We are diving into the exciting world of squash, a fast-paced indoor racquet sport that has been around for centuries. Originating in London in the early 19th century, squash is an engaging game played on a four-walled court.

Players aim to bounce a rubber ball off the front wall using a racquet, ensuring the ball bounces only once before the opponent returns it. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, squash offers endless hours of fun and a great workout.

Squash Court Layout

The standard squash court has specific measurements to ensure fair play. The court is typically enclosed with cement or stone walls, with a white-painted surface. At the front, there's a red line denoting the "service box," and the walls are marked with additional lines that help define the playing area. While some courts are designed with glass walls for spectator views, others, especially in professional settings, feature full glass enclosures to allow up to 2,000 spectators to watch the game. Recently, some clubs have opted for rainbow-colored courts, although these are often met with resistance from traditionalists.

The Squash Court Dimensions

The international standard for a squash court measures 9.75 meters long and 6.4 meters wide. However, in American squash, the courts are slightly smaller, with a width of 5.48 meters. The back wall of the court has a height of 2.13 meters, and the front wall reaches 4.57 meters. For doubles play, the court dimensions increase to 13.72 meters in length, 7.62 meters in width, and 6.1 meters in height.

Equipment: Squash Racquets and Balls

Squash racquets are made of lightweight materials like graphite, kevlar, and titanium. They are typically about 70 cm long with a maximum stringed surface area of 500 cm², and they weigh between 110 to 200 grams. Depending on your playing style, you may opt for a lighter racquet for quick, responsive shots or a heavier one for more control.

As for squash balls, they are made from durable rubber and have a matte finish. The balls come in various types based on the level of play, with slower balls being used by beginners and faster ones by advanced players. The color of the dot on the ball indicates its speed, and the ball's elasticity increases with temperature. Professionals often use balls that are much warmer during play, making them faster and more challenging to return.

How Squash is Played

In squash, players take turns hitting the ball against the front wall. The ball must be returned before it bounces twice on the floor. If the ball strikes the "tin" (a metal bar at the bottom of the front wall), it is considered out, just like hitting the net in tennis. The objective is to make your opponent miss the ball or force them into making an error, such as hitting it outside the designated boundaries or letting it bounce twice.

How To Play Squash: A Beginners Guide – Equipment, Rules and Tactics!

Video by SQUASHTV

Rules and Scoring

Squash is generally played either as a single or doubles match. The modern rules of squash were formalized by the International Squash Federation, which also oversees the sport's competitions. Matches are typically played in a best-of-three or best-of-five games format, with each game being won by the first player to reach 11 or 15 points, depending on the event's specific rules. Points are awarded when the opponent fails to return the ball correctly.

Squash as an Olympic Sport

Squash has earned recognition as an official Olympic sport for the 2028 Summer Olympics. This is a significant milestone for the sport, as it will be featured as a competitive event in the Olympic Games for the first time in history. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) formally approved the inclusion of squash in December 1985, helping to promote the sport's global growth.

Ready to Play Squash?

Squash is a thrilling sport that requires skill, speed, and strategy. Whether you're playing for fun or looking to improve your competitive edge, understanding the court, equipment, and rules is essential. So, if you’re ready to dive into the game, gather your racquet, grab a ball, and start hitting those walls!

We hope you find this guide helpful, Lykkers. Ready to get out on the court and put your skills to the test? Let's play squash!