Squash Basics: Play, Gear, and Improvement Tips

Ever walked into a squash court and felt clueless? You’re not alone. Squash is fast, intense, and a little intimidating at first, but the basics are easy to grasp. Grab a racket, step onto the court, and you’re ready to start.

The first thing to know is the layout. A standard squash court is a four‑wall rectangle with a front wall, side walls, and a back wall. The floor is marked with service boxes and a short line about five feet from the front wall. These lines guide where you serve and where the ball can bounce.

Understanding the Game and Rules

Squash is played by one or two players. The goal is simple: hit the ball so your opponent can’t return it before it bounces twice. A rally starts with a serve. Stand in either service box, toss the ball, and hit it high enough to reach the front wall above the tin (the lower boundary) and land it past the short line. If the serve lands short, hits the tin, or goes out of bounds, you lose the point.

During a rally, you can use any wall—front, side, or back—as long as the ball hits the front wall before touching the floor. After the ball hits the front wall, it can rebound off side or back walls, but it must not hit the floor twice. If the ball bounces twice, goes out of the court, or you miss it, the opponent wins the point.

Scoring is usually “point‑a‑rally” to 11. Every rally gives a point, regardless of who served. If the score reaches 10‑10, you must win by two points. This keeps the game moving and adds a bit of drama.

Choosing the Right Gear and Getting Better

Gear matters, but you don’t need to break the bank. A beginner racket with a lightweight frame and a balanced grip is ideal. Look for a racket labeled “intermediate” or “beginner” and a ball marked “blue” or “red” for slower play, which gives you more time to react.

Protect your eyes with a good pair of squash goggles—mandatory in most clubs. Shoes should have non‑marking soles to protect the court surface; avoid regular running shoes.

Improvement comes down to three habits: footwork, accuracy, and stamina. Practice moving quickly in short bursts, keeping your feet under the ball. Try drills that focus on hitting the front wall and then recovering to the center of the court. Accuracy improves when you aim for the top half of the front wall; those shots are harder for opponents to return.

Stamina builds from playing longer rallies. Start with short games, then extend the duration as you feel comfortable. Breathing deeply and staying relaxed helps you keep your energy steady throughout a match.

Finally, watch and learn. Pick up a video of a pro match, notice how they position themselves, and try to mimic their shot selection. Even a few minutes of observation can give you ideas for new strategies.

Squash is a sport you can pick up quickly and keep improving forever. With the right basics, a decent racket, and a bit of practice, you’ll be smashing volleys and winning points in no time.