Squash

Squash is a racquet sport played by two (singles) or four players (doubles) in a four-walled court with a small, hollow rubber ball. The players alternate in striking the ball with their racquets onto the playable surfaces of the four walls of the court.

Origin

England

Type

Racquet Sport

Venue

Indoor Court

Supreme Authority

World Squash Federation

Summary

Squash is a racket-and-ball sport played on a four-walled court by two players (singles) or four players (doubles). Players alternate in hitting a small, hollow rubber ball against the playable surfaces of the walls, aiming to prevent the opponent from making a valid return. The primary goal is to hit the ball so that it bounces off the walls and lands in a way that the opponent cannot return it. Squash has gained widespread popularity, with an estimated 20 million players across more than 185 countries. It is governed by the World Squash Federation (WSF) and is set to make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics.

The sport originated from rackets, played in London prisons in the 19th century. Around 1830, students at Harrow School started using a punctured ball, which squashed on impact with the wall, giving rise to squash. The first squash court in North America was established in 1884 at St. Paul’s School in New Hampshire, and in 1904, the United States Squash Racquets Association, now known as U.S. Squash, was formed. England Squash, formerly the Squash Rackets Association, was created in 1928 to set rules and standards.

Squash equipment includes a racket, squash ball, protective goggles, and non-marking gum-soled shoes. The racket measures up to 686 mm long with a maximum weight of 255 grams. Squash balls vary in speed and bounce, marked by coloured dots. The double yellow-dot ball is the standard for professional play, with other colours indicating different bounce levels. Squash courts are typically enclosed, with specific measurements that vary between singles and doubles play.

The game begins with a serve and then alternates shots, aiming to maintain control of the “T” (court centre). The match follows a “best-of-five” format, with scoring in each game usually using the Point-a-Rally system (PARS) to 11 points. In PARS, players score on every rally won, with games requiring a two-point difference at 10-10.

Key Types of Squash

There are several types of squash, each with unique features suited to different playing styles and preferences. Here are the main types:

International (Softball) Squash: This is the standard form played worldwide and uses a soft, hollow rubber ball with limited bounce. It requires long rallies and places emphasis on strategy and control. The court dimensions are universal for international play, and it is the version seen in professional tournaments and at events like the Commonwealth Games.
Hardball Squash: Traditionally popular in North America, hardball squash uses a smaller, harder ball with a higher bounce. It is played on a slightly smaller court, making the game faster and favouring quick reactions. Hardball squash has largely given way to the international version in the United States and Canada, though it is still used for doubles squash.
Doubles Squash: This type of squash is played by four players (two teams of two) on a larger court. Doubles squash can be played in both the hardball and softball formats. The larger court provides space for additional movement, and the game is faster-paced due to more players and higher ball speeds, particularly in hardball doubles.
Squash 57: Formerly known as racketball in the United Kingdom, Squash 57 is played with a larger, more bouncy ball, making it easier to play for beginners and those new to the sport. The name "57" comes from the ball's diameter of 57 mm. This version of squash is generally considered more accessible and is popular for recreational play.
Squash Tennis: A lesser-known variant, squash tennis uses a tennis-like ball and involves similar techniques. It is played on a squash court but has a different style and rules adapted from tennis. This type has seen limited popularity and is rarely played in official tournaments.

Competitions

World Squash Championships: The most prestigious event, held annually for both men and women, crowning world champions.
British Open: Known as the "Wimbledon of Squash," this is one of the oldest and most respected tournaments in the sport.
Commonwealth Games: Squash has been part of the Commonwealth Games since 1998, with singles and doubles events for men and women.
Asian Games: Squash is regularly included in the Asian Games, featuring singles and team events.
Pan American Games: Squash has been a part of the Pan American Games since 1995, with singles and doubles events.
Tournament of Champions: Held annually in New York’s Grand Central Terminal, this is one of the key events in the Professional Squash Association (PSA) World Tour.
US Open: Another major PSA World Tour event, held annually in the United States and open to international professional players.
Hong Kong Open: An important event on the PSA World Tour, attracting top international players.
Qatar Classic: Part of the PSA World Tour, held annually in Qatar with a large international player base.
World Team Championships: Held for both men’s and women’s teams, where countries compete to be crowned world champions.
World Junior Championships: An annual competition for players under 19, featuring singles and team events for both boys and girls.
World University Championships: Organised for university players from around the world, providing a platform for young players to compete internationally.
World Masters Championships: For veteran players, with various age categories to encourage lifelong participation in the sport.
Professional Squash Association (PSA) World Tour: An international tour for professional players, featuring different tournament levels based on prize money and ranking points.
World Games: Squash has been part of the World Games since 1997, for sports not included in the Olympics.