Squash Draft

What you need

• Squash racquet (lighter and shorter than a tennis racquet)
• Squash ball (beginners usually use a blue-dot or red-dot ball, which bounces more)
• Non-marking court shoes
• Protective eyewear (strongly recommended, and required at many clubs)

Typical cost

Many clubs rent racquets for a few dollars. Court time is roughly $15 to $40 per hour, usually split between two players. A starter racquet is about $40 to $100 and balls are $3 to $6 (approximate, varies by city).

Where to play

Squash clubs, university and college athletic centers, some YMCAs, fitness clubs and hotels with courts. Most clubs offer beginner clinics or a free trial lesson.

1. Two players share one court and alternate hitting the ball so that it reaches the front wall before bouncing twice on the floor.
2. Each rally starts with a serve: one foot inside the service box, ball hits the front wall above the service line and lands in the opposite back quarter of the court.
3. After the serve, you can hit the ball off any wall, as long as it reaches the front wall above the tin (the metal strip at the bottom) and below the out line.
4. The ball may bounce once on the floor, or you can hit it on the volley before it bounces.
5. After hitting, you must give your opponent a clear path to the ball and a fair view of it. If you block them, ask for or accept a let (replay) or a stroke (point).
6. Modern scoring is point-a-rally: whoever wins the rally scores, and games are usually to 11, win by 2, in best of three or five.
7. Alternate courts for serving: the server keeps serving until they lose a rally, then the receiver takes over.

• Always clear the ball out of the way and let your opponent swing.
• Say 'let' or 'stroke' calmly, and accept the referee's or opponent's call.
• Wipe sweaty floor spots with a towel, and never cross the court during a rally.

• Wear eye protection: a squash ball can fit inside the eye socket.
• Warm up shoulders, hips and ankles before play, and stay hydrated because the court gets hot.
• Check your swing space before every swing so you do not hit your partner with the racquet.

1. 1First sessions; learning where to stand and how to serve; rallies of a few shots.
2. 2Can keep a short rally going with straight drives and basic serves.
3. 3Understands lets and strokes, hits length to the back corners, uses the T.
4. 4Uses boasts, drop shots and cross-court lobs; plays club league matches.
5. 5Controls the pace of the rally, volleys confidently, competes in club or regional tournaments.

Is squash harder than tennis?

Squash is faster and more tiring, but the walls keep the ball in play, so beginners often get longer rallies than they do in tennis.

Do I need a partner?

A partner is best, but you can practice solo against the front wall. Many clubs also have ladders or drop-in nights to meet partners.

Which ball should I use?

Beginners often start with a blue-dot or red-dot ball that is bouncier and easier to keep in play. Move to a harder-playing ball as your control improves.