In This Guide
Squash
Squash is a racquet sport that requires great skill and stamina, with a soft ball that favors finesse over power. It is played all over the world by elite players in circuit tournaments and by recreational players looking for a fun workout. This Web guide gives you an overview of the sport’s rules and history, shows you where to find coverage of professional squash and helps you become a player (or a better player) yourself.
Expand All Guide SectionsRules and History of Squash
The name “squash” derives from its soft ball that squashes when it hits the wall, unlike the harder ball used in its parent game, Racquets. Learn how squash differs from other racquet sports and how it evolved into the game it is today in this section.
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- Players must give their opponents a chance to return the ball without interfering. If the referee determines there is interference, he may call a let—resulting in a replay of the point—or award a point to the interfered player. Squash Player provides a look at when interference should be called.
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For an overview of squash …
iSquash
uses two animated characters—Squashimodo and Racketboy—to show how squash is played. It includes a diagram of the court, the basic rules of play and instruction on how to serve and keep score.
For squash rules …
The World Squash Federation
has rules for singles, softball doubles and hardball doubles available in PDF form. It also has an abbreviated rulebook for those just looking for the basics, as well as an “idiot’s guide” to new rules. For help interpreting the rules, there is an FAQ section with answers from Don Ball of the WSF Rules team.
For the history of squash …
U.S. Squash
hosts an article written by James Zug, author of “Squash: A History of the Game.” He covers the origins of squash, beginning with its evolution from tennis and ending with a look at squash’s future.
Squash Organizations and Competitions
Squash is played competitively around the world, both in international competitions and on professional circuits. In this section you can find links to national governing bodies of squash, as well to the men’s and women’s professional squash circuits.
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- The Web sites of squash’s governing bodies are good places to become involved in squash, whether it’s as a player, coach, referee or volunteer.
- For links to national governing bodies all over the world, see the directory of National Associations from the World Squash Federation.
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For governing bodies …
The World Squash Federation
is the international governing body for squash. Find rules and regulations, news and results from international competitions, and links to players’ Web sites.
U.S. Squash
is the governing body of American squash. The site features coverage of college, junior and national team competitions, as well as resources for coaches and referees. Also find directories of places to play and local organizations to join.
For professional circuits …
The Professional Squash Association (PSA)
is the governing body for men’s elite squash. It governs a professional circuit with more than 250 players and 100 tournaments a year. The site features news, player rankings and a calendar of events. Visit the PSALive link to see live matches streamed online.
The Women’s International Players Association
(WISPA) is the female equivalent of the PSA. Find stats, schedules and rankings, along with a gallery of match photos.
Squash News, Analysis and Statistics
Here we spotlight the best places on the Web for coverage of competitive squash and opinions on the state of the game, including respected Web sites, blogs and magazines.
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- News and statistics for a particular competition are best found on its official Web site; look for these sites in the “Squash Organizations and Competitions” section.
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For squash news and more …
Squash360.com
has news of PSA and international squash, as well as features, profiles and opinion pieces from its large group of contributors. Also look for playing and training advice and articles on officiating from The Squash Official magazine.
SquashNow
features news and match reports. The site design is very simple, with news and reports displayed in long lists arranged by date.
Squash Site
is a U.K. Web site that features news and coverage of U.K. and international events. Don’t miss the “Kaleidoscope” section for opinions on the world of squash from a diverse group of players and experts.
For squash blogs …
Squashblog
discusses the game’s development (including its possible Olympic inclusion), how it’s perceived in the media and how it’s marketed. Each post is dedicated to opinion pieces rather than just a look at the news.
The Direct
is written by Squash historian James Zug, who analyzes the biggest stories in competitive squash.
For squash magazines …
Squash Player
is a U.K.-based monthly magazine that covers professional tours, examines the game’s issues and provides advice to players. News, a player of the month profile and selected features are available online, but much of the magazine’s more in-depth content can only be read in the print version. Order a print subscription online; prices range from£24 for U.K. residents to £30 for those outside of the European Union.
Squash Magazine
aims to promote the growth of squash in the United States. Like Squash Player, most of the magazine’s contents are available only in the print edition ($19.95 per year), but the Web site does feature archived articles.
Learn and Improve at Squash
Success at squash requires finesse, proper technique and shrewd tactical play. This section highlights sites that can help beginners as well as intermediate and advanced players improve their play.
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- If you’re looking for a place to play, visit the Web site of your country’s national governing body. See the directory of National Associations from the World Squash Federation.
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Guide-to-Squash
has a collection of videos that teach you the rules and give playing tips designed for intermediate players. There are also videos of professional matches that let you study how the top players approach the game.
Bellinger Sports
has a free downloadable program created by squash coach Mark Bellinger. It displays the proper grip and stance, includes tactical advice and shows you how to train and stretch before playing. The program uses animated movies to display the lessons.
Noguchi Squash Academy
teaches tactical strategy for intermediate and advanced players. Using illustrations, it shows you how to play on offense, defense and when to attempt each type of shot.
Buying Squash Equipment
Squash players need a racquet they feel comfortable with, as well as balls, nonscuffing shoes and eyewear. Find the best online stores for squash equipment in this section.
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- Squash balls come in different sizes and speeds for different levels of play. Visit this guide from Dick’s Sporting Goods for advice on which kind of squash ball to buy.
- Ashaway Racket Strings has a series of articles featuring racket-stringing tips.
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Charlie Johnson’s Squash Shop
features a large selection that can be browsed by manufacturer and price. Each piece of equipment features a brief description.
Squash Pro Shop
caters primarily to high-level players, though there is some inexpensive equipment for beginners. Most racquets are described in detail, including what type of player the racquet is aimed for. Each category of equipment is sorted by manufacturer, which can make it difficult to compare products. This site ships to the U.S. and Canada.
Just Rackets
offers much more than just racquets: it also sells balls, shoes, eyeguards, strings and other accessories. Like Squash Pro Shop, products are arranged by manufacturer, but you can see the price range from each manufacturer’s offering. Just Rackets is a U.K. site that ships internationally.
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