Key Takeaways
- Squash is an indoor racquet sport played on a four-walled court where players hit a small rubber ball to the front wall and rally until a double bounce, using quick footwork and smart shot selection.
- Standard rules use point-a-rally (PAR) scoring to 11, win by 2, with lets and strokes called for interference per World Squash Federation (WSF) guidelines.
- Singles uses the standard court and softer balls (e.g., double yellow), while doubles uses a wider court and a harder, faster ball.
- Essential gear includes a 110–170 g graphite racquet, non-marking indoor shoes, and ASTM F803-certified protective eyewear (mandatory for juniors and doubles in many programs).
- Core strategy centers on controlling the T with tight length, early volleys, and varied width and height; mix drives, drops, boasts, and lobs to pressure opponents.
- Squash delivers a high-intensity, full-body workout; beginners should start with slower balls, learn safe movement and let/stroke calls, and consider coaching or clinics to progress quickly.
I first stepped onto a squash court not knowing what to expect. Within minutes I was hooked. The game felt quick sharp and addictive. The ball zipped the walls echoed and my heart raced in the best way.
Squash is an indoor racquet sport played on a four walled court with a small hollow rubber ball. I hit the ball off the front wall and my opponent tries to return it before it bounces twice. Rallies move fast and every shot demands quick feet and smart choices. It feels like chess with sweat.
In this guide I’ll share what squash is at its core. I’ll cover the court the gear the basic rules and why it’s such a fun workout. If you’re curious and ready to try I’ve got you.
What Is Squash Sport?
Squash is an indoor racquet sport played by 2 or 4 players on a four-walled court using a small rubber ball that rebounds off the front wall, side walls, and back wall.
I play squash in singles most days, since singles matches run fast and require constant recovery between shots. Doubles uses a larger court and a hard ball that flies quicker than the standard ball.
Play inside a defined court box, with service boxes, a short line, and a tin that acts as the lower out line. Play rallies by hitting the ball after 0 or 1 bounce, then striking the front wall above the tin. Play points using point-a-rally scoring to 11, with a 2-point margin at 10–10. Play lets or strokes when interference affects a fair swing or direct access to the ball, based on safety and line of play. Play balls that vary by speed and bounce, for example Pro double yellow, Competition single yellow, Progress blue. Play under rules and equipment standards set by the World Squash Federation, with pro events run by the PSA World Tour.
I use a 130–150 g graphite racquet, non-marking indoor shoes, and eyewear in junior or doubles sessions, as mandated by national bodies like US Squash.
Numbers at a glance
| Item | Singles value | Doubles value | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Court length x width | 9.75 m x 6.4 m | 13.72 m x 7.62 m | World Squash Federation |
| Tin height | 0.48 m standard, 0.43 m pro tournaments | 0.48 m | World Squash Federation |
| Service line height | 1.78 m | 1.78 m | World Squash Federation |
| Out line front wall height | 4.57 m | 4.57 m | World Squash Federation |
| Ball diameter range | 39.5–40.5 mm | 42.0–44.5 mm hardball | World Squash Federation |
| Scoring format | PAR 11, best of 5 games | PAR 11, best of 5 games | WSF, PSA |
Key terms in squash sport
- Serve: Start rallies from the service box, with at least 1 foot in the box, then hit the front wall above the service line and land in the opposite back quarter.
- Return: Strike the ball before a second bounce, then make the front wall contact above the tin, with any side wall use allowed.
- Let: Request a replay when access, swing, or safety gets compromised, for example blocked path or fear of hitting an opponent.
- Stroke: Claim the point when the opponent prevents a direct swing to the front wall, for example loose ball in the middle with direct blockage.
- Interference: Seek minimal interference by clearing to the side and providing direct access to the ball after each shot.
- Tactics: Mix length, width, and height to control the T, for example straight drives, crosscourt drives, boasts, drops, lobs.
- World Squash Federation, Court and Equipment Specifications, worldsquash.org
- World Squash Federation, Rules of Squash, worldsquash.org
- PSA World Tour, Scoring and Match Format, psaworldtour.com
- US Squash, Protective Eyewear Policies and Competition Guidelines, ussquash.org
Court, Equipment, And Setup
I lean on standard squash specs, so the court, equipment, and setup match organized play. I reference World Squash Federation and US Squash standards for clarity.
Court Dimensions And Markings
I use the key singles court measurements that govern legal play.
| Feature | Metric |
|---|---|
| Internal length | 9.75 m |
| Internal width | 6.40 m |
| Front wall out line height | 4.57 m |
| Front wall service line height | 1.78 m |
| Tin height | 0.48 m |
| Back wall out line height | 2.13 m |
| Service box size | 1.60 m × 1.60 m |
I mark the core squash lines, so rallies stay fair.
- Front wall lines, out line and service line, define legal height on serves and shots
- Floor lines, short line and half court line, split the court into front and back zones
- Service boxes, left and right squares, define server position and foot faults
- Tin, metal strip at 0.48 m, defines the lowest legal hit on the front wall
I center play around the T area, so positioning stays efficient. The T sits at the intersection of the short line and half court line. I note that doubles courts use a wider playing area per WSF court specifications if a facility supports doubles play (World Squash Federation).
Sources: World Squash Federation court specifications, World Squash Federation Rules of Squash.
Racquets, Balls, And Protective Gear
I pick a squash racquet that meets rule limits, then tune feel for my game.
- Frame size, max overall length 686 mm, complies with WSF rules
- Mass range, 110 g to 170 g examples, balances power and control
- Head size, 470 cm² to 500 cm² examples, adjusts sweet spot and forgiveness
- String tension, 20 lb to 30 lb examples, sets response and touch
I match ball type to temperature and skill, then adjust warmup as needed.
| Dot color | Relative speed | Typical use | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double yellow | Slowest | Advanced players, hot courts | Match play, tournament practice |
| Single yellow | Slow | Intermediate players, moderate courts | Club play, coaching drills |
| Red | Medium | Improvers, cool courts | Lessons, development sets |
| Blue | Fast | Beginners, junior players | Intro sessions, school programs |
| Green | Altitude | High altitude venues | Mountain clubs, dry climates |
I protect my eyes on enclosed courts, so impacts stay low risk.
- Eyewear standard, polycarbonate goggles certified to ASTM F803 examples, prevent high speed impact injuries
- Policy reference, US Squash requires protective eyewear in accredited play for juniors and recommends for adults
- Fit check, snug strap and no gaps, keeps coverage stable during rallies
Sources: World Squash Federation equipment specifications, US Squash protective eyewear policy, ASTM F803 sports eyewear standard.
Rules, Scoring, And Flow Of Play
I track the rally, the score, and court position to keep play clean and fast. I follow World Squash Federation rules for consistency across clubs and tournaments.
| Element | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Game format | First to 11 points | Win by 2 points, point-a-rally scoring |
| Match format | Best of 3 or 5 games | Event dependent |
| Serve order | Server continues on winning points | Receiver takes serve after any loss |
| Court faults | Out lines, tin | Lines and tin defined earlier |
Sources: World Squash Federation Rules of Squash, 2020 update https://www.worldsquash.org/rules-of-squash and US Squash Officiating Guidelines https://ussquash.org/officiate
Serve, Return, And Rallies
I start each game with a spin for serve, then I alternate service boxes on every point I serve.
- Stand: I place at least 1 foot fully inside the service box, toes not touching the line.
- Serve: I strike the front wall above the service line, the ball lands in the opposite back quarter.
- Return: I hit the ball before the second bounce, I send it to the front wall by any wall route.
- Rally: I keep the ball above the tin, I avoid the out lines on all four walls.
- Score: I add a point to the winner of every rally, I change server only when the server loses.
I mix serve types like lob and body to vary height and angle. I volley returns early to control the T when space allows.
Lets, Strokes, And Safety Calls
I ask for a decision by saying Let please, I stop only when safety or a clear call demands it.
- Let: I replay the rally when interference affects my direct access, my backswing, or my reasonable swing path.
- Stroke: I get the point when I had a winning position to the front wall and my opponent blocked direct access.
- No let: I accept play-on when I created the contact, took a poor line, or had no realistic shot.
- Safety: I hold my swing when a strike risks contact, I request a let to prevent dangerous play.
- Minimal interference: I clear straight to the open side after hitting, I give direct access to the ball and front wall.
Skills And Strategy
Skills and strategy shape every rally in squash sport. I focus on efficient movement and smart shot choices to control the T and the tempo.
Footwork, Positioning, And Movement
- Split early at the opponent’s strike, if the ball stays in play near a wall.
- Plant balanced with a low center, if the ball sits short or tight.
- Drive off the outside leg for length, if the ball sits behind me.
- Recover straight to the T, if contact finishes near a side wall.
- Hold the racquet up before moving, if pressure builds in the front.
- Turn the hips to 90° for quick exits, if the ball drags me into corners.
- Use 3 quick steps into the ball, if space closes in the mid court.
- Keep the first step explosive, if the opponent attacks with pace.
- Shape the movement arc to avoid traffic, if lines cross near the T.
- Train repeatable patterns with drills (e.g., ghosting, figure-8s), if consistency drops.
- Aim for volley interceptions on the T, if the ball rises above service line height.
- Align these movement cues with World Squash Federation coaching guidance and US Squash skill resources (World Squash Federation, US Squash).
Shot Selection, Pace, And Deception
- Use deep straight drives to pin the opponent, if space opens along the wall.
- Vary crosscourt angles to break position, if the opponent camps on one side.
- Aim for tight length that dies within 0.5 m of the back wall, if the ball sits loose in mid court.
- Target soft straight drops from a strong base, if the opponent stands deep.
- Float high lobs above the service line, if the opponent crowds the front.
- Mix boasts with width changes using angles (e.g., 2-wall boast, 3-wall boast), if the court feels congested.
- Hide intent with a late racquet hold, if the opponent reads early.
- Reset with a defensive lob to the backhand corner, if balance breaks.
- Press with volleys off any ball above the service line, if I own the T.
- Force errors by changing tempo across shots (e.g., drive, hold, drop), if rallies get predictable.
- Pick targets along reference lines and nicks (e.g., back nick, service box lines), if accuracy needs feedback.
- Match these selection principles to frameworks from World Squash Federation and US Squash coaching materials (World Squash Federation, US Squash).
Health Benefits, Safety, And Etiquette
I frame squash sport as high-intensity fitness with simple safety habits. I pair conditioning gains with clear on-court conduct for smooth play.
Fitness Gains And Injury Prevention
I train squash sport fitness with measurable targets, then I lower injury risk with routine prep.
- Build aerobic power with high MET work, then taper volume if fatigue rises.
- Drive heart rate into vigorous zones, then drop to easy pace between games.
- Strengthen legs and core for force transfer, then progress load in small steps.
- Warm joints and tendons for 10 minutes, then start fast rallies.
- Mobilize hips, ankles, and thoracic spine with dynamic moves, then test split steps.
- Groove movement with simple drills, then add speed for realism.
- Protect eyes with certified eyewear, then enter the court.
- Lace non-marking shoes with lateral support, then add fresh grip to the racquet.
- Hydrate before and during play with measured volumes, then track body mass loss.
- Cool down for 5 minutes with light movement, then stretch calves, quads, and posterior chain.
Numbers and standards
| Item | Value | Context | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exercise intensity, METs | 12.0 | Squash match play average | Ainsworth et al, 2011 Compendium of Physical Activities |
| Heart rate zone | 70–90% HRmax | Vigorous domain target | ACSM Guidelines, 2021 |
| Warm-up duration | 10 minutes | Dynamic activation | ACSM Guidelines, 2021 |
| Cool-down duration | 5 minutes | Light movement plus stretch | ACSM Guidelines, 2021 |
| Hydration volume | 0.4–0.8 L per hour | Temperate to hot conditions | National Athletic Trainers’ Association, 2017 |
| Protective eyewear | ASTM F803 | Polycarbonate lens standard | US Squash, WSF Rules |
Examples for drills
- Practice ghosting patterns, figure-8 volleys, and length-to-drop combos on half court.
- Practice lunge matrix steps, pogo hops, and banded side steps for tendon prep.
- Practice serve plus first volley, crosscourt recovery, and three-shot rally builds.
References
- Compendium of Physical Activities, Ainsworth 2011, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21681120
- ACSM’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, 11th ed, 2021
- NATA hydration statement, 2017, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmid/28737508
- World Squash Federation Rules, 2023, https://www.worldsquash.org
- US Squash eyewear policy, ASTM F803, https://ussquash.org
On-Court Conduct And Sportsmanship
I keep squash sport play safe and fair with clear calls and consistent habits.
- Clear access to the ball at all times, then request a let if interference occurs.
- Call Let please or Stroke please promptly, then accept the referee decision.
- Stop play for safety if a swing risks contact, then replay the rally.
- Call your own double bounce, then offer the point if it benefits you.
- Return to the T quickly after each shot, then avoid blocking the direct path.
- Keep swings compact near the body, then delay the strike if someone crowds.
- Announce score before serves, then start when both players are ready.
- Rotate serves without delay, then collect the ball efficiently between points.
- Share warm-up equally with straight drives and crosscourts, then confirm readiness.
- Respect court bookings, equipment, and dress code, then exit on time for the next group.
Examples for phrases
- Say Yours on loose balls, Let please on traffic, and Stroke please on clear preventable interference.
- Say Sorry after frame hits, accidental contact, or lucky nicks.
- Follow WSF Rules on interference, lets, and strokes, then prioritize safety in every rally.
- Wear ASTM F803 eyewear in junior play, tournaments, and club policies, then replace damaged lenses.
Getting Started: From First Hit To League Play
I bridge the gap from a first hit to local league play with clear steps and simple habits. I keep sessions short at first and build consistency fast.
Finding Courts, Partners, And Coaching
I book courts through the US Squash Club Locker directory and app. I filter by location and court type if available.
- Search US Squash facilities through Club Locker and find courts and leagues and box ladders https://clublocker.com/
- Check municipal rec centers and YMCAs and colleges for open court hours
- Join club ladders and drop in nights and beginner clinics to meet partners
- Ask the front desk about ball dots and loaner eyewear and guest passes
- Message local groups on Meetup and Facebook and Discord for beginner hits
I pick coaching that matches my level and goals.
- Verify coach credentials through US Squash or WSF listings and ask for recent references https://ussquash.org/ https://www.worldsquash.org/
- Book a 30 to 45 minute intro lesson and set 1 to 2 focus points only
- Join a small group clinic for cost sharing and built in partners
- Request video feedback for grip and swing path and movement
- Enter a beginner box league after 3 to 6 coached sessions for match reps
I use typical cost and schedule ranges.
| Item | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Court fee | $10–$30 | Higher in peak hours |
| Intro lesson | $40–$90 | 30–45 min with certified coach |
| Group clinic | $15–$35 | 60 min with 4–6 players |
| Box league | $20–$50 | 4–6 matches per cycle |
| Weekly play | 2–3 sessions | 30–60 min per session |
I track level through the US Squash rating system. I target a first league entry near 2.0 to 3.0 rating if match play feels safe and consistent https://ussquash.org/ratings/.
Beginner Tips, Drills, And Common Mistakes
I set simple rules for early success.
- Wear ASTM F803 eyewear for every match and drill and warmup https://ussquash.org/policies
- Choose a blue or single yellow dot ball for longer rallies and clean strikes https://www.worldsquash.org/
- Learn a neutral grip and keep a loose wrist and short backswing on tight balls
- Stand on the T after each hit and face the front wall and split step as the opponent swings
- Call let or stroke early for safety and replay points when interference occurs per WSF rules https://www.worldsquash.org/
I use short drills that build length control and movement.
- Hit straight solo drives to each side and aim 30–50 shots without error
- Alternate boast and crosscourt drive with a partner and recover to the T each time
- Run figure eight volleys off the side walls and keep the racquet up between hits
- Ghost to four corners for 30 seconds and rest 30 seconds and repeat 3 rounds
- Serve from both boxes and target the back quarter and vary lob and body and hard serve
I avoid common errors that block progress.
- Crowding the ball and jamming my swing and losing length on drives
- Floating the ball to mid court and gifting volleys near the T
- Watching my opponent and losing the ball off the back wall bounce
- Swinging long in the service box and clipping the side wall early
- Skipping the warmup and pulling a calf or hamstring in the first rally
I use a simple four week ramp to reach entry league play.
| Week | Focus | Sessions | Key drills |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Grip and setup and eyewear habit | 2–3 | Solo drives and serves |
| 2 | Length to the back corners and T recovery | 2–3 | Rail drills and boast drive |
| 3 | Early split step and short swing under pressure | 2–3 | Figure eight and ghosting |
| 4 | Match rules and lets and safe movement lines | 2–3 | Conditioned games to 7 |
I enter a box league after week 4 if rallies stay safe and I recover the T after most shots.
Squash Vs. Other Racquet Sports
I compare the squash sport with tennis, badminton, racquetball, pickleball, and table tennis using facts from sport governing bodies.
| Attribute | Squash | Tennis | Badminton | Racquetball | Pickleball | Table Tennis |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Court size floor | 32×21 ft singles 672 sq ft | 78×27 ft singles 2,106 sq ft | 44×17 ft singles 748 sq ft | 40×20 ft 800 sq ft | 44×20 ft 880 sq ft | Table 9×5 ft play area 30×16 ft |
| Court walls | 4 walls enclosed | Open | Open net | 4 walls enclosed | Open net | Table net |
| Scoring | PAR to 11 win by 2 | Games to 6 per set advantage | Rally to 21 win by 2 | Games to 15 tiebreak 11 | Side out to 11 win by 2 | Rally to 11 win by 2 |
| Rally length typical | 10–30 s PSA match data | 5–10 s baseline exchanges | 5–15 s drive exchanges | 5–15 s drive exchanges | 3–7 s kitchen driven | 3–6 s loop blocks |
| Ball or shuttle mass | 23–25 g rubber ball | 56.0–59.4 g felt ball | 4.74–5.50 g shuttle | ~40 g rubber ball | 22–26 g plastic ball | 2.7 g plastic ball |
| Ball or shuttle diameter | 39.5–40.5 mm | 65.4–68.6 mm | 62–70 mm skirt span | 57 mm | 74 mm | 40 mm |
| Racquet or paddle mass | 110–150 g racquet | 260–340 g racquet | 80–100 g racquet | 150–185 g racquet | 200–250 g paddle | 150–200 g paddle |
| Peak projectile speed | 150–175 mph elite drives | 163.7 mph serve record | 300+ mph smash record | 200+ mph drive | 40–60 mph drives | 60–70 mph smashes |
| Governing reference | WSF US Squash | ITF USTA | BWF | USA Racquetball | USA Pickleball | ITTF |
Sources: World Squash Federation and US Squash equipment and rules, International Tennis Federation ball spec, Badminton World Federation Laws of Badminton, USA Racquetball rules, USA Pickleball equipment spec, International Table Tennis Federation handbook, PSA World Tour rally analytics.
Key differences that shape play
- Space: I work inside a 672 sq ft box in squash sport, I manage 2,106 sq ft or more in tennis.
- Walls: I attack front wall targets in squash sport, I defend net and baselines in open court games.
- Time: I react in sub 500 ms off the front wall in squash sport, I set up longer strokes in tennis.
- Contact: I clear lines for safety in squash sport, I avoid kitchen faults in pickleball.
- Spin: I rely on skid and dead ball behavior in squash sport, I exploit topspin and slice in tennis.
- Tactics: I fight for the T in squash sport, I fight for center baseline or midcourt in net games.
How each sport trains different skills
- Movement: I learn short explosive steps in squash sport, I train longer lateral chases in tennis.
- Endurance: I build high intensity intervals in squash sport, I build aerobic repeats in badminton.
- Precision: I strike tight straight lines in squash sport, I shape heavy topspin arcs in tennis.
- Deception: I mask holds at the front in squash sport, I disguise drop and lift in badminton.
- Reaction: I pick second bounce windows in squash sport, I pick volley pick up windows in pickleball.
What transfers well across codes
- Footwork: I split early then load outside leg, I keep hips low for quick first steps.
- Vision: I track opponent position then hit into open space.
- Consistency: I groove contact point then add pace.
- Recovery: I finish balanced then return to a central spot.
- Composure: I call lets and strokes clearly then protect safety.
Why squash often feels faster indoors
- Court: I cover less distance per rally, I face more directional changes per second.
- Bounce: I read warm ball liveliness, I punish loose length off the back wall.
- Density: I share a small box with my opponent, I manage interference with lets and strokes per WSF.
What to try next if you play another racquet sport
- Tennis: I drive straight rails then add low cross drops to replace deep topspin.
- Badminton: I shorten swing then hit through the ball to counter shuttle habits.
- Racquetball: I raise contact height then target tight width to reduce skip balls.
- Pickleball: I step in early then volley block to own the T instead of the kitchen.
- Table tennis: I quiet wrists then extend through contact to scale spin and pace.
- Safety: I wear ASTM certified eyewear on enclosed courts, I call let immediately if vision blocks.
- Scoring: I play PAR to 11 in squash sport, I adjust pacing since every rally counts.
- Serves: I vary height and width on the front wall, I keep one foot in the service box per WSF.
Conclusion
Squash keeps surprising me every time I step on court. It sharpens my focus builds resilience and turns each session into a small adventure. If you’re curious the best way to understand it is to grab a racquet and try a few rallies. You’ll feel the rhythm fast.
I’d love to hear how your first hits go. Share a win a challenge or a question and I’ll help you figure out the next step. If you want more tips or drills stick around and let’s keep learning together. Book a court. Find a partner. Give it a go today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is squash?
Squash is an indoor racquet sport played on a four-walled court with a small rubber ball. Players alternate hitting the ball above the tin and below the out line, aiming to outmaneuver opponents. It’s fast, strategic, and great for fitness. You can play singles or doubles, with singles being more intense and quick. The game rewards smart positioning, tight shots, and control of the center “T” area.
What are the basic squash rules?
Serve from a service box, hit above the service line, and below the out line. After the serve, the ball may hit side and back walls before the front wall. Players rally until one fails to return before the second bounce. Safety and fair access to the ball are required, with lets and strokes awarded for interference.
How is squash scored?
Most matches use PAR (Point-A-Rally) to 11 points, win by two. Either player can score on any rally. Matches are usually best of five games. If tied 10–10, play continues until a two-point margin decides the game. This system is standard under World Squash Federation (WSF) guidelines.
What are the squash court dimensions?
A singles court is 9.75 m long by 6.4 m wide (32 ft by 21 ft). The front wall out line is 4.57 m (15 ft) high, the service line is 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in), and the tin is typically 48 cm (19 in). Lines on the floor mark the service boxes and half-court. Dimensions follow WSF standards.
What equipment do I need to play squash?
You’ll need a squash racquet, non-marking indoor shoes, squash balls suited to your level, and protective eyewear (strongly recommended, mandatory in many venues). Choose a light, head-balanced racquet for maneuverability, and always wear shatter-resistant goggles for eye safety. Comfortable, moisture-wicking clothing helps with the sport’s high intensity.
Which squash ball should I use?
Balls come in different speeds, marked by colored dots. Double yellow dot is slowest for advanced players; single yellow for intermediates; green/white or red for improving players; and blue for beginners or colder courts. Slower balls bounce less and demand better technique. Pick a ball that stays lively long enough to develop rallies.
What is the “T” in squash and why is it important?
The “T” is the intersection of the red lines near the court’s center. Controlling this spot reduces your movement and increases pressure on your opponent. After each shot, recover to the T to cut off angles, take the ball early, and dictate tempo. Efficient footwork and early split steps help you hold the T.
What’s the difference between a let and a stroke?
A let means the rally is replayed, typically when there’s unintentional interference and you could have reached the ball. A stroke awards the point to the receiver when your opponent prevents a clear swing to the front wall or creates a dangerous situation. If there’s minimal interference and you could still play, play continues.
How do serving and returning work in squash?
The server’s foot must be in the service box, and the ball must hit the front wall above the service line and land in the opposite back quarter. On return, you can volley or play after the bounce, aiming to get to the T. Good serves vary height, width, and angle; solid returns go deep and tight.
Is squash good for fitness and weight loss?
Yes. Squash is a high-intensity, interval-rich workout that boosts cardiovascular fitness, agility, strength, and coordination. It burns significant calories in short sessions and improves reaction time and footwork. With proper warm-ups, hydration, and protective eyewear, it’s an efficient, full-body fitness activity with strong endurance and speed benefits.
How can beginners start playing squash?
Find a local club or gym with courts, rent gear, and book a beginner lesson. Learn grip, basic swing, and movement to the T. Start with a blue or red dot ball, and practice straight drives and serves. Join social hits or clinics, then enter a beginner box league. Track progress with US Squash ratings.
What drills improve squash fast?
Focus on simple, repeatable drills: solo straight drives, boast-drive patterns, ghosting to the T, and crosscourt width control. Add target hitting for tight rails and deep corners. Practice short, high-intensity intervals to simulate rallies. Emphasize early split steps, explosive first steps, and recovery to the T to build consistency and court control.
What safety gear and warm-up do I need?
Wear certified protective eyewear, non-marking shoes with good grip, and breathable clothing. Warm up for 10–12 minutes: dynamic mobility, light cardio, progressive ball hitting, and activation of calves, hips, and core. Hydrate before and during play. If interference occurs, stop and call “let” or “stroke” to maintain safety.
How does squash differ from racquetball or tennis?
Squash courts are smaller than tennis courts and have a “tin” and service lines unlike racquetball. Squash balls are smaller and deader, emphasizing control and positioning over raw power. Rallies are tighter and more strategic, with heavy use of straight drives, volleys, and T control. Scoring and equipment specs follow WSF rules.
Where can I find official rules and standards?
Visit the World Squash Federation (WSF) for court specs, equipment standards, and rules, and US Squash for domestic guidelines, ratings, and competition formats. Many clubs post condensed rules on-site. When in doubt, defer to the latest WSF rules for definitions of lets, strokes, safety obligations, and scoring procedures.