# Handball balls

Every handball ball specification we have found, current and historical: 85 sourced records from 1873 to 2025, each with its citation. Where a ball is made to a rule, the figures are the rule’s; where rules disagree, both are shown.

COR is the implied coefficient of restitution, the square root of rebound over drop (air drag ignored): our figure, not one a rulebook prints.

## Today's balls

GAA and IHC figures are numbers only.

- **USHA rulebook ball (four-wall and three-wall)** (four-wall, three-wall, one-wall; 2012 to 26 Jan 2025): 1.875 ± 1/32 in (47.6 mm); 61 ± 3 g; 70 in drop to 48–52 in (hardwood floor, 68 °F); COR 0.83–0.86; rubber or synthetic material. Source: [USHA 2012–2025, Rule 2.2.B](https://handball.theperfectship.com/rules/four-wall.md)
- **USHA one-wall ball (red or white label)** (one-wall, wallball; Jan 2014 to 26 Jan 2025): 1.875 ± 1/32 in; 61 ± 3 g; 70 in drop to 48–52 in (hardwood floor, 68 °F); COR 0.83–0.86; rubber or synthetic material; label red or white. Source: [USHA 2014–2025, Rule 2.2.B](https://handball.theperfectship.com/rules/one-wall.md)
- **USHA 21 ball** (four-wall, three-wall, one-wall; since 2011): 61 g. Source: [USHA president Hogan, “The ball” (14 August 2023)](https://www.ushandball.org/the-ball-a-message-from-usha-president-denis-hogan/)
- **USHA ONE ball** (one-wall, four-wall, three-wall; since 2020): 61 g. Source: [USHA president Hogan, “The ball” (14 August 2023)](https://www.ushandball.org/the-ball-a-message-from-usha-president-denis-hogan/)
- **USHA 55 ball** (four-wall, three-wall, one-wall; as of 2023): 55 g. Source: [USHA president Hogan, “The ball” (14 August 2023)](https://www.ushandball.org/the-ball-a-message-from-usha-president-denis-hogan/)
- **GAA 4-wall adult ball** (international 40x20; Mar 2020 to June 2026): 1.8 ± 0.04 in (46 ± 1 mm); 56 ± 2 g (1.96 ± 0.07 oz); 70 in drop to 52 in (concrete floor, measured to the top of the ball); COR 0.86; rubber or synthetic; optional; typically blue (2025-). Source: [GAA Handball 2020–2026, Rule 2.2.A](https://a.storyblok.com/f/291973624851210/x/8454927304/playing-rules-4-wall-wallball-60x30-softball-hardball-ac-june-26.pdf)
- **GAA 4-wall Dark Blue ball** (international 40x20; Mar 2020 to June 2026): 1.85 ± 0.02 in (47 ± 0.5 mm); 42–44 g (1.48–1.55 oz); 118 in drop to 98.4–104.3 in (steel); COR 0.91–0.94; rubber or synthetic; typically dark blue. Source: [GAA Handball 2020–2026, Rule 2.2.B](https://a.storyblok.com/f/291973624851210/x/8454927304/playing-rules-4-wall-wallball-60x30-softball-hardball-ac-june-26.pdf)
- **GAA Challenger 2 ball** (international 40x20, Irish 60x30 softball; Mar 2020 to June 2026): 1.83 ± 0.02 in (46.5 ± 0.5 mm); 39–41 g (1.38–1.45 oz); 118 in drop to 90.6–94.5 in (steel); COR 0.88–0.89; typically blue. Source: [GAA Handball 2020–2026, Rule 2.2.C](https://a.storyblok.com/f/291973624851210/x/8454927304/playing-rules-4-wall-wallball-60x30-softball-hardball-ac-june-26.pdf)
- **GAA Challenger 1 ball** (international 40x20, GAA wallball; Mar 2020 to June 2026): 2.09 ± 0.04 in (53 ± 1 mm); 35–37 g (1.23–1.3 oz); 118 in drop to 76.8–80.7 in (steel); COR 0.81–0.83; typically blue. Source: [GAA Handball 2020–2026, Rule 2.2.D](https://a.storyblok.com/f/291973624851210/x/8454927304/playing-rules-4-wall-wallball-60x30-softball-hardball-ac-june-26.pdf)
- **GAA 60x30 juvenile softball (Challenger 3)** (Irish 60x30 softball; Mar 2020 to June 2026): 1.94–1.95 in (49.2–49.6 mm); 57–58 g (2.01–2.05 oz); 118 in drop to 100.4–104.3 in (steel); COR 0.92–0.94; best grade rubber; green. Source: [GAA Handball 2020–2026, Rule 2.2](https://a.storyblok.com/f/291973624851210/x/8454927304/playing-rules-4-wall-wallball-60x30-softball-hardball-ac-june-26.pdf)
- **GAA 60x30 adult softball** (Irish 60x30 softball; Mar 2020 to June 2026): 2.2–2.25 in (55.9–57.1 mm); 58–60 g (2.05–2.12 oz); 118 in drop to 106.3–110.2 in (steel); COR 0.95–0.97; best grade rubber; red. Source: [GAA Handball 2020–2026, Rule 2.2.B](https://a.storyblok.com/f/291973624851210/x/8454927304/playing-rules-4-wall-wallball-60x30-softball-hardball-ac-june-26.pdf)
- **GAA 60x30 hardball** (Irish 60x30 hardball; Mar 2020 to June 2026): 1.8–1.95 in (47.5–49.5 mm); 42.5–49.6 g (1.5–1.75 oz); 8 ft drop to 2.5–3.5 ft (concrete floor); COR 0.56–0.66; rubber and yarn windings; goatskin or other suitable hide; lancewood or cork centre. Source: [GAA Handball 2020–2026, Rule 2.2.C](https://a.storyblok.com/f/291973624851210/x/8454927304/playing-rules-4-wall-wallball-60x30-softball-hardball-ac-june-26.pdf)
- **GAA “Big Blue Wallball”** (GAA wallball; 9 Feb 2025 to June 2026): 1.875 ± 1/32 in; 61 ± 3 g; 70 in drop to 48–52 in (hardwood floor, 68 °F); COR 0.83–0.86; rubber or synthetic. Source: [GAA Handball 2025–2026, Rule 2.2.A.i](https://a.storyblok.com/f/291973624851210/x/8454927304/playing-rules-4-wall-wallball-60x30-softball-hardball-ac-june-26.pdf)
- **GAA “Penn Wallball”** (GAA wallball; 9 Feb 2025 to June 2026): 2.18–2.22 in; 39.5–42.5 g; 200 in drop to 65–69 in; COR 0.57–0.59; rubber or synthetic; the rule names SiO2 and TiO2; blue. Source: [GAA Handball 2025–2026, Rule 2.2.A.ii](https://a.storyblok.com/f/291973624851210/x/8454927304/playing-rules-4-wall-wallball-60x30-softball-hardball-ac-june-26.pdf)
- **CIJB wallball: no ball specified** (CIJB wallball; as of 2023): no ball specified. Source: [CIJB 2023, Rule 2](https://cijb.info/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/wallball_eng-1.pdf)
- **USWA wallball: no ball specified** (wallball; Apr 2021 to 22 Oct 2026): no ball specified. Source: [USWA 2021–2026, whole text](https://uswallball.org/rules)

Related balls from other sports:

- USA Racquetball Rule 2.2: 2 1/4 in, ~1.4 oz, durometer 55-60, 68-72 in from 100 in at 70-74F: about 2.25 in; about 1.4 oz; 100 in drop to 68–72 in; COR 0.82–0.85. Source: [USA Racquetball, Rule 2.2](https://archive.teamusa.com/usa-racquetball/rules/2-courts-and-equipment.html)
- FIPV pelota a mano: fronton 36 m 61-64 mm, 101.1-106 g; trinquet 60-62 mm, max 92 g: 60–64 mm; 92–106 g. Source: [FIPV, hand pelota (mano) page](https://www.fipv.net/en/especialidad/mano)

## Which ball for which grade and code

USHA (August 2023):

- Local, state and regional events: USHA 21, ONE or 55
- National championships: USHA 21
- One-wall small-ball nationals: USHA ONE
- Women’s Classic, upper division: Red 21
- Women’s Classic, beginner and novice: White 21

GAA (equipment guide, 2019):

- 4-wall (40x20), U10: Challenger 1
- 4-wall (40x20), U12: Challenger 2
- 4-wall (40x20), U13 to U16, girls U17, adult ladies: Dark Blue
- 4-wall (40x20), boys U17, adult men: 40x20 International (the adult ball)
- 60x30, U12: Challenger 2
- 60x30, girls U13 to U17, boys U13 and U14: Challenger 3 (juvenile softball)
- 60x30, boys U15 up, adult men and ladies: adult softball
- 60x30 hardball, all grades: hardball
- One-wall, U10: Challenger 1
- One-wall, all grades: Big Blue

## How bouncy?

Each rule fixes one drop test. Compare only inside a surface group: a steel plate is livelier than a floor.

### Hardwood floor

- IHC 2009 international handball: 70 in drop to 46–50 in (hardwood floor, 68 °F); COR 0.81–0.85. Source: [IHC 2009, Part II B.1](https://wexfordgaahandball.ie/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Playing-Rules.pdf)
- USHA 1990-1995: 70 in drop to 48–52 in (hardwood floor, 68 °F); COR 0.83–0.86. Source: [USHA 1990–1999, Rule 2.2.A](https://handball.theperfectship.com/rulebooks/usha-fourwall-1990-06-20.md)
- USHA four-wall 1999 and three-wall 2004: 70 in drop to 48–52 in (hardwood floor, 68 °F); COR 0.83–0.86. Source: [USHA 1999–2005, Rule 2.2.A.4](https://handball.theperfectship.com/rulebooks/usha-fourwall-1999-01-31.md)
- USHA one-wall 2000-2002: 70 in drop to 48–52 in (hardwood floor, 68 °F); COR 0.83–0.86. Source: [USHA 2000–2005, Rule 2.2.A.4](https://handball.theperfectship.com/rulebooks/usha-onewall-2000.md)
- USHA Red Label ball (2005-2008): 70 in drop to 48–52 in (hardwood floor, 68 °F); COR 0.83–0.86. Source: [USHA 2005–2008, Rule 2.2.B](https://handball.theperfectship.com/rulebooks/usha-onewall-2005-04-01.md)
- USHA four-wall 2005-2007 and three-wall 2004 printings: 70 in drop to 48–52 in (hardwood floor, 68 °F); COR 0.83–0.86. Source: [USHA 2004–2012, Rule 2.2.B.3](https://handball.theperfectship.com/rulebooks/usha-fourwall-2005-01-16.md)
- USHA one-wall 2008: 70 in drop to 48–52 in (hardwood floor, 68 °F); COR 0.83–0.86. Source: [USHA 2008, Rule 2.2.B](https://handball.theperfectship.com/rulebooks/usha-onewall-2008-06.md)
- USHA rulebook ball (four-wall and three-wall): 70 in drop to 48–52 in (hardwood floor, 68 °F); COR 0.83–0.86. Source: [USHA 2012–2025, Rule 2.2.B](https://handball.theperfectship.com/rules/four-wall.md)
- USHA one-wall ball (red or white label): 70 in drop to 48–52 in (hardwood floor, 68 °F); COR 0.83–0.86. Source: [USHA 2014–2025, Rule 2.2.B](https://handball.theperfectship.com/rules/one-wall.md)
- GAA one-wall 2019: 70 in drop to 48–52 in (hardwood floor, 68 °F); COR 0.83–0.86. Source: [GAA Handball 2019, Rule 2.2.A](https://wexfordgaahandball.ie/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Playing-Rules-1-wall.pdf)
- GAA “Big Blue Wallball”: 70 in drop to 48–52 in (hardwood floor, 68 °F); COR 0.83–0.86. Source: [GAA Handball 2025–2026, Rule 2.2.A.i](https://a.storyblok.com/f/291973624851210/x/8454927304/playing-rules-4-wall-wallball-60x30-softball-hardball-ac-june-26.pdf)

### Concrete floor

- IHC 2009 60x30 hardball: 8 ft drop to 2.5–3.5 ft (concrete floor); COR 0.56–0.66. Source: [IHC 2009, Part II B.2](https://wexfordgaahandball.ie/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Playing-Rules.pdf)
- GAA 60x30 hardball: 8 ft drop to 2.5–3.5 ft (concrete floor); COR 0.56–0.66. Source: [GAA Handball 2020–2026, Rule 2.2.C](https://a.storyblok.com/f/291973624851210/x/8454927304/playing-rules-4-wall-wallball-60x30-softball-hardball-ac-june-26.pdf)
- IHC 2009 60x30 softball: 100 in drop to 67–70 in (concrete floor); COR 0.82–0.84. Source: [IHC 2009, Part II B.2](https://wexfordgaahandball.ie/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Playing-Rules.pdf)
- GAA 4-wall adult ball: 70 in drop to 52 in (concrete floor, measured to the top of the ball); COR 0.86. Source: [GAA Handball 2020–2026, Rule 2.2.A](https://a.storyblok.com/f/291973624851210/x/8454927304/playing-rules-4-wall-wallball-60x30-softball-hardball-ac-june-26.pdf)

### Steel plate

- GAA Challenger 1 ball: 118 in drop to 76.8–80.7 in (steel); COR 0.81–0.83. Source: [GAA Handball 2020–2026, Rule 2.2.D](https://a.storyblok.com/f/291973624851210/x/8454927304/playing-rules-4-wall-wallball-60x30-softball-hardball-ac-june-26.pdf)
- GAA Challenger 2 ball: 118 in drop to 90.6–94.5 in (steel); COR 0.88–0.89. Source: [GAA Handball 2020–2026, Rule 2.2.C](https://a.storyblok.com/f/291973624851210/x/8454927304/playing-rules-4-wall-wallball-60x30-softball-hardball-ac-june-26.pdf)
- GAA 4-wall Dark Blue ball: 118 in drop to 98.4–104.3 in (steel); COR 0.91–0.94. Source: [GAA Handball 2020–2026, Rule 2.2.B](https://a.storyblok.com/f/291973624851210/x/8454927304/playing-rules-4-wall-wallball-60x30-softball-hardball-ac-june-26.pdf)
- GAA 60x30 juvenile softball (Challenger 3): 118 in drop to 100.4–104.3 in (steel); COR 0.92–0.94. Source: [GAA Handball 2020–2026, Rule 2.2](https://a.storyblok.com/f/291973624851210/x/8454927304/playing-rules-4-wall-wallball-60x30-softball-hardball-ac-june-26.pdf)
- GAA 60x30 adult softball: 118 in drop to 106.3–110.2 in (steel); COR 0.95–0.97. Source: [GAA Handball 2020–2026, Rule 2.2.B](https://a.storyblok.com/f/291973624851210/x/8454927304/playing-rules-4-wall-wallball-60x30-softball-hardball-ac-june-26.pdf)

### Surface not stated

- The Sun 1887: 15 ft drop to 14 in; COR 0.28. Source: [The Sun 1887-11-27, p. 11](https://www.loc.gov/resource/sn83030272/1887-11-27/ed-1/?sp=11)
- GAA “Penn Wallball”: 200 in drop to 65–69 in; COR 0.57–0.59. Source: [GAA Handball 2025–2026, Rule 2.2.A.ii](https://a.storyblok.com/f/291973624851210/x/8454927304/playing-rules-4-wall-wallball-60x30-softball-hardball-ac-june-26.pdf)
- A.A.U. 1931 standard handball: 100 in drop to 60–65 in; COR 0.77–0.81. Source: [A.A.U. 1931 rules, as printed in O’Connell, How to Play Handball (1931), Rule 2](https://handball.theperfectship.com/rulebooks/aau-fourwall-1931.md)
- USHA 1972 Rule 2.2: 70 in drop to 42–48 in (68 °F); COR 0.77–0.83. Source: [USHA Handball magazine, June 1972, PDF p. 34](https://archive.teamusa.com/-/media/usa_racquetball/documents/magazine/archived-issues/handball-magazine/1972/1972_hb_june1bc3.pdf?la=en&hash=9D26F4A7CBAD5CB11FD9F1F28B8407F5F171D84B)
- USA Racquetball Rule 2.2: 100 in drop to 68–72 in; COR 0.82–0.85. Source: [USA Racquetball, Rule 2.2](https://archive.teamusa.com/usa-racquetball/rules/2-courts-and-equipment.html)
- US5639085: 70 in drop to 50–53 in (measured to the bottom of the ball); COR 0.85–0.87. Source: [US patent 5,639,085](https://patents.google.com/patent/US5639085)

## Temperature

No handball bounce-at-temperature figures exist in any source we have found. Every handball rule fixes one temperature, and none states humidity.

Squash, not handball (rebound as a percentage of a 254 cm drop, World Squash Federation 2013; [World Squash Federation, ball specifications (2013)](https://www.klubben.no/media/multicase/documents/wsf_ball-specifications.pdf)):

- double yellow (competition): at least 12% at 23 °C; 25–30% at 45 °C
- single yellow (club): at least 15% at 23 °C; 30–35% at 45 °C
- green dot (high altitude): at least 9% at 23 °C; 25–30% at 45 °C

## History, 1873 to 2023

O’Connell, How to Play Handball (1931): registration and renewal records searched; no renewal found (a research finding, not legal advice).

### Four-wall and three-wall (American) (33)

- 1873: New York rules: a ball about two inches across (about 2 in) “to be played with a ball about two inches in diameter” Source: [James 1873–1886, Rule 1](https://handball.theperfectship.com/rulebooks/james-fourwall-1873.md)
- 1875: Casey 1875: regulation ball 2 1/4 in, cork, rubber, worsted, kid or calfskin (2.25 in) “As a quick or a dead ball is preferred the more or less rubber is used” Source: [The New York Herald 1875-12-09, p. 10](https://www.loc.gov/resource/sn83030313/1875-12-09/ed-1/?sp=10)
- 1887: Casey v Lawlor 1887: Irish and American balls alternate; Irish ball white and much smaller “It was white as snow and an inch less in diameter” Source: [National Police Gazette, 17 December 1887](https://archive.org/details/npg-1887-12-17)
- 1887: The Sun 1887: chamois or pigskin cover; 14 in bound from 15-20 ft (15 ft drop to 14 in; COR 0.28) “A bound of fourteen inches from a full of fifteen or twenty feet is about right for elasticity” Source: [The Sun 1887-11-27, p. 11](https://www.loc.gov/resource/sn83030272/1887-11-27/ed-1/?sp=11)
- 1889: The Sun's set rules: about 2 in and 1 1/3 oz (about 2 in; 1.333 oz) “a ball about two inches in diameter and 1⅓ ounces in weight” Source: [The Sun 1889, Rule 1](https://handball.theperfectship.com/rulebooks/sun-fourwall-1889.md)
- 1893: Deshong 1893: 1 7/8 in, 1 5/8 oz, Brooklyn Handball Club standard ball (1.875 in; 1.625 oz) “The foundation is laid with a round bit of cork or solid rubber. That is wrapped with a thin strip of rubber, upon the top of which is rolled yarn of the finest…” Source: [Deshong 1893, Rule 3 and commentary, pp. 12-18](https://handball.theperfectship.com/rulebooks/deshong-fourwall-1893.md)
- 1897: 1897 A.A.U. championship played with the Spalding hard ball “The Spalding hard ball was used.” Source: [Spalding’s Official Handball Guide (1923)](https://www.loc.gov/item/23002979/)
- 1902: Egan v Drew 1902: regulation 'alley cracker'; each player may use his own make “Drew's was a little lighter and livelier” Source: [The Jersey City News 1902-05-23, p. 3](https://www.loc.gov/resource/sn87068097/1902-05-23/ed-1/?sp=3)
- 1903: A.A.U. 1903: full regulation Spalding ball, 1 7/8 in, 1 5/8 oz (1.875 in; 1.625 oz) “The ball to be used shall be a full regulation Spalding ball, and must measure one and seven-eighth inches in diameter and weigh one and five-eighth ounces.” Source: [A.A.U. 1903, Rule 3](https://handball.theperfectship.com/rulebooks/aau-fourwall-1903.md)
- 1903: Eagan: learn with a hollow rubber or lawn tennis ball first “instead of a regular playing ball use a hollow rubber, lawn tennis or any other light ball.” Source: [Spalding’s Official Handball Guide (1923), p. 45](https://www.loc.gov/item/23002979/)
- 1903: 1903 rules commentary: 1 7/8 in, 1 5/8 oz; Spalding Match, Expert, Amateur; Irish Red Ace and Black Ace (1.875 in; 1.625 oz) “The Irish regulation handball—known as “Red Ace” when made of red rubber and “Black Ace” when made of black rubber—costs 35 cents each.” Source: [Egan, Handball and How to Play It (1903), Rule 3 commentary](https://handball.theperfectship.com/rulebooks/deshong-fourwall-1903.md)
- 1903: Spalding's Regulation Hand Balls advertisement, 1903 Spalding lists leather-covered regulation match balls and two Irish regulation rubber balls (red and black). Source: [Egan, Handball and How to Play It (1903), p. 51](https://www.loc.gov/item/04000015/)
- 1904: 1904: the Spanish pelota ball heavier and larger than the American handball “The Spanish ball is heavier and larger than the American article” Source: [The St. Louis Republic 1904-06-30, p. 5](https://www.loc.gov/resource/sn84020274/1904-06-30/ed-1/?sp=5)
- 1914: Egan 1913/14 catalogue: hand-wound leather-covered balls; rubber, Red Ace, Black Ace; squash balls 'popular for handball' “The leather covered hand balls we make are wound by hand” Source: [Egan, Hand Ball and How to Play It (1914)](https://www.loc.gov/item/13015574/)
- 1915: Y.M.C.A. 1915 four-wall: the Irish Black Ace “The Irish Black Ace shall be the regulation ball.” Source: [Y.M.C.A. 1915, Ball](https://handball.theperfectship.com/rulebooks/ymca-fourwall-1915.md)
- 1917: 1917: visiting teams handicapped by a ball of different weight and speed “the ball used here is different in weight and speed from the one to which they have been accustomed” Source: [The Detroit Times 1917-02-24, p. 4](https://www.loc.gov/resource/sn83016689/1917-02-24/ed-1/?sp=4)
- 1920: A.A.U. 1920: standard rubber hand ball “Ball shall be Standard Rubber hand ball.” Source: [A.A.U. 1920–1928, Rule 2](https://handball.theperfectship.com/rulebooks/aau-fourwall-1920.md)
- 1922: Spalding No. 101 'American Standard' “No. 101. “American Standard.” The official ball of the game. Used in all championship tournaments.” Source: [Spalding’s Official Handball Guide (1923), p. 12](https://www.loc.gov/item/23002979/)
- 1923: 1923: leather-ball courts with slate and marble front walls; twice the speed of the rubber-ball game “the resilience of the ball plus the acquired rebound gives the game twice the speed of the rubber ball contest” Source: [Spalding’s Official Handball Guide (1923), p. 51](https://www.loc.gov/item/23002979/)
- 1923: 1923: the A.A.U. barred the tennis ball from tournaments “since the A.A.U. barred the tennis ball from tournaments, they have adopted the regulation handball” Source: [Spalding’s Official Handball Guide (1923), p. 31](https://www.loc.gov/item/23002979/)
- 1931: A.A.U. 1931 four-wall hardball: 1 5/8-1 7/8 in, 1 1/2-1 3/4 oz, rubber and yarn (1.625–1.875 in; 1.5–1.75 oz) “The material used should be the best grade rubber and yarn in the correct proportions to ensure the proper speed.” Source: [A.A.U. 1931 hardball rules, as printed in O’Connell, How to Play Handball (1931), Rule 2](https://handball.theperfectship.com/rulebooks/aau-fourwall-hardball-1931.md)
- 1931: A.A.U. 1931 standard handball: black, 1 7/8 in, 2.3 oz, 60-65 in from 100 in, compression 160-210 (1.875 ± 1/32 in; 2.3 ± 0.5 oz; 100 in drop to 60–65 in; COR 0.77–0.81; compression 160–210 (Stevens Compression Machine, 18-lb load)) “Rebound—From 100-inch drop, 60 to 65 inches.” Source: [A.A.U. 1931 rules, as printed in O’Connell, How to Play Handball (1931), Rule 2](https://handball.theperfectship.com/rulebooks/aau-fourwall-1931.md)
- 1938: Oregon 1938: regulation-size ball at one-third the air pressure A softer, low-pressure teaching ball of regulation size. Source: [JOPER, April 1938](https://archive.org/details/joper-1938-04)
- 1962: Spalding ACE (Red Label Ace; Black Ace label also reported) “Spalding pressure-packs the Red Label Ace (four individually packaged balls to a can) so they never get flat or stale or out of shape.” Source: [USHA Handball magazine, Aug 1971, PDF p. 2](https://archive.teamusa.com/-/media/usa_racquetball/documents/magazine/archived-issues/handball-magazine/1971/1971_hb_aug8bb6.pdf?la=en&hash=ACF4AEC9A698563E5F7FA9C132F81312AB556F67)
- 1969: Leve 1969-72: the ball was livened up; the ceiling shot became a weapon Ball liveliness linked to the ceiling game. Source: [USHA Handball magazine, Oct 1972, PDF p. 15](https://archive.teamusa.com/-/media/usa_racquetball/documents/magazine/archived-issues/handball-magazine/1972/1972_hb_octd0e8.pdf?la=en&hash=048F5702032D7A2B7CD8050A3AC52C8791722B54)
- 1971: Spalding orange (luminous) handball, abandoned 1971 An orange, TV-visible ball was researched for a year and dropped. Source: [USHA Handball magazine, June 1971, PDF p. 77](https://archive.teamusa.com/-/media/usa_racquetball/documents/magazine/archived-issues/handball-magazine/1971/1971_hb_june8284.pdf?la=en&hash=1261267EC6955F8D6C15CAC5B2AE23C6313E0238)
- 1971: Ace ball changes announced 1971-72: lighter, faster, new Goodrich compound, new moulds “We are told this will eliminate splitting.” Source: [USHA Handball magazine, June 1972, PDF p. 20](https://archive.teamusa.com/-/media/usa_racquetball/documents/magazine/archived-issues/handball-magazine/1972/1972_hb_june1bc3.pdf?la=en&hash=9D26F4A7CBAD5CB11FD9F1F28B8407F5F171D84B)
- 1972: Lewis 1972: the low serve stays down better on cement than on wood Floor material changes the ball's bounce. Source: [USHA Handball magazine, Oct 1972, PDF p. 12](https://archive.teamusa.com/-/media/usa_racquetball/documents/magazine/archived-issues/handball-magazine/1972/1972_hb_octd0e8.pdf?la=en&hash=048F5702032D7A2B7CD8050A3AC52C8791722B54)
- 1972: USHA 1972 Rule 2.2: black rubber, 1 7/8 in, 2.3 oz, 42-48 in from 70 in at 68 degrees; Spalding ACE official (1.875 ± 1/32 in; 2.3 ± 0.2 oz; 70 in drop to 42–48 in (68 °F); COR 0.77–0.83) “Rebound from 70 inch drop - 42 to 48 inches at a temperature of 68 degrees.” Source: [USHA Handball magazine, June 1972, PDF p. 34](https://archive.teamusa.com/-/media/usa_racquetball/documents/magazine/archived-issues/handball-magazine/1972/1972_hb_june1bc3.pdf?la=en&hash=9D26F4A7CBAD5CB11FD9F1F28B8407F5F171D84B)
- 1990: USHA 1990-1995: rubber or synthetic, colour optional, 1 7/8 in, 2.3 oz, 48-52 in from 70 in to hardwood at 68F (1.875 ± 1/32 in; 2.3 ± 0.2 oz; 70 in drop to 48–52 in (hardwood floor, 68 °F); COR 0.83–0.86) “Rebound from free fall, 70-inch drop to a hard wood floor is 48 to 52 inches at a temperature of 68 degrees F.” Source: [USHA 1990–1999, Rule 2.2.A](https://handball.theperfectship.com/rulebooks/usha-fourwall-1990-06-20.md)
- 1999: USHA four-wall 1999 and three-wall 2004: 58-62 g 'with a variation of 2 grams' (1.875 ± 1/32 in; 58–62 g; 70 in drop to 48–52 in (hardwood floor, 68 °F); COR 0.83–0.86) “The ball shall be 58-62 grams, with a variation of 2 grams.” Source: [USHA 1999–2005, Rule 2.2.A.4](https://handball.theperfectship.com/rulebooks/usha-fourwall-1999-01-31.md)
- 2004: USHA four-wall 2005-2007 and three-wall 2004 printings: '1 and 5/8-inch' diameter (1.625 ± 1/32 in; 61 ± 3 g; 70 in drop to 48–52 in (hardwood floor, 68 °F); COR 0.83–0.86) “1 and 5/8-inch diameter, with a variation of 1/32-inch, plus or minus.” Source: [USHA 2004–2012, Rule 2.2.B.3](https://handball.theperfectship.com/rulebooks/usha-fourwall-2005-01-16.md)
- undated: Wikipedia: ace ball, blackball, big blue, Red Ace (men), White Ace (women) Naming of balls in American usage. Source: [Wikipedia, “American handball”](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_handball)

### One-wall (small ball) (11)

- 1890: Phillips 1938: 1890s tennis-like ball too slow; a gas ball; then a smaller, livelier ball Phillips traces the soft ball from a slow tennis-type ball to a gas-filled ball to a smaller, livelier ball. Source: [JOPER, April 1938](https://archive.org/details/joper-1938-04)
- 1898: Y.M.C.A. single-wall rules: the regular tennis ball “For the majority of Association courts the regular tennis ball is best.” Source: [Y.M.C.A. 1898–1910, Ball](https://handball.theperfectship.com/rulebooks/ymca-onewall-1900.md)
- 1913: Y.M.C.A. 1913 single-wall: the Irish Ace, rubber, about 1 7/8 in; tennis ball allowed (about 1.875 in) “The ball known as the "Irish Ace" made of rubber and about 1⅞ inches in diameter is best, for it fits the hand and the players are more accurate with it.” Source: [Y.M.C.A. 1913–1915, Ball](https://handball.theperfectship.com/rulebooks/ymca-onewall-1913.md)
- 1915: Brokaw 1915: beginners should use discarded used balls; new balls are fast “Those players learning the game should start with used balls that have been discarded by the more experienced players.” Source: [Brokaw, How to Play American Hand Ball (1915), p. 51](https://www.loc.gov/item/16024697/)
- 1915: Brokaw 1915: 1 7/8-2 in, 2-2 1/4 oz, gum and carbon, inflated to 30 psi (1.875–2 in; 2–2.25 oz) “when inflated with air pressure to thirty pounds per square inch, made of gum and carbon” Source: [Brokaw 1915–1922, Rule 52](https://handball.theperfectship.com/rulebooks/brokaw-american-1916.md)
- 1922: A.A.U. one-wall 1922-1928: standard rubber handball, Spalding No. 101 or similar “Ball to be standard rubber handball, Spalding No. 101, or similar thereto.” Source: [A.A.U. 1922–1928, Rule 2](https://handball.theperfectship.com/rulebooks/aau-onewall-1923.md)
- 1928: Brokaw 1928: a ball wet with sweat makes freak curves “without gloves the ball gets wet from perspiration and performs so many freak curves” Source: [Spalding’s Official Handball Guide (1928), p. 86](https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=osu.32435000469544)
- 1972: 1972 lighter, faster ball for cold weather and outdoor play “In order to satisfy the cold weather player and the outdoor market, we are also introducing a lighter, faster ball.” Source: [USHA Handball magazine, June 1972, PDF p. 20](https://archive.teamusa.com/-/media/usa_racquetball/documents/magazine/archived-issues/handball-magazine/1972/1972_hb_june1bc3.pdf?la=en&hash=9D26F4A7CBAD5CB11FD9F1F28B8407F5F171D84B)
- 2000: USHA one-wall 2000-2002: 62 g with a variation of 2 g (1.875 ± 1/32 in; 62 ± 2 g; 70 in drop to 48–52 in (hardwood floor, 68 °F); COR 0.83–0.86) “62 grams, with a variation of 2 grams.” Source: [USHA 2000–2005, Rule 2.2.A.4](https://handball.theperfectship.com/rulebooks/usha-onewall-2000.md)
- 2005: USHA Red Label ball (2005-2008): 1 7/8 in, 61 g +/- 3 g (1.875 ± 1/32 in; 61 ± 3 g; 70 in drop to 48–52 in (hardwood floor, 68 °F); COR 0.83–0.86) “Only USHA official balls shall be used in all USHA events” Source: [USHA 2005–2008, Rule 2.2.B](https://handball.theperfectship.com/rulebooks/usha-onewall-2005-04-01.md)
- 2008: USHA one-wall 2008: 'USHA Red Ace' ball, 1 7/8 in, 61 g (1.875 ± 1/32 in; 61 ± 3 g; 70 in drop to 48–52 in (hardwood floor, 68 °F); COR 0.83–0.86) “Current Specifications. USHA Red Ace® ball:” Source: [USHA 2008, Rule 2.2.B](https://handball.theperfectship.com/rulebooks/usha-onewall-2008-06.md)

### Irish and international (GAA, IHC) (9)

- 1893: Deshong on the Irish ball: smaller and harder “The harder the ball, the better an Irish expert likes it.” Source: [Deshong 1893–1903, Rule 3 commentary](https://handball.theperfectship.com/rulebooks/deshong-fourwall-1893.md)
- 1903: GAA 1903: hard ball covered with sheepskin or leather, 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 oz (1.5–1.75 oz) “The balls to be hard and covered with sheepskin or any suitable kind of leather.” Source: [GAA Handball 1903, Rule 5](https://www.loc.gov/item/04000015/)
- 1923: 'Carlery' 1923: the old Irish ball, gutta or wooden centre, worsted, thin horse or foal skin “a ball wound on a small gutta or wooden center, rolled with worsted thread to the required size, and covered with thin horse- skin—preferably a foal’s skin” Source: [Spalding’s Official Handball Guide (1923), p. 41](https://www.loc.gov/item/23002979/)
- 1969: Secondary: the 1969 international standard replaced the Irish hardball with a soft rubber ball and the 40x20 court An architecture heritage leaflet says the 1969 international standard brought the soft rubber ball and the smaller court. Source: [Aughty, Irish handball alley (heritage leaflet)](https://www.aughty.org/pdf/irish_handball_alley.pdf)
- 1971: Kendler 1971: the Irish play a Dunlop ball with an enormous bounce; the US ball has less compression “They use a Dunlop ball with an enormous bounce” Source: [USHA Handball magazine, Oct 1971, PDF p. 12](https://archive.teamusa.com/-/media/usa_racquetball/documents/magazine/archived-issues/handball-magazine/1971/1971_hb_oct203d.pdf?la=en&hash=3FF63D693EAE6402DDAF1DC9A53C3B6DAB3AAB8E)
- 2009: IHC 2009 60x30 hardball: 1.8-1.95 in, 1.5-1.75 oz, 2.5-3.5 ft from 8 ft to concrete (1.8–1.95 in; 1.5–1.75 oz; 8 ft drop to 2.5–3.5 ft (concrete floor); COR 0.56–0.66) Source: [IHC 2009, Part II B.2](https://wexfordgaahandball.ie/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Playing-Rules.pdf)
- 2009: IHC 2009 international handball: 1.875 in, 2.3 oz, 46-50 in from 70 in to hardwood at 68F (1.875 ± 0.031 in; 2.3 ± 0.2 oz; 70 in drop to 46–50 in (hardwood floor, 68 °F); COR 0.81–0.85) Source: [IHC 2009, Part II B.1](https://wexfordgaahandball.ie/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Playing-Rules.pdf)
- 2009: IHC 2009 60x30 softball: 2.2-2.25 in, 61-62 g, 67-70 in from 100 in to concrete (2.2–2.25 in; 61–62 g; 100 in drop to 67–70 in (concrete floor); COR 0.82–0.84) Source: [IHC 2009, Part II B.2](https://wexfordgaahandball.ie/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Playing-Rules.pdf)
- 2019: GAA one-wall 2019: 1 7/8 in, 61 g +/- 3, 48-52 in from 70 in to hardwood at 68F (1.875 ± 1/32 in; 61 ± 3 g; 70 in drop to 48–52 in (hardwood floor, 68 °F); COR 0.83–0.86) Source: [GAA Handball 2019, Rule 2.2.A](https://wexfordgaahandball.ie/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Playing-Rules-1-wall.pdf)

### Wallball (big ball) (5)

- 1971: Pink ball = 'skinned' tennis ball (New York one-wall, 1971) “pink ball is "skinned" tennis ball” Source: [USHA Handball magazine, Dec 1971, PDF p. 5](https://archive.teamusa.com/-/media/usa_racquetball/documents/magazine/archived-issues/handball-magazine/1971/1971_hb_dec24fa.pdf?la=en&hash=ACEEF2D04DD71FFF1E5D5CB043508DFA62593534)
- 1971: 1971 letter: dead racquetballs revived by injecting 20-30 cc of air “from 20 to 30cc of air injected” Source: [USHA Handball magazine, Aug 1971, PDF p. 32](https://archive.teamusa.com/-/media/usa_racquetball/documents/magazine/archived-issues/handball-magazine/1971/1971_hb_aug8bb6.pdf?la=en&hash=ACF4AEC9A698563E5F7FA9C132F81312AB556F67)
- 1971: Seamless 558 racquetball (IRA official ball, 1971-72) “Jet black cover for maximum visibility. Lively, more uniform bounce to keep the action fast!” Source: [USHA Handball magazine, June 1971, PDF p. 56](https://archive.teamusa.com/-/media/usa_racquetball/documents/magazine/archived-issues/handball-magazine/1971/1971_hb_june8284.pdf?la=en&hash=1261267EC6955F8D6C15CAC5B2AE23C6313E0238)
- undated: JWHA: Big Ball (Big Blue) used on 4-wall courts in Japan; players move on to White Ace and Red Ace Big ball as the beginner's ball, then White Ace, then Red Ace. Source: [Japan Wall-Handball Association website](https://jwha.jp/english)
- undated: Wikipedia One-wall handball: big ball given the 1 7/8 in / 61 g numbers; makers O'Neills, Urball, Challenger, Sky Bounce (1.875 ± 1/32 in; 61 ± 3 g) Lists the GAA one-wall numbers under the big ball and names four makers. Source: [Wikipedia, “One-wall handball”](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One-wall_handball)

### Other codes and general sources (1)

- undated: Australian 3-wall ball: about the size of the US small ball but much softer Size close to the US small ball; markedly softer. Source: [WPH Live, “Sunday Stats: Australian 3-Wall Handball”](https://wphlive.tv/sunday-stats-australian-3-wall-handball/)

## How balls are made

- Wound ball. A cork centre (an older Irish ball used gutta-percha or wood), rubber rolled over it, then worsted or yarn, under a stitched leather cover: kid, calfskin, horsehide, chamois, pigskin, sheepskin, goatskin or foal skin, by era. How lively it was depended on the amount of rubber or the strength of the winding. The Irish hardball is still made this way, on a lancewood or cork centre. Sources: [The New York Herald 1875-12-09, p. 10](https://www.loc.gov/resource/sn83030313/1875-12-09/ed-1/?sp=10); [Deshong 1893, Rule 3 and commentary, pp. 12-18](https://handball.theperfectship.com/rulebooks/deshong-fourwall-1893.md); [Spalding’s Official Handball Guide (1923), p. 41](https://www.loc.gov/item/23002979/); [A.A.U. 1931 hardball rules, as printed in O’Connell, How to Play Handball (1931), Rule 2](https://handball.theperfectship.com/rulebooks/aau-fourwall-hardball-1931.md); [GAA Handball 2020–2026, Rule 2.2.C](https://a.storyblok.com/f/291973624851210/x/8454927304/playing-rules-4-wall-wallball-60x30-softball-hardball-ac-june-26.pdf)
- Hand winding. In 1914 a catalogue says the leather-covered balls are wound by hand. Sources: [Egan, Hand Ball and How to Play It (1914)](https://www.loc.gov/item/13015574/)
- Solid or hollow rubber, air-inflated. The 1915 one-wall rule describes “gum and carbon” balls inflated to 30 pounds per square inch; the 1920s No. 101 is a rubber ball. Sources: [Brokaw 1915–1922, Rule 52](https://handball.theperfectship.com/rulebooks/brokaw-american-1916.md); [Spalding’s Official Handball Guide (1923), p. 12](https://www.loc.gov/item/23002979/)
- Gas ball and low-pressure teaching ball. A gas-inflated hollow rubber ball followed the slow tennis-type ball in New York soft-ball play; an Oregon teaching ball in 1938 held one-third of the regulation ball’s air pressure. Sources: [JOPER, April 1938](https://archive.org/details/joper-1938-04); [JOPER, April 1938](https://archive.org/details/joper-1938-04)
- Pressure packs and the compound. From 1971 the Ace was sold four to a pressurised can so that it would not go flat. From 1 May 1972 it was to be made of a new rubber compound, developed with Goodrich to stop splitting, in new moulds to stop out-of-round balls; of the balls returned in 1971 the laboratory found 62% defective. Sources: [USHA Handball magazine, Aug 1971, PDF p. 2](https://archive.teamusa.com/-/media/usa_racquetball/documents/magazine/archived-issues/handball-magazine/1971/1971_hb_aug8bb6.pdf?la=en&hash=ACF4AEC9A698563E5F7FA9C132F81312AB556F67); [USHA Handball magazine, June 1972, PDF p. 20](https://archive.teamusa.com/-/media/usa_racquetball/documents/magazine/archived-issues/handball-magazine/1972/1972_hb_june1bc3.pdf?la=en&hash=9D26F4A7CBAD5CB11FD9F1F28B8407F5F171D84B)
- Two moulded halves with a gas-forming charge. A 1917 patent for a golf ball (US 1,240,439) seals a gas-generating pellet inside two hemispheres, and heating makes the pellet pressurise the core. The USHA says its 21 ball is built the same way: a wafer of 1 g, give or take 0.1 g, is sealed between the halves and turns to gas when heated. The wafer is sensitive to temperature, which the USHA blames for uneven pressure. Sources: [US patent 1,240,439](https://patents.google.com/patent/US1240439); [USHA president Hogan, “The ball” (14 August 2023)](https://www.ushandball.org/the-ball-a-message-from-usha-president-denis-hogan/)
- Two halves sealed in a pressure chamber. The ONE ball (about 2020) is closed inside a chamber that fixes the ambient pressure, which removes the variation between balls. The USHA says early versions bounced too much and a thin coating caused odd bounces in the corners. Sources: [USHA president Hogan, “The ball” (14 August 2023)](https://www.ushandball.org/the-ball-a-message-from-usha-president-denis-hogan/)
- Compression moulding of hemispheres. A 1988 patent for a baseball substitute (US 4,880,233) moulds each rubber hemisphere from a bolus between moulds, cures it at 145 °C (293 °F) for 5 minutes, cements the halves and presses them together at about 1425 psi, then cures them again for 5 minutes. The USHA describes a similar halves-and-seal process for its balls. Sources: [US patent 4,880,233](https://patents.google.com/patent/US4880233)
- Hollow elastomeric sphere. The only patent we found that names a handball (US 5,639,085, filed 1995, granted 1997) claims a hollow rubber sphere of about 1.88 in and 50–59 g that rebounds 50–53 in from a 70 in drop, aimed at a lighter, softer ball than the hard, heavy ones before it. Its compound includes barytes for weight and natural rubber. Sources: [US patent 5,639,085](https://patents.google.com/patent/US5639085)
- Other patents, as background only. US 1,546,483 (1924) describes a core of cork granules bound with rubber cement, a horse-hair layer, cotton yarn and a stitched two-piece leather cover; US 1,919,357 (1931) a soft baseball with a latex-bonded fibre core, wound yarn and a leather cover. Neither is a handball. Sources: [US patent 1,546,483](https://patents.google.com/patent/US1546483); [US patent 1,919,357](https://patents.google.com/patent/US1919357)
- Stiffness and hardness. The only handball compression figure is the A.A.U. 1931 range of 160–210 on a Stevens machine under an 18-pound load. No handball hardness is published; the racquetball standard gives a durometer of 55–60 and the squash standard a stiffness of 2.8–3.6 N/mm at 23 °C. Sources: [A.A.U. 1931 rules, as printed in O’Connell, How to Play Handball (1931), Rule 2](https://handball.theperfectship.com/rulebooks/aau-fourwall-1931.md); [USA Racquetball, Rule 2.2](https://archive.teamusa.com/usa-racquetball/rules/2-courts-and-equipment.html); [World Squash Federation, ball specifications (2013)](https://www.klubben.no/media/multicase/documents/wsf_ball-specifications.pdf)

## Where the sources disagree

### The rebound band of the USHA ball

The 1972 USHA rule gives a lower band than every later USHA rule, and the IHC’s 2009 figure for the same test differs again. We do not know when or why the USHA changed it.

- USHA 1972 Rule 2.2: black rubber, 1 7/8 in, 2.3 oz, 42-48 in from 70 in at 68 degrees; Spalding ACE official: 1.875 ± 1/32 in; 2.3 ± 0.2 oz; 70 in drop to 42–48 in (68 °F); COR 0.77–0.83. Source: [USHA Handball magazine, June 1972, PDF p. 34](https://archive.teamusa.com/-/media/usa_racquetball/documents/magazine/archived-issues/handball-magazine/1972/1972_hb_june1bc3.pdf?la=en&hash=9D26F4A7CBAD5CB11FD9F1F28B8407F5F171D84B)
- USHA 1990-1995: rubber or synthetic, colour optional, 1 7/8 in, 2.3 oz, 48-52 in from 70 in to hardwood at 68F: 1.875 ± 1/32 in; 2.3 ± 0.2 oz; 70 in drop to 48–52 in (hardwood floor, 68 °F); COR 0.83–0.86. Source: [USHA 1990–1999, Rule 2.2.A](https://handball.theperfectship.com/rulebooks/usha-fourwall-1990-06-20.md)
- IHC 2009 international handball: 1.875 in, 2.3 oz, 46-50 in from 70 in to hardwood at 68F: 1.875 ± 0.031 in; 2.3 ± 0.2 oz; 70 in drop to 46–50 in (hardwood floor, 68 °F); COR 0.81–0.85. Source: [IHC 2009, Part II B.1](https://wexfordgaahandball.ie/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Playing-Rules.pdf)

### USHA diameter printed as 1 5/8 in

Four-wall rules for 2005–2007 and a three-wall printing of 2004 give 1 5/8 in; every other USHA text gives 1 7/8 in. A misprint is likely, but we cannot prove it.

- USHA four-wall 2005-2007 and three-wall 2004 printings: '1 and 5/8-inch' diameter: 1.625 ± 1/32 in; 61 ± 3 g; 70 in drop to 48–52 in (hardwood floor, 68 °F); COR 0.83–0.86. Source: [USHA 2004–2012, Rule 2.2.B.3](https://handball.theperfectship.com/rulebooks/usha-fourwall-2005-01-16.md)
- USHA Red Label ball (2005-2008): 1 7/8 in, 61 g +/- 3 g: 1.875 ± 1/32 in; 61 ± 3 g; 70 in drop to 48–52 in (hardwood floor, 68 °F); COR 0.83–0.86. Source: [USHA 2005–2008, Rule 2.2.B](https://handball.theperfectship.com/rulebooks/usha-onewall-2005-04-01.md)
- USHA 2012-2025 four-wall and three-wall (and one-wall 2015, 2017): 1 7/8 in, 61 g +/- 3; white label and big balls may weigh less: 1.875 ± 1/32 in (47.6 mm); 61 ± 3 g; 70 in drop to 48–52 in (hardwood floor, 68 °F); COR 0.83–0.86. Source: [USHA 2012–2025, Rule 2.2.B](https://handball.theperfectship.com/rules/four-wall.md)

### The small ball: GAA and USHA

The GAA’s adult four-wall ball is smaller and lighter than the USHA ball, and its rebound is measured to the top of the ball on concrete, not to the bottom on hardwood.

- GAA 4-wall adult (men's) ball 2020-2026: 1.8 in (46 mm), 56 g, 70 in drop to concrete -> 52 in: 1.8 ± 0.04 in (46 ± 1 mm); 56 ± 2 g (1.96 ± 0.07 oz); 70 in drop to 52 in (concrete floor, measured to the top of the ball); COR 0.86. Source: [GAA Handball 2020–2026, Rule 2.2.A](https://a.storyblok.com/f/291973624851210/x/8454927304/playing-rules-4-wall-wallball-60x30-softball-hardball-ac-june-26.pdf)
- USHA 2012-2025 four-wall and three-wall (and one-wall 2015, 2017): 1 7/8 in, 61 g +/- 3; white label and big balls may weigh less: 1.875 ± 1/32 in (47.6 mm); 61 ± 3 g; 70 in drop to 48–52 in (hardwood floor, 68 °F); COR 0.83–0.86. Source: [USHA 2012–2025, Rule 2.2.B](https://handball.theperfectship.com/rules/four-wall.md)

### The softball: IHC 2009 and GAA 2020–2026

The two Irish texts give different weights, and different drops onto different surfaces (concrete, then a steel plate). Their rebound figures are not comparable as printed.

- IHC 2009 60x30 softball: 2.2-2.25 in, 61-62 g, 67-70 in from 100 in to concrete: 2.2–2.25 in; 61–62 g; 100 in drop to 67–70 in (concrete floor); COR 0.82–0.84. Source: [IHC 2009, Part II B.2](https://wexfordgaahandball.ie/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Playing-Rules.pdf)
- GAA 60x30 adult softball, red: 2.2-2.25 in, 58-60 g, 106.3-110.2 in from 118 in to steel: 2.2–2.25 in (55.9–57.1 mm); 58–60 g (2.05–2.12 oz); 118 in drop to 106.3–110.2 in (steel); COR 0.95–0.97. Source: [GAA Handball 2020–2026, Rule 2.2.B](https://a.storyblok.com/f/291973624851210/x/8454927304/playing-rules-4-wall-wallball-60x30-softball-hardball-ac-june-26.pdf)

### The Irish hardball minimum

The GAA gives its minimum diameter as 1.8 in in inches but 47.5 mm in millimetres, which is 1.87 in. The A.A.U. 1931 hardball range is lower again.

- GAA 60x30 hardball: 1.8-1.95 in, 42.5-49.6 g, 2.5-3.5 ft from 8 ft to concrete; rubber and yarn windings, goatskin, lancewood or cork centre: 1.8–1.95 in (47.5–49.5 mm); 42.5–49.6 g (1.5–1.75 oz); 8 ft drop to 2.5–3.5 ft (concrete floor); COR 0.56–0.66. Source: [GAA Handball 2020–2026, Rule 2.2.C](https://a.storyblok.com/f/291973624851210/x/8454927304/playing-rules-4-wall-wallball-60x30-softball-hardball-ac-june-26.pdf)
- A.A.U. 1931 four-wall hardball: 1 5/8-1 7/8 in, 1 1/2-1 3/4 oz, rubber and yarn: 1.625–1.875 in; 1.5–1.75 oz. Source: [A.A.U. 1931 hardball rules, as printed in O’Connell, How to Play Handball (1931), Rule 2](https://handball.theperfectship.com/rulebooks/aau-fourwall-hardball-1931.md)

### “Big blue” balls: small-ball numbers or racquetball numbers

The GAA prints its Big Blue Wallball with the small-ball numbers, while the Penn wallball it also names and the racquetball standard are about 2.2 in and about 40 g. The Penn rule prints a 200 in drop, probably a misprint, which would make its COR far lower than the racquetball’s. Wikipedia repeats the small-ball numbers for the big ball.

- GAA 'Big Blue Wallball' (2025-): printed as 1 7/8 in, 61 g, 48-52 in from 70 in to hardwood at 68F: 1.875 ± 1/32 in; 61 ± 3 g; 70 in drop to 48–52 in (hardwood floor, 68 °F); COR 0.83–0.86. Source: [GAA Handball 2025–2026, Rule 2.2.A.i](https://a.storyblok.com/f/291973624851210/x/8454927304/playing-rules-4-wall-wallball-60x30-softball-hardball-ac-june-26.pdf)
- GAA 'Penn Wallball' (2025-): blue, 2.180-2.220 in, 39.5-42.5 g, rebound 65-69 in; drop height printed as 200 in: 2.18–2.22 in; 39.5–42.5 g; 200 in drop to 65–69 in; COR 0.57–0.59. Source: [GAA Handball 2025–2026, Rule 2.2.A.ii](https://a.storyblok.com/f/291973624851210/x/8454927304/playing-rules-4-wall-wallball-60x30-softball-hardball-ac-june-26.pdf)
- USA Racquetball Rule 2.2: 2 1/4 in, ~1.4 oz, durometer 55-60, 68-72 in from 100 in at 70-74F: about 2.25 in; about 1.4 oz; 100 in drop to 68–72 in; COR 0.82–0.85. Source: [USA Racquetball, Rule 2.2](https://archive.teamusa.com/usa-racquetball/rules/2-courts-and-equipment.html)
- Wikipedia One-wall handball: big ball given the 1 7/8 in / 61 g numbers; makers O'Neills, Urball, Challenger, Sky Bounce: 1.875 ± 1/32 in; 61 ± 3 g. Source: [Wikipedia, “One-wall handball”](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One-wall_handball)

### Casey 1875 and Deshong 1893

The regulation ball was 2 1/4 in in 1875 (from a damaged newspaper scan) and 1 7/8 in in 1893. Deshong says no general regulation existed in between.

- Casey 1875: regulation ball 2 1/4 in, cork, rubber, worsted, kid or calfskin: 2.25 in. Source: [The New York Herald 1875-12-09, p. 10](https://www.loc.gov/resource/sn83030313/1875-12-09/ed-1/?sp=10)
- Deshong 1893: 1 7/8 in, 1 5/8 oz, Brooklyn Handball Club standard ball: 1.875 in; 1.625 oz. Source: [Deshong 1893, Rule 3 and commentary, pp. 12-18](https://handball.theperfectship.com/rulebooks/deshong-fourwall-1893.md)

### When Ireland moved to the rubber ball

A heritage leaflet says the 1969 international standard brought the soft rubber ball; a 1923 account already has a rubber ball in play beside the hard ball.

- Secondary: the 1969 international standard replaced the Irish hardball with a soft rubber ball and the 40x20 court: . Source: [Aughty, Irish handball alley (heritage leaflet)](https://www.aughty.org/pdf/irish_handball_alley.pdf)
- 'Carlery' 1923: the old Irish ball, gutta or wooden centre, worsted, thin horse or foal skin: . Source: [Spalding’s Official Handball Guide (1923), p. 41](https://www.loc.gov/item/23002979/)

## What we do not know yet

- Any handball bounce measured at more than one temperature, and any humidity condition in any handball rule. Look: a direct drop test of current balls at 5, 20 and 35 °C; the USHA’s approval-test protocol.
- Hardness for any handball. Look: the makers, or a durometer test of current balls.
- Diameter, rebound and internal pressure of the USHA Red Ace, White Ace, 21, ONE and 55 (only weights are published), and the specification of the “white label” and big balls the USHA rule says may weigh less. Look: the USHA.
- A USHA ball rule between the A.A.U. 1931 test and the 1972 printing: the lower 1972 rebound band may be older. Look: USHA Handball magazine, 1951–1970 and 1973–1990.
- Ball specifications from Handball Australia, Handball Canada, SAHA, WPH, eirball, the CIJB or the USWA. Look: their governing bodies.
- Makers’ specifications for Seamless, Penn, Wilson, Ektelon, Rollerball, Dunlop or Slazenger handballs. We found no evidence for several of these makers; that is absence from our searches, not proof they never existed.
- Any handball patent between 1860 and 1990. Look: Espacenet, CPC A63B 39/00 and A63B 41/00, and the Seamless Rubber Co. patents.
- The Brooklyn Handball Club ball rules of 1892–1896, the Spalding catalogues of 1885–1930 and 1960–1975, McElligott’s The Story of Handball (1984) and Phillips’s Fundamental Handball (1937).
- The GAA’s ball-approval protocol behind the steel-plate test, and the maker of each GAA model.

If you hold any of this, or see a mistake, write to perfectshipllc@gmail.com.

## Left out

- GAA Handball shop: official hardball, handmade, leather cover, each ball varies slightly: A hypothesis: seen only in a search-result snippet of a retailer page that could not be fetched, so it is not shown as a fact.
- Game ball 'bigblue': Big Blue (racquetball tuning): The game’s own tuning values, not a documented ball; they are compared with the documented balls in our research notes.
- Game ball 'smallball': Smallball (40x20 adult): The game’s own tuning values, not a documented ball; they are compared with the documented balls in our research notes.
- Game ball 'softball': Softball (GAA 60x30 red): The game’s own tuning values, not a documented ball; they are compared with the documented balls in our research notes.
- Game ball 'hardball': Hardball (GAA 60x30 alley-cracker): The game’s own tuning values, not a documented ball; they are compared with the documented balls in our research notes.

USHA rules text used with permission of the U.S. Handball Association (ushandball.org); credit: U.S. Handball Association. Source: https://www.ushandball.org/