A sport where one forgets everything is a precious sport. Squash is, and contrary to popular belief, accessible to most people!
Is Squash For You?
From mini-squash accessible from the age of three to a leisure practice for the sporting seniors, Squash is practised at any age.
Squash is not dangerous. On the contrary, this sport is beneficial to your health as it lets you steam while working on your flexibility and tonicity.
It is particularly recommended for people who are looking for a sporting activity that allows them to fight against daily stress.
In short, if you want to play a sport of skill that is both physically intense, fun, and tactically demanding, Squash is for you!
As with any sport, it is advisable to have a medical check-up to make sure there are no contraindications, particularly of a cardiac nature.
Originating from a prestigious English school in the middle of the 19th century, Squash derives its nobility from the demands and benefits it brings. Let’s take a look at the history of this very popular sport, which can be played by two, three or four players!
What Is Squash?
Like tennis or badminton, Squash is one of the descendants of the game of palm. In the middle of the 19th century, in London, when two students at the prestigious Harrow School were waiting to play the fashionable game of racquetball, they had a good idea of hitting the leather ball against the school walls. This is how Squash was invented.
A Sport In Its Own Right
In 1883, the first Squash court was built in Oxford and contributed to its recognition as a real sport. It became popular with the codification of the rules of the game and the standards of the court in 1911, which standardized its practice.
In England, in 1928, the first national federation was created under the name of Squash Racket Association, which allowed the British Open to be organized from 1930. Women participated in this prestigious tournament from 1950 when the sport became professional.
The Expansion Of Squash
The creation of the International Squash Racket Association in 1967 brought together seven members, including England and many Commonwealth countries such as Australia, Pakistan, India, and South Africa.
The World Squash Federation was created in 1993, bringing together nearly 150 countries and more than 18 million players worldwide.
Squash In Practice
Squash is generally played one-on-one, but can also be played in doubles on classic or adapted courts.
In training, it can also be played with three players, alternating between them: each rally is normally played one against one, with the third player waiting to meet the winner of the previous point. This is known as “playing Indian”, a great way to preserve strength and alternate opponents!
Note that among professionals, some competitions are organized in remarkable places. At the foot of the pyramids in Cairo for the Al-Arham night tournament or at Grand Central Terminal, the Manhattan train station in New York for the Tournament of Champions. For the occasion, the courts are entirely glazed and make the matches visible to the many spectators and television viewers.
The Rules Of Squash
- Players take turns hitting the ball, which must hit the front wall either directly or indirectly.
- A match is played in 3 or 5 games of 11 points each.
- As in tennis, only one bounce is allowed before the shot and volleying is allowed.
- The limits of play are the top line (4.57 m high), the line above the TIN placed on the lower part of the front wall (48 cm high). If the ball touches or is outside these lines, it is a fault.
- The first server is designated by a coin toss (racket rotation).
- After hitting the ball, the player must give the opponent full freedom of action so that he can move directly to the hitting area and play.
- If the opponent is too close and prevents safe play (racket strokes) or if the opponent is between the ball and the front wall (triangle ban), the player must refrain from playing.
The Stroke Rule
The rally is won in the case of a hindrance made involuntarily, or deliberately, but preventing the hindered player from hitting the ball.
The Let Rule
At the request of the striker, the rally may be postponed in the case of involuntary interference without preventing the shot from being played. The referee decides whether the request of the hindered player is valid or not. In the absence of a referee, the rules of courtesy apply between players.
The Benefits Of Squash
Known to combat stress, Squash is an intense sport that allows you to have fun easily and to let off steam efficiently. Whether you are playing for fun or in competition, the pleasure of playing doesn’t matter what your level is!
The practice of Squash solicits the heart and the muscles, which increase the capacities of endurance, speed, and flexibility. Physically demanding, it is one of the sports where you consume the most calories, ideal for slimming and/or toning up.
But it is not enough to be in good shape, you need a strong mind to perform well on the court, tactics are very present and concentration is optimal.