Squash

So you want to start playing squash but have no idea how to choose a racquet besides picking your favourite colour? Well I am here to help. Although colour is very important as you do want to look good when playing (and perhaps even coordinate your shoes to your racquet), there are some other factors to consider.

Consistency of Play: Are you looking to play every once in a while? Or are you planning to play multiple times a week? If you are playing a lot, you should consider investing in a higher quality racquet that will last.

Dominating the ‘T’; no, we aren’t talking about who can steep the best Earl Grey or whip up the best Orange Pekoe, we are talking about a strategy in squash!

The concept of squash is simple enough: return the ball back to your opponent before the ball bounces twice. But maybe you’ve already conquered the basics (after reading our intro article here), and now it’s time to start thinking more about your strategy; we recommend you focus on ‘Dominating the T’.

So how does one Dominate the ‘T’?

If you’re looking for an activity that boasts high intensities and will help Squash your cardio goals, but not sure where to begin, give this headline a read - we’ll help you get started with lobbing, nicking, and killing your competition (in a fun-first way)!

First: Gear up! In the ESSC Squash leagues, we provide the balls and players are required to bring their own racquet, protective eyewear, and non-marking indoor shoes.

Second: Familiarize yourself with the court lines and boundaries!

Squash players are not only athletic, coordinated and look good in goggles, but they also have the extra responsibility of submitting their scores each week. Squash is unique as it is our only indoor sport where players take on this added responsibility; and we appreciate them for it!

Everyone has been there before – the momentary panic you feel when you realize you won’t be able to attend a game. All your friends are busy and the sub list isn’t working, so what now? The only other option seems to be glaring you right in the face, and you might be too caught up in the panic to realize the consequences, but there seems to be no other way. You decide not to attend your game.

But, what consequences could really happen if you don’t attend your game. I mean, you’re only one player right?

You’re decent at Squash, but you want people to look at you in amazement as they call your game ‘majestic’, and you want outer ring roads named after you. To reach majestic status, we suggest including these 3 crucial elements in your repertoire. You’re welcome.

Playing Squash is awesome, but it can get pretty tight in there and the ball is ALL over the place! As a result, there are some general etiquette and rules in place to ensure interference is limited and dealt with fairly when it does occur. Here is a summary: 

Interference

Squash racquet strings don't necessarily have to break to need replacing. Yes, SSC leagues are pretty casual, but If you're playing frequently (three or more times per week) we recommend that you restring your racquet at least three times a year to ensure optimum performance as all strings will lose their elasticity and deteriorate over time. Once the strings are pulled to tension within a racquet they will gradually lose elasticity even if they are not in use. Many players neglect their strings, even though proper stringing can make a huge difference to the way a racquet performs.

Wearing goggles during Squash is pretty normal. However, some people think they are way too cool to be seen with those ridiculous things on their face. Let me tell you, no one is so cool that they can disregard their safety or their vision. Being able to see is a pretty great thing, you should do whatever you can to keep that up.

It’s a common question that you hear all the time when you tell someone you’ve joined a Squash league…”Oh is that like Racquetball?” Whether or not you cringe when you hear the name of Squash’s nemesis or not, you still have to answer the question. Here are some easy replies for you to use next time you are faced with this daunting question.