From Let to Stroke: A Deep Dive into Squash Rules and Scoring

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.

Squash Court and Lines

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:

• Service Line: It is located 6 feet from the front wall of the court. When serving, the ball must land in the area between it and the front wall.
• Out Line: It marks the boundary of the court. If the ball hits the floor outside of the out line, your opponent wins the point.
• Half Court Line: It runs parallel to the back wall of the court (middle line), dividing the court in half. When the ball is hit, it must land in the front half of the court.
• Back Wall Line: It marks the boundary of the back wall. If the ball falls in the back wall and goes above this line, the opponent wins a point.

In addition to these lines, there are also several areas of the court with specific names and purposes:

• The Service Box, or server's box, is a small area located on either side of the court, between the service line and the out line. There are two service boxes - one for each player. When serving, the ball must land in the service box diagonally - opposite to the server.
• The "T" is the central area of the court where the service lines intersect. It is considered the most advantageous position on the court.
• The front court is the area between the short line and the tin.
• The back court is the area between the half-court line and the back wall.

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.

Squash Equipment

Squash Racket and Ball

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.

Proper attire and shoes

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 System

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.

Basic scoring system

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.

Point, game, and match scoring rules

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.

Tiebreakers and their rules

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

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.

Serving and its basic rules

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.

Different types of serves and their advantages

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:

• Lob Serve
  The lob serve involves hitting the ball high and deep into the back quarter of the court, forcing the receiver to move backward to retrieve it. This can be an effective serve against opponents who like to play close to the front of the court.
• Power Serve
  The drive serve is a fast and low serve that bounces close to the side wall, making it difficult for the receiver to return. This serve can be effective against opponents who struggle with fast-paced shots.
• Side-wall Serve
  This serve involves hitting the ball off the side or back wall before it reaches the front wall. The ball will bounce unpredictably, making it difficult for the receiver to anticipate. This serve can be effective against opponents who are knowledgeable at returning traditional serves.
• Down-the-middle Serve
  This is a type of serve where the ball is hit straight down the middle of the court, aiming the opponent's body or just to the side of their body. This can be very effective as it can force the opponent to move quickly and create confusion as to who should hit the ball.

Common mistakes to avoid during a serve

When serving in squash, there are some common mistakes that players need to avoid in order to play effectively.

• Stepping on or Over the Service Line
  It is important to stay behind the line when serving. Stepping on or over it before hitting the ball can result in a fault and the loss of the serve.
• Serving the Ball into the Tin or Out of Bounds
  The serve must land in the opposite quarter court beyond the short line and not hit the tin or go out of bounds. Hitting the ball into the tin or out of bounds can result in a fault.
• Serving Before the Receiver is Ready
  The receiver must be ready to return the ball before the server can serve. Serving before the receiver is ready can result in a fault and the loss of the serve.

Basic Rules On Lets And Strokes

Let, stroke, and no let rules determine the outcome of a point when there is interference or obstruction during play.

• Let Rule
  
  It is let when interference or obstruction during play affects a player's ability to take a clear shot at the ball. When this occurs, the player can make a let call, stopping play and allowing the point to be replayed.
  
  Let calls happen for various reasons. For instance, when the ball hits an opponent, when a player's swing is impeded, or when a player cannot reach the ball due to their opponent's position.
  
  If the referee agrees that the interference or obstruction, a let is called, and the point is replayed.
• Stroke Rule
  
  It is a stroke when a player is in a position to hit the ball but got interference by their opponent's actions. When this occurs, the player can request a stroke, which awards them the point.
  
  Examples of situations where a stroke may be awarded include when the opponent blocks the player's path to the ball or when the opponent hits the ball directly at the player.
  
  A stroke is considered if the referee agrees that the player was prevented from taking a shot.
• No Let Rule
  
  It is a no let rule when a player cannot make a clear shot at the ball due to their positioning or movement. When this occurs the opponent will get the point.
  
  For instance, when a player hits the ball into their own body or equipment, or when a player creates their own interference.
  
  Suppose the referee determines that the player didn't get interference from taking a shot by their opponent. In that case, it is a no let, and the opposing player will get the point.

Fouls and Penalties

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:

• Ball Hits Out of Bounds
  
  This can happen when the ball hits the sidewall or the back wall beyond the designated line. The opponent will gain a point and will serve next.
• Ball Hits the Tin
  
  The tin is the strip of metal at the bottom of the front wall. If the ball hits it, the opposing player will get a point and will serve on the next play.
• Interference
  
  Interference occurs when a player gets in the way and the opponent fails to hit the ball, hindering their ability to make a good shot.
  
  If the ball incurs sufficient interference, this can result in a let, where the point is replayed. Or a stroke, where the opposing player wins.
• Obstruction
  
  Obstruction occurs when a player prevents their opponent from getting to the ball.
  
  This can happen when a player blocks their opponent's access to the ball or when a player is standing in the way of their opponent's swing. The play will be a stroke, giving the opponent a point and the serve.
• Unsportsmanlike Conduct
  
  Unsportsmanlike conduct includes any behavior that is inappropriate or disrespectful by the referee.
  
  This can include using foul language, throwing the racket, or intentionally hitting the ball at the opponent. It can result in a warning, a point penalty, or even disqualification from the match.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happens when a ball hits an opponent in squash during play?

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.

Q: What is the significance of the service line in squash?

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.

Q: How to use the service box in squash?

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.

Q: What happens when the ball bounces twice before a player can hit it in squash?

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.

That's A Wrap!

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!