Squash is an exciting and fast-paced racquet sport that combines fitness, strategy, and skill. Whether you’re looking to start playing for fun, fitness, or competition, squash is a great sport for beginners. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to get started, from essential gear to basic techniques and court etiquette. By the end, you’ll have a solid foundation to begin your squash journey with confidence!
1. What is Squash?
Squash is a racquet sport played indoors on a four-walled court. Players take turns hitting a rubber ball against the front wall, using their racquet to keep it in play. The goal is to make the ball bounce in such a way that your opponent cannot return it within the rules.
Brief History of Squash: Originating in the early 19th century in England, squash has grown into a global sport enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. Squash is known for its fast pace and requires both physical endurance and mental agility.
Basic Rules of Squash:
- Players take turns serving the ball, which must hit the front wall above the service line.
- The ball must be returned to the front wall before bouncing twice on the floor.
- Players score points when their opponent fails to return the ball or commits a foul.
- Squash is typically played in either traditional scoring (up to 11 or 15) or PAR (point-a-rally) scoring, where points are awarded on every rally.
2. Getting Started: Essential Squash Gear
To begin playing squash, you’ll need some basic gear to get you started.
Recommended Racquets for Beginners: When selecting a racquet, it’s essential to choose one that’s lightweight and easy to handle. A racquet with a larger head size provides a bigger sweet spot, making it easier to hit the ball. Look for a racquet that weighs between 120g and 160g to ensure you can control it while developing your skills.
Footwear: Squash requires quick movements, lateral footwork, and sudden stops. It’s crucial to wear proper indoor court shoes that provide support, grip, and cushioning to prevent injuries.
Protective Gear: Squash is a high-speed game, and safety is a priority. Always wear eye protection, especially when starting, as the ball can travel at high speeds and may hit your face or eyes. Some players also opt for wristbands or gloves for extra grip and comfort.
Squash Balls: For beginners, opt for a ball that offers more bounce and slower speed. A double yellow dot ball is for advanced players, while red dot or blue dot balls are better suited for beginners and help you get used to the speed and bounce of the game.
3. Basic Squash Court Layout
Understanding the squash court is key to navigating the game efficiently.
Court Dimensions:
- Length: 9.75 meters (32 feet)
- Width: 6.4 meters (21 feet)
- Service Boxes: These are the smaller boxes where you must serve the ball from.
Key Areas of the Court:
- Front Wall: The wall in front of you where the ball is struck.
- Back Wall: The wall behind you, where the ball may rebound if you hit it long.
- Tin: The lower boundary on the front wall; if the ball hits the tin, it’s considered out.
- Service Boxes: Marked areas on both sides of the court where you must serve.
Movement on the Court: It’s essential to understand basic footwork, as most of the game involves quick lateral movements, lunges, and sudden direction changes. Practice moving smoothly from the back of the court to the front, always staying ready for your opponent’s return shot.
4. How to Hold a Squash Racquet
Learning the proper grip is fundamental to controlling the racquet and improving your game.
Step-by-Step Guide to Holding the Racquet:
- Start by holding the racquet like you’re shaking hands with it.
- Place your thumb and index finger around the handle, creating a “V” shape. This is known as the basic grip.
- For a forehand shot, hold the racquet with the palm facing outward, while for a backhand, rotate your hand slightly, so the thumb is pointing along the length of the racquet.
- Keep your grip firm but relaxed to avoid muscle strain and ensure better flexibility.
5. Squash Techniques: Mastering the Basics
Mastering some basic squash techniques will lay the foundation for success on the court.
Serving in Squash: The service is crucial in setting the tone of the game. Here’s how to serve:
- Stand in one of the service boxes.
- Toss the ball underhand or overhand towards the front wall, ensuring it crosses the short line and lands in the opposite side of the court.
- Practice different serves (high, low, or body serves) to keep your opponent guessing.
Footwork and Positioning: Good footwork is essential for efficient court coverage. Keep your feet shoulder-width apart, stay on the balls of your feet, and be prepared to move in any direction. Remember, efficient movement often makes up for lack of technique!
Types of Shots:
- Forehand and Backhand Shots: These are the most common strokes. Work on both to build a versatile game.
- Drives: A hard, fast shot to the back of the court that forces your opponent to retreat.
- Drops: A soft shot played to the front of the court to catch your opponent off guard.
- Lobs: A high shot that lands deep in the back of the court, forcing your opponent to move back.
6. The Rules of Squash: What Beginners Should Know
Understanding the rules of squash is crucial to ensuring fair play and enjoyment of the game.
Scoring System: Squash can be played using either traditional scoring (players only score when serving) or the PAR (point-a-rally) system, where a point is scored after every rally, regardless of who served. The game is typically played to 11 points, but you need to win by 2 points.
Sequence of Play:
- The server serves from the right side.
- The opponent returns the serve, and the rally begins.
- The rally ends when one player fails to return the ball, hits it out of bounds, or commits a fault.
Common Fouls:
- Hitting the ball out of bounds
- Double hitting the ball
- Blocking your opponent’s shot (known as “interference”)
7. Practicing Squash: Drills and Exercises
Practicing regularly is key to improving your skills.
Drills for Beginners:
- Rallying Against the Wall: Hit the ball against the wall and try to maintain a consistent rally. Start slow and increase speed as you improve.
- Footwork Drills: Practice moving to different areas of the court with speed and agility.
- Target Practice: Aim for different spots on the front wall to improve your accuracy.
Fitness Tips: Squash demands endurance, agility, and strength. Incorporate cardio exercises, strength training, and flexibility work into your fitness routine to boost your squash performance.
8. Squash Etiquette: Playing Like a Pro
Squash is known for its sportsmanship, and playing with respect for your opponent is essential.
Court Etiquette:
- Always keep the court clean and tidy.
- Respect the players and wait for them to finish before entering the court.
Respecting Your Opponent:
- Be aware of your opponent’s space, especially during play.
- Offer congratulations after the game and avoid showing frustration.
9. Progressing Your Squash Game
Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to take your game to the next level.
Tracking Your Improvement: Record your scores, note areas where you can improve, and seek feedback from experienced players or coaches.
Joining a Club or League: Many cities have squash clubs or leagues for players of all skill levels. Joining a club is a great way to meet fellow players and compete.
Coaching and Competitions: If you want to accelerate your progress, consider taking lessons from a professional coach. Also, participating in local tournaments will push your skills to new heights.
10. Conclusion: Your Squash Journey Begins Here
Starting out in squash can feel overwhelming, but with practice and patience, you’ll soon find yourself enjoying the game. From mastering basic techniques to understanding the rules and improving your fitness, squash offers a rewarding and challenging experience for beginners.
Start practising today, and don’t hesitate to check out additional resources on squash training and fitness tips. The more you play, the better you’ll become. Happy playing!
