Squash is a sport known for being fast and dynamic, and since its inception it has been winning over enthusiasts all over the world. The sport is played on a closed court, involving two or four people who hit a small rubber ball against the walls with specific rackets.
The popularity of squash is due not only to its ability to offer excellent physical exercise to those who practice it, but also to the tactical complexity and technical skill required to master the game.
That’s why we’ve put together a guide to everything about squash, telling you a little about the history of the sport and how it came about, what the main equipment and rules are, the best athletes and more.
So get ready to learn all about squash!
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All about squash: history
Squash is a sport that emerged at the beginning of the 20th century in England. The story goes that students at Harrow School, a famous public school in the country, got together to change the rules of a sport called “rackets”.
It was then that they realized that playing on a smaller court and hitting the ball against the walls resulted in an even more dynamic sport that required great physical conditioning. In 1864, therefore, Harrow School built the first squash court, formalizing the practice of the sport and spreading it to the world.
The game grew so fast that it soon spread to schools and clubs across England. And it was at the beginning of the 20th century that the sport began to gain notoriety in other countries, especially the United States, Canada and India, due to the influence of the British Empire.
Over the decades, squash underwent various adaptations until it became the sport we know today. The first courts varied in size and shape, but this changed in 1920, when the standard dimensions of 9.75 meters long and 6.4 meters wide were established. The ball was also standardized and made of highly durable rubber.
The rackets have also evolved. Initially, they were made of wood, but over time they became lighter and more resistant because they were made from materials such as aluminum and, later, graphite composites. These changes allowed players to develop more advanced and precise techniques when playing the sport. Over the years, squash has also gained more modern scoring systems.
As we continue learning all about squash, now it’s time to learn about the sport’s main rules, athletes, equipment and championships!
All about squash: main rules
- Scoring
- Service
- Rally
- Fouls
- Interference
Squash is a sport that takes place on a closed court with four walls. Here are its main rules:
Scoring
The match is usually played over five sets. Each set is played to 11 points and the player must win by at least two points.
Service
The game begins with a service, which is when the player must hit the ball over the front wall, above the service line, and the ball must land in the opposite half of the opponent’s court.
Rally
After the service, the players alternate hitting. The ball can hit the side and back walls, but it must always hit the front wall before it touches the ground a second time.
Fouls
In squash, a fault occurs if the ball touches the ground more than once, if a player intentionally impedes an opponent’s movement, or if the ball hits outside the demarcated lines on the wall.
Interference
Interference occurs if a player interferes with an opponent’s movement so that they cannot reach the ball, allowing the point to be played again. In cases of deliberate interference, the point is awarded to the wronged player.
All about squash: where the sport is most practiced
- Egypt
- England
- Pakistan
- Australia
- United States
- Canada
Squash is a sport practiced in many countries around the world, but it is more popular in some regions, see which ones:
Egypt
Today, Egypt is considered the squash capital of the world, producing many of the best players in the world, both men and women.
England
England, where the sport was born, remains an important center for the practice and development of squash.
Pakistan
In the 1970s and 1980s, Pakistan dominated the world squash scene, introducing the world to legends such as Jahangir Khan and Jansher Khan.
Australia
Australia also has a rich tradition in the sport and has produced several world champions.
United States and Canada
The sport is very popular in Canada and the United States, especially in universities and clubs.
Major Squash Championships
- World Squash Championships
- British Open
- PSA World Series
- Commonwealth Games
There are several outstanding squash championships on the world stage, get to know them:
World Squash Championships
Organized by the World Squash Federation (WSF), the tournament is the most prestigious in the sport and takes place annually.
British Open
Considered the “Wimbledon of squash”, it is one of the oldest and most respected tournaments in the sport.
PSA World Series
The PSA World Series is a series of professional tournaments organized by the Professional Squash Association, featuring events such as the Hong Kong Open, US Open and Qatar Classic.
Commonwealth Games
The Commonwealth Games sports tournament features squash, attracting the best players from Commonwealth member countries.
All about squash: top athletes
- Jahangir Khan (Pakistan)
- Jansher Khan (Pakistan)
- Nicol David (Malaysia)
- Ramy Ashour (Egypt)
- Amr Shabana (Egypt)
Check out some of the best squash athletes in the world:
Jahangir Khan (Pakistan)
Considered one of the greatest players of all time, Pakistan’s Jahangir Khan dominated squash in the 1980s and 1990s with an unbeaten run of 555 matches.
Jansher Khan (Pakistan)
Another big name from Pakistan is Jansher Khan. The player has won eight world championships and six British Opens.
Nicol David (Malaysia)
Malaysian Nicol David was world number one for nine consecutive years, winning eight world championships.
Ramy Ashour (Egypt)
The Egyptian is known for his creative style of play and has won several world titles.
Amr Shabana (Egypt)
Also from Egypt, Shabana was world number one and won four world championships.
All about squash: equipment
- Racket
- Ball
- Shoes
- Clothes
- Glasses
Check out the essential equipment for playing squash:
Racket
Squash rackets are light, usually weighing between 110 and 170 grams, and are made of materials such as graphite.
Ball
Squash balls are small and made of rubber. There are different types of balls for different skill levels, and they are indicated by colored dots.
Shoes
Squash shoes must provide good support, grip and cushioning for the athletes and be specific for the indoor court.
Clothing
Lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended for ease of movement and comfort during the game.
Goggles
In tournaments and competitions, the use of goggles is mandatory to prevent injuries.
All about squash
Now that you know all about squash, take the opportunity to continue browsing the site to find out much more about the sport and other disciplines.
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