Squash

Squash is a fun, fast and physically demanding sport. In addition to strength, endurance, speed and skill you need brains and a good tactics to win your opponent. This is the first Kiwikilos' article about squash and will be followed with articles about squash technique, off court and on court exercises.

Squash ball

The squash balls differ in speed and resilience.

1. Progress is bouncier than competition ball and it also is 6% larger than a normal size ball.
2. Competition ball needs a bit warming-up to bounce. It is a good choice if you already have experience in racket sports.
3. Pro ball needs a good warm-up to bounce properly and is meant for advanced and competing players.
4. Max is blue in colour and meant for beginners and juniors. It is 12% larger than a normal size ball.

(examples are Dunlop -brand balls)

Grip

Let the racket rest on your fingers without squeezing the grip too much. Support the racket with your first finger and and keep your wrist in a slight angle, as if you were shaking hands with someone. It is good to start with your hand in the middle of the grip. Advanced players may vary the position of their hand to improve the control.


Rules

I will be adding a clear and simple version of the squash rules later. To get you started here is a link to squash rules on Squashplayer -website.

The most importantly: hit the ball not your opponent. If there's a danger of hitting the opponent with your racket or the ball, always call “let”. In competition situation this means that the referee decides if the situation was a "no let", “let” (the ball will played again) or “stroke”(the obstructed player wins a point/service) situation. The next game helps you to understand what let, no let or a stroke means.



Cheers,
S