Aviva Directory » Sports & Recreation » Racquet/Paddle Games » Squash

Squash is a racquet sport played in an enclosed four-walled court.

Typically, squash is played between two players, although there are variations, such as doubles squash, where four players compete.

The dimensions of a squash court can vary, although they are usually around 32 feet in length and 21 feet in width. A lower section of the front wall is made of tinplate, and the playable area is above that. The other three walls are used for rallying the ball.

The game's scoring system is known as "hand-in, hand-out," which means that the server continues to serve as long as they win points, which can only be scored by the server. Games are usually played up to 9 or 11 points, depending on the rules agreed upon at the start of the game. The server must hit the ball directly onto the front wall above the tin, ensuring it bounces into the opposite back quarter of the court. The ball must cross the service line, which is about halfway between the tin and the back wall. Players take turns hitting the ball against the front wall, striving to make it as difficult as possible for their opponent to return. The ball must be hit before it bounces twice, and players can use the side walls to create angles. Points are won when one player fails to return the ball within the rules. This can happen if the ball hits the tin, goes out of bounds, or if a player fails to make a legal return.

Squash is most popular in the United Kingdom, Egypt, Australia, and the United States, where it is played at both the amateur and professional levels. It is gaining popularity in Canada, New Zealand, India, Pakistan, and South Africa. In the United States, squash courts are not as readily available as those for other sports, but they can be found in several urban areas.

For those interested in getting started in the sport, the best way is to check for local squash clubs. These clubs often offer membership options and access to courts, and may provide coaching for new players, as well as organizing regular games and tournaments. Fitness centers in urban areas might include squash courts as part of their facilities, along with equipment rentals, introductory classes, and opportunities for play. Colleges, universities, and some larger high schools might have squash courts. Some educational institutions allow non-students to access their facilities for a fee.

Additionally, the Internet is a valuable resource for finding squash courts near you. Some of these may be listed below.

Information and resources for squash equipment and gear can be found in our Shopping & eCommerce section. In brief, however, the squash racquet is the most important piece of equipment. A wide variety of squash racquets are available, each designed to suit different playing styles and skill levels. Squash balls are denoted by a dot on the ball. Beginners usually start with a beginner (blue dot) ball, which has a slower bounce and is easier to control. As players progress, they can transition to faster balls with higher dot ratings, such as intermediate (red dot), advanced (single yellow dot), or professional (double yellow dot). Eye protection and non-marking indoor court shoes are recommended, and often required.

Interestingly, the origins of squash are in the older game of rackets, which was played in London's prisons in the early 19th century. Around 1830, boys at Harrow School noticed that a punctured ball, which squashed on impact with the wall, offered more variety to the game. From there, it spread to other schools. Over the years, the balls and racquets were modified. In the 20th century, the game spread, with schools, clubs, and private residents building squash courts, although there were no set dimensions. The first dedicated squash court in the United States was at St. Paul's School in Concord, New Hampshire, in 1884. Interestingly, the RMS Titanic featured a squash court for first-class passengers, with a viewing gallery one level higher.

In 1904, the United States Squash Racquets Association was formed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This organization is now known as U.S. Squash. In 1907, the Tennis, Rackets & Fives Association of Queens, New York, established a subcommittee to set standards for the game, which published its rules in 1912. In 1923, the Royal Automobile Club of London hosted a meeting to discuss rules and regulations for the game. Five years later, the Squash Rackets Association (England Squash) was formed to set standards for the game in Great Britain and internationally.

Today, there are several variations of the game played across the world. However, the international version has become the dominant one. In the U.S., a variant known as hardball was played with a harder ball, but it has lost much of its popularity in favor of the international rules.

 

 

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