Squash

You want to the ball off the back wall until you manage to make your opponent fail in returning the ball. Every time you do so you will receive a point. Points make up sets, which in turn determine the winner of the match.

Games can be played by either two (singles) or four (doubles) players at one time.

All that’s needed is a racket (each) and a squash ball, which is made from rubber. Depending on the level of squash you’re playing, you can get different speeds of squash ball ranging from competition to beginner standard.

1. There are many lines on a squash court. The first line is out line that runs across the top of the back wall and down the sides of the side wall. Any ball hitting outside this area is deemed out and a point is awarded to your opponent.
2. A board runs along the bottom of the back wall which is technically the ‘net’. If the ball hits into the board then it is deemed a foul.
3. Three feet above the board is the service line. All serves must hit above this line for it to be a legitimate serve.
4. The back of the court is split into two rectangular sections where a player must start from before each point.
5. A service box is in each section and a player is required to have at least one foot in whilst they serve or are waiting to receive the serve.

In order to win the game you need to reach the required amounts of sets determined before the start of the match. Most sets are best of 5 games, so the first to that number wins.

There are two methods of scoring squash. The first is called ‘PAR’ where you play first to 11 points and you can score a point from either yours or your opponents serve. The second is a more traditional style where you play first to 9 points but can only score points off your own serve.

Scoring a point can come one of four ways:

1. The ball bounces twice before your opponent hits the ball.
2. The ball hits the back board.
3. The ball goes outside the outline.
4. A player causes interference purposely to prevent their opponents from getting the ball.