Albert Varesco, age 12, of Chester, Pa., for his question:

HOW LONG HAVE WE HAD RACQUETBALL?

Racquetball is a fast game that is played on an enclosedindoor court, with a racket and a ball. The game has been popular in North America since the late 19709. Racquetball was developed in 1950 in the United States from a combination of squash and handball.

The racket for racquetball is a shorter, lighter version of a tennis racket. The lively, hollow rubber ball is about the size of a tennis ball. The rules of the game are basically similar to handball rules, except the ball may be played off the ceiling. Versions exist for two players, called singles; for four players, called doubles; and for three players called cutthroat.

The first side to score 21 points wins. Two games out of three decides a match.

The United State Racquetball Association sponsors amateur and professional tournaments of the popular game.