Squash

What is Squash?

Squash, or squash rackets, is a fast-paced sport played by two or four people in an enclosed four-walled court using a long-handled, strung racket and a small rubber ball. The objective is to rebound the ball off the front wall in a way that makes it impossible for the opponent to return it before it bounces on the floor more than once.¹

The game originated in the mid-19th century at Harrow School in England as a variation of rackets. Today, there are two primary versions:¹

• Softball (International): Played on a wider court with a slower ball, emphasizing fitness and endurance.¹
• Hardball (American): Played on a narrower court with a faster ball, emphasizing quick reflexes and shot-making.¹

The sport is governed globally by the World Squash Federation, which coordinates international championships and promotes the game across more than 115 nations.¹

What are the main differences between softball and hardball squash?

The main differences between softball (international) and hardball (American) squash center on the court dimensions, the equipment used, and the style of play.

Feature

Softball (International)

Hardball (American)

Court Width

Wider (6.4 m / 21 ft)

Narrower (5.6 m / 18.5 ft)

Ball Type

Softer and slower

Harder and faster

Primary Focus

Fitness, endurance, and patience

Quick reflexes and creative shot-making

Game Dynamics

Ball stays in play longer; more court to cover

Swift pace; emphasizes rapid reactions

While the international version is the standard game played globally, the American hardball version remains popular in the United States. Additionally, the two versions historically differed in their scoring methods, though the international game is now widely recognized for its physically demanding nature due to the larger court area and the nature of the ball.¹

How did the game of squash evolve from the sport of rackets?

Squash, or squash rackets, evolved as a direct descendant of the sport of rackets. Its origins are traced to the mid-19th century at Harrow School in England, where students who were unable to access the school’s rackets courts began exercising by hitting an India-rubber ball against a wall.¹

The name “squash” was derived from the nature of this ball, which would squash upon impact with the wall. While the game is played on the same fundamental principles as rackets—using a long-handled, strung racket to rebound a ball off a front wall—it was adapted to be played in a smaller, enclosed court.¹

Following its inception, the game gained popularity in other English boarding schools and eventually spread to private clubs and the Marylebone Cricket Club by the early 20th century. After World War I, squash grew rapidly in popularity, eventually surpassing its parent sport, rackets, in widespread participation.¹

What physical skills are most important for a squash player to develop?

Developing the necessary physical skills for squash rackets depends largely on the version of the game being played, though certain core attributes are essential for all players.

• Reflexes and Coordination: Because the ball is highly responsive and moves at high speeds, the game demands excellent eye-hand coordination and quick reflexes to react to shots rebounding off the walls.²
• Fitness and Endurance: In the international (softball) version, the larger court and the nature of the ball—which stays in play for longer rallies—require significant physical fitness, patience, and stamina to cover the court effectively.²
• Agility and Footwork: Players must possess quickness of foot to navigate the court, particularly when turning and spinning to reach the ball.¹
• Technical Skill: The game relies heavily on the player’s ability to use the wrist and arm to control the ball, emphasizing touch and precise shot placement to keep the opponent out of reach.²
• Anticipation: Success often hinges on a player’s ability to anticipate the trajectory of the ball as it caroms off the front, side, and back walls.¹