Squash is a game that developed in the nineteenth century in England, but is still very popular around the world today. To play, you need to have access to a specific field, get the right racket and ball; once this is done, anyone can learn the rules and techniques of this sport. This is a fun activity that takes time to learn, but it is totally worth it.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Obtaining Equipment and Accessing a Course
Step 1. Purchase the squash racket
If you don't have a specific one or use it incorrectly, you could develop bad habits; buy it online or at a sporting goods store.
- If you want to play at a squash club, you can perhaps rent the racket and balls instead of having to buy them.
- If you just want to try this sport to see if you like it, you could use a different racket to start with, such as tennis or racquetball; however, if you plan to play more than once or twice, you should get the specific equipment.
Step 2. Buy the balls
They are available in different colors that indicate their speed; the yellow ones are very slow, the green or white ones are slow, the red ones have a medium speed and the blue ones are fast. More experienced players use slower balls; so if you are a beginner, you should start with the faster ones that bounce more easily.
They are not sold in all sporting goods stores, so you may have better luck through online retailers
Step 3. Go to a squash court
They are mostly found in clubs, but some gyms and sports centers have these spaces. Call the facility you would like to play at to make sure there is a course available, as a reservation may be required.
- In order to access the court you must wear sneakers or tennis shoes that do not have a dark sole; this type of sole is not allowed because it leaves marks on the surface of the entire playing field.
- If you are passionate about the game and want to play it regularly, you can join a club if there is one in your area.
Part 2 of 3: Learning the Basics of the Game
Step 1. Review the rules
Squash is a sport played by two opponents (although you can train alone). The game begins when one of the two hits the ball from the service line. This player sends the ball against the wall of the court to bounce it in the opponent's half towards the other player's service line.
- The goal of both athletes is to send the ball to the front wall; only two bounces on the floor are allowed before the player hits the ball; when it is sent back to the front wall, it can bounce off the side walls, but not the floor. The last person to hit the front wall correctly during a rally scores the point.
- The ball must hit the front wall in a space delimited between the upper and lower lines that are drawn on the wall itself; the lower one is covered with an aluminum strip (called tin line) which makes a noise when it comes into contact with the ball.
Step 2. Learn how to score points
A match is won at the best of 3 or 5 games; each game continues until one of the two opponents scores 11 points with at least two advantage.
- For example, if a player reaches 11 points but the opponent has 10 points, the game continues until one of the two manages to accumulate a two-point advantage.
- Unlike tennis, each player can earn points on each trade; the only determining factor is that the person who fails to return the ball to the wall loses the point.
- The player who scores a run becomes or continues to be the new batter.
Step 3. Learn to hold the racket correctly
Place your hand so that the thumb and forefinger form a "V", while the other fingers remain close to the index. Grip the handle of the racquet firmly but not too tightly, to avoid tiring your hand.
Part 3 of 3: Learning the Fundamentals
Step 1. Practice hitting the ball
Throw it towards the front wall, let it bounce to the ground and then hit it again to send it to the wall. This exercise requires a lot of practice, because the squash ball doesn't bounce that much. Don't give up!
You should also practice hitting specific points on the front wall. Try sending it just below the top bounce line and just above the tin line; in squash it is important to have good aim
Step 2. Practice forehand and backhand hits
As soon as you learn to hit the ball, you can train with these fundamentals.
- The forehand shot is performed with the inside of the forearm holding the racket facing the ball. This is likely the movement you naturally used to learn how to bounce it.
- The backhand strike is done with the inside of the forearm holding the racket facing the opposite direction. This movement can be performed with one hand, but often both are used; it takes some practice to master the shot, but it comes in handy when you need to reach for a hard-to-hit ball.
Step 3. Practice bouncing the ball off the side walls
Although not a rule of the game, the most capable sportsmen also take advantage of the side walls of the pitch. To be able to send the ball to the front wall, you can also take advantage of a bounce on these surfaces; you have to practice a lot, because it takes a lot of experience to succeed in this move.
Step 4. Review a wide variety of tactics used by good players
Mere knowledge of the rules does not make you a winning player. As you develop physical skills, you must also learn to develop and follow a tactic.
There are many strategies that professionals practice and recommend; some focus on defense, while others argue that the best way to win a match is offense. Study tactics online and then try to integrate them into your game and training; choose the one that best suits your strength and ability
Step 5. Vary the speed and direction of the blows
Don't let your opponent know what your next move is just because you always do the same; for example, change the types of shots to avoid always hitting the ball in the same spot on the wall. You must prevent the opponent from knowing which position to hold in order to return the trade to you.
You should also vary the pace often. Make sure that the interval between when the ball hits the wall and the ball is thrown back is constantly different, to prevent the opponent from preparing in advance
Step 6. Practice maintaining your position on the playing field
Many professionals believe that to win a match it is necessary to make the opponent run. Try to occupy the central part of the field by forcing the other player to move from side to side. If you have to move away from the "T" (the middle zone), try to quickly regain your seat immediately after hitting the ball, so that you can move easily in both directions at the next rally.
- Although it is advisable to force the opponent to run, the rules require not to hinder his movements; if you are in his path trying to hit the ball, you will be cautioned for "interference".
- If you or the other player is hit by the ball or racket, the game stops. If the return of the ball is not good, the attacker loses the point; if instead it was a good shot, there are two different possibilities: when the ball hits the front wall directly, the attacker earns the point; if it hits a side wall before reaching the front wall, the point is replayed. In this case we speak of "let".
Step 7. Play with another person, as squash is a two-opponent sport
Find someone who is willing to learn, so that both of you are at the same level and neither of you is bored.
- From time to time you should talk to someone experienced; you can learn a lot more from a capable sportsman than from a beginner like you.
- If you are really interested in learning, take a few lessons; the instructor plays with you and teaches you important techniques to improve.
Advice
Squash is a difficult sport, but don't get frustrated! Don't expect to be a champion on the first try, keep practicing and you will improve over time
Warnings
- It is very important not to try to hit the ball when there is a risk of injuring the other player with the racket or the ball itself. Although this sport is quite aggressive, it shouldn't cause any harm to you or the opponent.
- All players should wear safety goggles, especially minors.
