How to Play Squash - A Beginners Guide A beginner's guide on playing squash, the tactics, the technique , the rules

and how to play squash safely: squash is played between two individuals (singles) or two teams of two (doubles) on a Squash Court. One player serves to start a rally which proceeds until one player hits the ball out or down or fails to hit the ball before it has bounced twice. Squash can be played using a couple of scoring options, traditional (International) scoring and point a rally scoring (PARS). Squash Players having a social game can modify the rules to their own requirements.
squash Safety and Fitness If your fitness is poor or you havent played Squash forsome time, dont overdo it. Remember, Squash is a fast game. If you have a rallywhich requires a lot of short sharp movement, it may takeyour body a moment or two before it realises that a lot of oxygen is needed for recovery. This can result in a sudden increase in heart rate. This is not a good thing for those who lack fitness

About the Squash Serve

The server, with at least one foot in the service box, startsplay by hitting the ball directly onto the front wall betweenthe cut line and the outline to rebound so that, if allowed,it bounces for the first time in the opposite half of the courtand behind the short line. See Squash Court Markings It may hit another wall after hitting the front wall, providingthe ball lands within the correct half court. The receiver may hit the ball on the full. If the server winsthe rally they serve from the alternate service box. If the receiver wins the rally they choose which box to startserving from. Returnof Serve While waiting to return the serve, watch the server to getan idea of: The type of Serve to expect. The angle of the serve. The speed of the serve all ofwhich will assist the racket preparation to return the ball.Keep out of the back corner.Keep away from the walls.

Rally between tw o players The 2(or 4 for doubles) Squash players, each witha racket, take it in turns (for doubles, each teamtakes turns) to hit the ball onto the front wallwithin the large area defined by the outline atthe top and the line marking the top of the tin atthe bottom (the striker may play the ball onto theside or back walls first before it hits the frontwall). The ball must stay within the court. The ball must be hit on the first bounce or volleyed Play continues until the ball goes out or down or is hit after the first bounce. Scoring Internati onal (Traditi onal) A point is scored only when the server wins a rally. When the server loses a rally he or she loses the right toserve and the opponent becomes the server. When a point has been scored durng play, the servermust serve from the opposite service box. The first player to nine points wins a game. A match usually consists of the best of five games; thatis, the first player to win three games wins the match. If, in any game, the score reaches eight-all, then theplayer who reaches 8 first, decides whether that game isto be played to nine (Set 1) or ten points (Set 2). The first player to reach the chosen number of points wins the game

Point-a-Rally( PAR S) A point is scored for each rally won. Usually matches are played to the best of 5 games with each game being played to 15points. In the event of the scores being 14 all, the first player to 14 can select whether the game willbe played to 15 (Set 1) or 17 points (Set 3) This method of scoring usually results in shorter playing time for a match. Other options Play a time limit game of between 25 to 45 minutes with two or three breaks of 1 minuteduration. PARS is very flexible - players can create their own game play format. How to Record the Score The procedure for marking a game: The Marker calls the Score. The Score Sheet is divided into two sides, one side for each player. Each side has an "L" and "R" marked in a box, which stands for Left and Right Service Box. As the Server serves from the Right Box, the Scorer's pencil points to Box "R".The pencil stays in thebox until the point is won or lost.The Server's score is always called first, eg 5:3 Smith serving or 3.5Brown if Brown had won the point and was to serve. The pencil would point to the appropriate service box. Note: There are two ways of scoring:
1.Traditional Method The Server can only score points, and the first to 9 points wins. 2. PARS (Point a Rally) -The winner of the rally wins the point, first to 11points wins.

Basic Squash Skills Hold the grip firmly at all times during the swing. Keep a firmwrist during the swing. Approach the ball from one side (usually from the side closest to the centre of the court). Right handed Squash playersshould try to play "forehands" on the right hand side of thecourt and play "backhands" on the left hand side of the court. (Reversed for left handers). Basic Squash Tactics Hit the ball away from your opponent, making them run. Hit backhand shots on the backhand side of the court andforehands on the forehand side. Hit the ball to the corners and close to the side walls. Volley during play whenever possible. Return to the centre of the court quickly each time you make a return whilst watchingthe ball. Basic Squash Rules Once the ball has been struck, it is the responsibility of the striker to clear the way for theopponent to make a return. If there is interference in the opponent reaching the ball, the players should play the pointagain (this is called playing a LET). If your opponent is in the way of you making a return or is in danger of being hit in theprocess, a LET should be played. Both the striker and the opponent should make every effort to clear the ball or to get to it if a LET is to be played. If the player hits the ball back to themselves and hits them or goes very close to them, a STROKE is awarded to the opponent, winning the rally for them.

Squash Balls There are a range of balls available for all standards. The court temperature also plays a big part in Squash ball selection (In colder temperatures,you may need to use a bouncier ball). The following Squash balls should be available in your area: Super Slow yellow Dot - Slow White or Green Dot - Medium Red Dot - Fast Blue Dot Fast There is also an Extra Super Slow Double Yellow Dot ball used by professionals or byaccomplished players in hotter countries. Ablue beginners ball may also be available. Modified Equipment Because squash is a very fast game and requiresquick co-ordinated reflexes the use of modifiedequipment (a shorter racket and larger ball) can help novices gain confidence, and have more enjoyment. Racket Ball and Mini Squash are games played ona squash court that might suit some players whoare having difficulty managing the full size equipment.