Quick answer: Squash is a fast indoor racket sport for two players who take turns hitting a small rubber ball against the front wall of a four-walled court. Points are scored on every rally up to 11, and you must win by two. All you need to start is a squash racket, a squash ball, court shoes and eye protection, and most UK clubs and leisure centres hire courts by the half hour.
New to the squash game? The basics are scattered across rule books, club sites and videos. This guide pulls them together: how the game works, the court and ball, and the kit to buy, with links to our detailed guides from Central Sports.
What is squash? The squash game explained
Squash is played in an enclosed court by two players sharing the same space, each hitting the ball in turn before it bounces twice. Unlike tennis or badminton there is no net, and every shot must hit the front wall above the tin (the metal strip at the bottom) and below the out line. That single rule creates the sport's character, because you are constantly moving around your opponent, hunting for the T position in the centre of the court and fighting for the best angles.
The squash sport suits a wide range of players, and a beginner can have a rally going within one session. If you have only played badminton or tennis, our squash for beginners guide covers kit, costs and your first month on court.
Squash rules and scoring in plain English
Most club and league matches use point-a-rally scoring (PAR) to 11. Whoever wins the rally scores, whether they served or not, and a game must be won by two clear points. Matches are usually the best of five games. The server must hit the front wall above the service line, with the ball landing in the opposite back quarter of the court.
After the serve, players alternate shots. If you are blocked from playing the ball, the referee can call a let (replay the point) or a stroke (you win the point). Those calls cause most arguments on court, so it is worth learning them early. Our squash rules explained guide walks through scoring, lets and strokes, and how to play squash covers serving, positioning and etiquette.
The squash court and squash ball
A standard court is 9.75 metres long and 6.4 metres wide, with a front wall 4.57 metres high to the out line. Because the court is small and enclosed, the ball does most of the work for you. A squash ball is made to be low-bouncing: it is cold and dead when you start, which is why every session begins with a proper warm-up and hitting rallies to heat it.
The coloured dots tell you how bouncy it is. A blue or red dot ball is slower and easier to control for learners, a single yellow dot suits clubs, and the double yellow dot is the professional ball with the lowest bounce. A good rule is to start with a slower ball and move to a faster one as your rallies get longer. See our squash ball guide for a full breakdown, or compare prices in our best squash balls roundup.
Choosing a squash racket
Squash rackets are light, usually between roughly 110g and 150g, with a small teardrop head and a long shaft. The two things that change how a racket feels are weight and balance. Head-light rackets feel quicker through the air and kinder on the wrist, while head-heavy rackets add power to long strokes. Strings matter too, and most players run them between roughly 24 and 28lbs.
If you are new, start with our how to choose a squash racket guide, then see the best squash rackets for beginners and the wider best squash racket UK roundup. The finer points are covered in racket weight, head-heavy vs head-light, string tension and the squash grip guide.
Shoes, eye protection and what to wear
Court shoes are the one item you should not skimp on. Squash demands constant lunges and sudden stops, so you want non-marking soles, a grippy outsole and good lateral support. Running shoes are a poor substitute because their soft, raised heels let your ankle roll. Our best squash shoes guide compares the options.
Eye protection is the other piece of kit worth taking seriously. A squash ball travels fast in a tiny space, and rackets swing close to faces, so many clubs strongly recommend eyewear and some require it for juniors. Read do you need squash goggles? before your first match. Beyond that, breathable shorts and a t-shirt will do.
Squash vs other racket sports, and how to get started
Squash is quicker to learn than tennis, because the walls keep the ball in play, but harder on the lungs than badminton. It is often confused with racketball, which uses a bigger, bouncier ball and a larger racket on the same court. Our squash vs racketball comparison explains the differences.
To get playing, book a court through your local leisure centre or club, bring a friend, and expect to pay a few pounds per half hour. England Squash also lists clubs and beginner sessions. A sensible plan is to start with a modest racket and upgrade after a month or two, once you know what you like.
Top Picks from Central Sports
Everything below is in stock at centralsports.co.uk at the time of writing. Browse the full range in our squash collection, or see everything in the shop.
- Dunlop Competition Squash Balls, Single Yellow Dot, Tube of 3 (£10.00): the standard club ball and the best all-round choice for improvers.
- Dunlop Progress Squash Ball, Red Dot (£2.99): a slower, more forgiving training ball for building longer rallies.
- Black Knight Hummingbird TC Squash Racket (£75.00): a light, fast racket for players stepping up to competitive squash.
- Black Knight Oblivion TC Squash Racket (£93.72): a more powerful option for committed club players.
- Karakal Pro 2500 Sports Eye Protection Goggles, Junior (£19.99): affordable eye protection sized for juniors and smaller faces.
Squash FAQs
How is the squash game played?
Two players take turns hitting a rubber ball against the front wall of a four-walled court, letting it bounce no more than once before returning it. Points are won on every rally to 11, and you must win by two.
Is squash one of the hardest sports?
Squash is demanding on fitness because rallies are quick and you move constantly, but the basics are easy to pick up. Beginners can enjoy a game in their first session by using a slower ball and playing at a gentle pace.
Are badminton and squash the same?
No. Badminton is played over a net with a shuttlecock, while squash is played in an enclosed court with a rubber ball and walls. Our badminton beginner's guide shows the difference if you want to try both.
What do I need to start playing squash?
A squash racket, a ball, non-marking court shoes and, ideally, eye protection. A starter set costs roughly £60 to £100, and courts can be hired by the half hour.
Ready to play? Start with the right kit
The squash game rewards players who learn the rules early, choose the right ball and wear proper shoes and eye protection. Pick the guide above that matches where you are, then head to our full collections to kit yourself out. If you are not sure what to buy, the team at Central Sports can help you choose.
