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Squash is a high-intensity indoor racquet sport played by two or four players. It involves hitting a small rubber ball (squash ball) against the walls of a court using racquets. It is known for its fast-paced, physically demanding gameplay and strategic movements.
To play squash competitively, it is important to understand the rules and scoring system. It has many technical rules and nuances that need to be clarified for beginners or even experienced players.
So, we'll take a deep dive into the squash rules and scoring to help you better understand the game and improve your skill level.
The squash court is rectangular and typically measures 32 feet long and 21 feet wide.
The front wall of the court has a "Tin", a metal strip that runs along the bottom of the wall and marks the out-of-bounds area. The height of the tin is 19 inches from the floor.
There are also several other lines and areas on the court that are important to understand:
In addition to these lines, there are also several areas of the court with specific names and purposes:
Knowing where to position yourself and play the ball well can give you a significant advantage over your opponent. So, take some time to study the court and its markings before your next game.
This game requires some specialized equipment. The most important pieces of equipment are the squash racquet and ball.
The squash racquet is a small, lightweight racket specifically designed for the game. It is usually made of lightweight materials like graphite or titanium and has a smaller head than a tennis'.
The shape of the head is also different, with a more oval shape design for better ball control. When selecting a squash racket, consider your skill level, playing style, and personal preferences.
The squash ball is also a crucial piece of equipment. Squash balls come in different colors, each indicating a different level of "bounce".
Yellow balls are the standard for competition and have the highest bounce, while a blue or red ball bounces lower and is used for training and practice.
In addition to the racquet and ball, players must wear appropriate attire and shoes.
Squash shoes should be lightweight, comfortable, and provide good grip on the court. It is important to wear shoes specifically designed for squash or other indoor court sports, as they will offer the best performance and protection.
Scoring in squash can be complicated, with points, games, and matches all playing a role in determining the winner.
In this section, we'll break down the basic rules and scoring system in squash and explain how each component works.
According to PSA, professional and amateur squash players across the globe employ two primary scoring methods - Point A Rally (PAR) and Hand-In-Hand-Out (HIHO).
Point A Rally Scoring (PAR)
All contests in the PSA World Tour, encompassing both male and female tournaments, adhere to the Point A Rally (PAR) scoring system. This method is also implemented in most of the minor and casual competitions.
The PAR scoring approach is contested using the best-of-five-game scheme, where the first participant to accumulate 11 points in each squash game wins. In the event of a draw between players, where both competitors gain 10 points, the match continues until one player gets a 2-point lead.
During PAR scoring, participants have the opportunity to score points for every rally - with the victor of the rally being awarded a point.
Hand-In-Hand-Out (HIHO)
An older type of scoring method, known as "hand-in-hand-out" (HIHO), was utilized before the implementation of PAR scoring in squash games.
Under the HIHO system, players can only win points while serving; so, if the opposing player wins the point in a rally, the score remains unchanged, although the victor becomes the server.
If a player is serving, they must emerge victorious in two consecutive rallies in order to win points, and games are played until the first player reaches a total of nine points. Additionally, matches utilizing the HIHO system are structured as best-of-five games.
A player may accumulate a point if their opponent fails to play a shot before the ball touches the ground twice, known as a double-bounce.
Another scenario in which points may be earned is when the opponent hits the ball onto or above the designated 'out line' or the 'tin' - a firm strip on the front wall that functions similarly to the net in tennis.
Finally, players can also gain points when the striker's body contacts the ball more than once, otherwise known as a carry.
Squash games may sometimes require a tiebreaker to determine the winner.
Tiebreakers are typically played when the score is tied at 10-10 in a regular game or if the match is tied at two games apiece.
During a tiebreaker, the match continues until one player gets a 2-point lead.
Serving is a crucial aspect of squash that can make a big difference in gameplay. The serve sets the tone for each rally and can give the server a significant advantage if done correctly.
When serving in squash, there are specific rules to follow.
The server must stand in the service box and hit the ball to the front wall. The ball must land in the opposite quarter court, beyond the short line, and not hit the tin or go out of bounds.
After the serve, the receiver can return the ball directly or let it bounce once before returning.
In squash, you can use several types of serves, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Here are some of the most common types of serves:
When serving in squash, there are some common mistakes that players need to avoid in order to play effectively.
Let, stroke, and no let rules determine the outcome of a point when there is interference or obstruction during play.
One of the most important aspects of playing squash is understanding the fouls and penalties that can arise during a squash match.
Here are some of them:
A: It usually results in a let. However, it results in a stroke if the player who was hit was directly interfering with the opponent's shot and the ball was likely to reach the front wall.
A: It is a horizontal line on the front wall of the court. It is important because, during a serve, the server must hit the ball above it to be a valid serve. If the ball doesn't cross it, the server loses the point. Then, the opponent gains a point and the right to serve.
A: The service box is a designated area where the server must stand while serving the ball. There are two service boxes, one on each side of the court. The server must have at least one foot touching the floor inside it when hitting the ball. After a successful serve, players can move freely around the court.
A: In squash, if the ball bounces twice before a player can hit it, the player loses the point. The objective is to hit the ball after the first bounce and before the second bounce. Players should aim to hit the ball in a way that makes it difficult for their opponent to return it before the second bounce, thus winning the point.
Now that you've learned the ins and outs of squash rules and scoring, you can take your game to the next level.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, understanding the game's intricacies can help improve your skills and win more matches.
So next time you step onto the court, keep these squash rules in mind, and don't be afraid to ask your opponent or the referee for clarification if needed. Good luck!