WA SQUASH

What is Squash, and How do you Play it?

New here?  Welcome to the family!

Click HERE, tell us a little about yourself, and one of our friendly staff will be in touch with options to get you started.

 

Find a club near you, just a click away HERE.

 

What is Squash?!

 

Squash is a fast-paced, exciting racquet sport played by two players on a four-walled court using a small rubber ball. It’s fun, challenging and enjoyed by a vibrant community worldwide.

 

Getting Started

 

  • Wear sports clothing and non-marking (preferably white-soled) shoes

  • Bring a water bottle and towel

  • No gear? Equipment can be hired or borrowed at most courts

  • Juniors (under 19) must wear protective eyewear at all times

 

 

Let’s get started!


Warm up your body and the ball — squash balls bounce best when warm.

 

 

Try a few stretches, then hit the ball to the front wall for 5 minutes or so to help warm up your arm and the ball.

 

 

Game Play

 

Two players take turns to hit the ball onto the front wall.  A point is awarded each time a player wins a rally.

 

 

How to Serve

  • Stand with one foot inside the service box

  • Hit the ball to the front wall, above the service line and below the out line

  • The ball must land in the opposite back quarter, behind the short line

  • The ball may rebound off other walls or be hit on the full (volley)

 

 

During the Rally

 

  • The ball must hit the front wall each shot, but can touch other walls before or after

  • Your opponent must return the ball before the second bounce

  • You can volley — hit the ball before it bounces

  • The whole court is in play after the serve; run wherever needed

 

When is the ball out?

 

  • It hits the tin or out line

  • It goes above the out-of-court line (serve or rally)

  • It bounces more than once before being hit

  • A serve lands in the wrong area (fault)

 

 

Scoring

 

  • Win a rally = score a point

  • A game is usually first to 11 (must win by 2 if tied at 10)

  • A match is best of 5 games

 

Lets and Strokes

 

  • Let: Ask for a Let if your swing is blocked. If granted, the rally is replayed and no points are awarded

  • Stroke: If your swing is prevented, the referee awards you the point

 

Need More Help?

Still unsure? Check out this introductory YouTube video by Zoe Aust (@zoeaust7992) — about six minutes long and beginner-friendly.

 

 

TOURNAMENT FORMATS EXPLAINED

 

Ready to start? Click HERE to find a Club near you. Click HERE to find a coach. Click HERE to view our resource library.

 

Happy squashing!