Why did American handball players begin using a soft ball during the 1890s?

During the 1890s, American handball players began using a soft ball—typically a tennis ball with its outer covering removed—primarily for play on smaller four-wall courts in the New York City area. This practice subsequently spread to outdoor play against the solid walls of buildings.

It is important to note that this shift was not a permanent replacement for the traditional game; rather, the use of this larger, slower ball eventually led to dissatisfaction among players. This prompted the development of a smaller, gas-filled ball, which proved more acceptable and helped stimulate renewed interest in the sport.1