Squash Rules Explained | Everything You Need To Know!

Squash is a worldwide famous game, and its popularity is growing day by day. Currently, there are around 20 million squash players in World.

For many people, it is the hardest game to understand. For beginners, the rules can be difficult, but worry not! We got you covered.

History Of Squash

The roots of this sport can be traced back to the 19th century. Initially, this game was developed by prisoners in London and named it as “rackets”. Later on, in 1830, the students of Harrow School noticed that the punctured rubber ball bounced more when hit against the wall.

As it grew popular, eventually, the name was converted to “Squash” from “rackets.”

How Many People Play Squash?

Squash is played in either singles or doubles matches. In a single game, “two” players play against each other. In the “double” match, there are a total of four players from two teams. 

Aim Of Game

In general, the aim is to keep hitting the ball off the front wall until your opponent fails to return it back. Every single game is a race of 11 points. The server wins a point when the opponent fails to return the ball.

Squash Serve Rules

To start the game, one player has to serve the ball against the wall in the opposite direction so that opponent can hit it swiftly. But there are also some rules that you must follow:

• The player must keep one foot in the service box.
• The ball must hit above the service line of the front wall.
• It must bounce in the opposite quarter box.
• While serving, if the foot is out, it is considered as the foot fault, and the player loses the point.
• The receivers can stand out of the service box as long as he/she is not interfering with the opponent.

Keep in mind that a server who doesn’t comply is considered a fault. In such a case, the receiver wins the rally.

Who Serves First In Squash?

It is decided by the spin of the racket. The player keeps on serving until he/she loses a rally. Once the server loses or becomes a handout, the opponent becomes the server.

How Many Serves In Squash?

There is only one serve. Keep in mind that the ball must hit the “front wall” first before it hits any side wall. The serve is considered illegal if the ball hits the sidewalls before hitting the service area of the front wall.

Squash Rally Rules

The rally is the deciding factor in the match-winning. The player who wins the rally becomes the server. That’s why there are some rally rules that need to be followed:

• The squash ball must hit the front wall first before it hits any side wall.
• The opponent has to hit the ball before it bounces twice.
• A player can also hit the ball before it bounces on the floor.
• After the serve hit, you can use the whole court.

The general rule is that you can’t block your opponent’s way.

How Long Is A Squash Rally?

Normally, a typical rally has 13 to 17 shots. A rally is a series of consecutive shots unless one player fails to hit the ball accurately. Usually, the top players have very long rallies that could comprise over 25 shots.

Squash Scoring Rules

The scoring rules are very simple and straightforward.

• A player who succeeds in scoring 11 points first wins the game.
• Players need to win the game by at least 2 points.
• The winner of the rally achieves a point whether they served or not.

Usually, the winner is decided by the best of 5 games. Games are played to 11 points during the championship matches. In regular matches, there are only 9 points. But now, the 11 points-scoring system is officially owned by the World squash association and championships.

How To Score In Squash?

Usually, a rally continues until a player fails to hit the ball in accordance with the rule.  There are four main ways to score in-game:

1. The ball bounces twice before the opponent hits it; in this case, the server scores a point.
2. The ball goes outside the outline.
3. If a player purposely tries to block the opponent’s way.
4. The ball hits the backboard.

The squash scoring system is known as “PAR.” A player plays to earn 11 points whether he serves or not.

Has the scoring in squash changed?

Yes, since 2004, the professional squash association decided to change the scoring system to PARS 11. Now a player has to win by a clear 2-point victory. Before that, some matches were being played to 9 points, where a game can be won by over 1 point.

Squash Blocking Rules

Interference or blocking is not allowed in the squash game. The rule of thumb is that the referee decides whether a player tries to block others or not. If the referee finds a player guilty, a point is awarded to the opponent. Usually, the blocking happens in 2 common ways:

• Not providing the opponent enough space to move toward the ball.
• Blocking the opponent from swinging the racket.

Many players act to make it a legitimate act. Then, it’s up to the referee to decide whether a person is guilty or not.

Squash Ball Rules

The squash ball is made of rubber and is usually very small in size. Its diameter is 1.5 inches. The ball is considered out in 4 scenarios:

• When the ball hits tin or the outline
• If it hits out of court line
• If it bounces twice on the floor
• If the serves land, it in the wrong area

Squash Court Rules

Many people assume that there is a universal squash court size. But the rules and size change depending on the number of players.

• For Singles: 9.75m x 6.4m (LxW)
• For Doubles: 13.72m x 7.62m (LxW)

Singles:

Doubles:

Squash Rules FAQs

Wrapping It Up!

With a championship and over 20 million players, squash is one of the most popular games in the World. There are many rules that a player needs to follow. The rules and regulations made it one of the hardest sports.

The rule of thumb is that the ball must hit the front wall in the opposite direction. A player can never block the opponent’s way.

The player who earns the 11 points wins the game. The match result is decided on the best of 5 games. Keep in mind that the ball can’t hit the ceiling, tin, or bounce twice. In such cases, it will consider an out.

We hope that this article helps you to understand the squash game rules more accurately and swiftly. Well, in the meantime, keep on playing and fighting for your dreams!