Threads were created this week (December 2017) in the Racquetball Friends group on Facebook and on the Reddit Racquetball subreddit asking for present ideas for racquetball players.
Suggestions ran the gamut of pricing, from stocking stuffers (can of balls, new glove), to the one time amazing (coaching clinic attendance with one of the top pros, trip to a special racquetball event).
I liked the idea and will add a few of my own to the mix. (Also added gift cards and some additional items in 2023 in response to Facebook replies.)
You may be tempted to buy a racquet. Do not do this! 🙂 The feel of a racquet, how it fits in the hand, the way it is weighted, how it is shaped, are all very personal items and only the player should make this final decision. If you know the manufacturer of their current racquet, you can arrange a demo with RacquetWorld with two of the more current racquets from that manufacturer. Be sure to talk to them on the phone for this, don’t try to stumble thru it on your own.
If none of these items seem like a reliable hit for you, you can always give a gift card focused on racquetball gear!
Gearbox, RacquetWorld, Racquetball Warehouse
Under $20
A windshield mount for their smartphone. This will allow them to stream their matches live, or record them for personal review. I recommend this one: ivoler Car Phone Mount
A can or 4 of balls. Blue, Black, Red&Blue, Orange&Black, Other Colors
A wrap grip or 2 or 3 in different colors other than the traditional black. Gearbox
A rubber grip or 3 in the colors of their choice. Python
Towels to wipe off sweat. Microfiber, Cotton
A few headbands. Gearbox, Others
If the player has a stringing machine or you know they haven’t restrung their racquet in a while (i.e. there is no logo on the strings), then packages of string. Gearbox, Others
If you can have some time alone with their racquet, and their strings don’t have a logo on them, then adding a stencil to the racquet is a great personalization! Stencils, Inks
Between $20 and $50
Racquetball specific apparel. 2023 updated article on this site listing the companies I’d consider.
Tournament entry fees. Varies greatly by region.
A new pair of eyewear (ideally match what they have, just newer so that they are clean and unscratched). Gearbox, Others
The US Open pro matches on DVD. 2003-2017.
Coach Fran Davis‘ Book & DVD. Direct from Fran.
Between $50 and $150
An “action camera” that can do 4K and 60 FPS and can be mounted to the glass wall of the court to capture video for later review with a coach or simply for enjoyment. (I am specifically not recommending GoPro, as you do not need ‘image stabilization’ when the camera is mounted in one place and does not move. Save your money for other things, like suction cup attachments which may be sold separately.)
Membership to USA Racquetball. One Year.
New racquetball shoes. Asics – Gel Rocket in particular, Nike Basketball shoes, the pros seem to favor these. Keep to the same brand they currently use, if you can.
A new bag to carry all of their racquetball stuff to and from the gym. Gearbox, Others
A case of balls. (12-24 cans of balls, usually between $50-$120 plus shipping)
Multiple gloves! One is good, four or five is better.
More than $150 or recurring charges
Gym membership. Take that expense away from the player by paying for a year.
Online coaching. Coach Jim Winterton, Sudsy Monchik, Manilla Athletics (Adam, Erika, Bobby), Cliff Swain
In person coaching. Coach Jim Winterton and team, Coach Fran Davis, Sudsy Monchik, Cliff Swain, Manilla Athletics (Adam, Erika, Bobby)
Racquetball camps or clinics. Adjust the dates when you get to the search page.
A trip to the 3Wall Ball championship events. Las Vegas, NV, Huntington Beach, CA, or Hollywood, FL
Membership in USA Racquetball. Three Year or Lifetime.
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Let me know what you feel that I’ve missed via the Contact page!
