Squash

Most people have heard of the game of squash, but not many have actually played it. That is changing somewhat as more people are beginning to look for new ways to enjoy racket sports. If you are unfamiliar with squash, here are a few items that may interest you.

Squash is an indoor racquet sport. The game is played by two players (or four players for doubles) with standard rackets in a four-walled court with a small, hollow rubber ball.

This is an ancient game proven by the fact that the court size was codified in the 1230's at 32 feet long and 21 feet wide. The more modern and traditional American court is a similar size, but narrower at 18 feet 6 inches.

There are also some difference in the floor and wall marking between the American and the International court.

Squash players usually spin a racket to decide who serves first. For a legal serve, the ball must strike the front wall above the service line and below the out line and land in the opposite quarter court, unless volleyed by the receiver.

Once the serve is made, the players take turns hitting the ball against the front wall. The ball may be volleyed or after its first bounce and before the second. The ball may also be struck against any of the other three walls before reaching the front wall.

The squash rally continues until a player misses the ball or hits the ball out, or hits it after its second bounce, or any of the other conditions that apply.

The awarding of points depends on which set of squash rules you are playing under. One set of rules is commonly known as the traditional or British rules. The other set of rules are known as the American rules. Because there are some important differences between the two, including the awarding of points, it is advisable that you become familiar with the rules that will apply to you.

You can find both sets of rules online but do make sure that you are reading the correct ones. There can be some confusion in this regard to squash play, which makes it important that you always know which set of rules are being used when you play with someone else or if you join a squash club.

Once you understand the rules of squash, chances are good that you will love this fast paced, exciting game.