Physically Beneficial: Improves agility, balance, coordination, and reaction time
- Cognitive Skills: Encourages problem-solving, spatial awareness, and tactics
- Curriculum-Friendly: Links to national PE objectives for KS2 and KS3
- Social Development: Builds teamwork, respect, and communication skills
Equipment Overview
You don't need much to get started with Racketball. Most equipment is affordable and easy to store.
- Racketball Rackets: Shorter and lighter than squash rackets
- Racketball Balls: Larger and bouncier than squash balls
- Court: Played on a standard squash court (indoor)
- Optional: Eye protection and soft balls for beginners
How to Play: Simple School-Friendly Rules
Here is a simplified version of the rules to use in PE or school sport sessions:
- Objective: Hit the ball after one bounce so it hits the front wall
- Serving: Underarm serve from behind the service line
- Play: Players alternate hits, trying to keep the rally going
- Scoring: Games played to 11 or 15 points; players can rotate in team formats
- Winning: You must win by two clear points
Setting Up Racketball in PE Lessons
- Ideal age group: KS2 and KS3
- Group format: Singles, doubles, or rotational team games
- Warm-up ideas:
- Ball control drills (bounce and catch, rallying against the wall)
- Movement drills using rackets as props (e.g. balance walk)
- Safety tips:
- Emphasise awareness of surroundings
- Ensure appropriate footwear is worn
- Limit numbers on court
Game Ideas and Variations
Keep students engaged with simple and fun activities:
- Longest Rally: Pairs try to keep the ball in play as long as possible
- Target Practice: Mark areas on the front wall and score points for hitting them
- King/Queen of the Court: Winners stay on, new challengers rotate in
- Timed Challenges: How many hits in 1 minute? How many rallies?
Teaching Tips
- Start with sponge balls for younger pupils or beginners
- Use wall-based drills before introducing full rallies
- Keep teams small to ensure regular participation
- Rotate pupils through roles such as scorer or coach
- Praise teamwork and effort over competition
Equipment for Schools
While there are no complete Racketball kits currently available, it’s easy to build a school-friendly setup using individual equipment items:
- Racketball Rackets – Lightweight and slightly shorter than squash rackets, these are designed for easier handling by children and beginners. Look for options with durable frames that can withstand regular school use.
- Racketball Balls – Racketballs are larger and bouncier than squash balls, making them easier for pupils to track and hit.
- Air Flow Playballs - Lightweight and soft impact, ideal for introducing Racketball to younger pupils. Their slower speed and softer impact help build confidence while developing basic striking and coordination skills.
- Court Markings – Racketball can be played on a standard squash court. If you don’t have access to one, consider adapting an indoor space with temporary court marking tape.
- Storage and Transport – For PE departments, having a durable racket bag or ball storage container makes setup and cleanup far easier between lessons.
Further Support and Development
- Local Clubs: Many offer youth sessions or school outreach
- Competitions: Great for after-school clubs or inter-school events
Start Introducing Racketball at Your School Today
Racketball is quick to set up, fun to teach, and perfect for developing transferable skills in pupils of all ages. Explore our school equipment options and bring something new to your PE programme.
