With famous names like Peter Nicol, Jahangir Khan, Jonathan Power and Jansher Khan, squash is one of the most popular games. The popularity of the game has grown tremendously and a large number of people want to play it for training and competitive reasons. However, it is necessary for everyone to learn how to play squash before reaching the expert level.
When you want to learn how to play squash, keep in mind the fact that there is no instant method to learn this game. However, it is possible to read many tutorials that can help you understand the basics of the game and how to play it. If you want to become proficient in this game and develop a successful approach, you should not limit yourself to playing squash, but also practice it frequently. Other games, such as badminton, can be played in your garden, but squash requires a court and all the equipment, such as rackets, balls, and squash equipment.
Tips on how to play squash:
For a novice, squash is all about hitting the wall with a rubber ball. However, when you start to play the game in a practical way, you will realize that, although the basic premise of squash, the sport is much more than that. Stamina and strength are the two most crucial features of this game that can enable you to dominate your opponent. Listed below are several essential tips that you can use when learning to play squash:
Learn the rules of the game: Just like any other sport, there are various guidelines that govern the game of squash. To learn these rules, you can read different resources on the internet, find a book at your local library, or seek guidance from a senior player.
Find a short pumpkin: Squash essentially requires a court to play. Do some research on squash courts in your local area and see if they require any form of membership to allow you to play. Local squash courts usually do not charge a high fee and may even offer you various packages.
Arrange for someone to play with: Remember that squash requires 2 players and you can ask your friends or someone else if they would be interested in playing with you. Alternatively, it would be smart to find someone with experience in the sport as they can guide you on how to play squash.
Start the rally: Both players alternately take turns hitting the ball against a large wall inside the squash court. The play begins with one player serving the ball and continues as he bounces off the wall to the other player who hits the ball against the wall.
The server must be within the two red lines on the wall. If it crosses the upper red line, it is considered out of bounds, while the lower line is the service line. Be sure to dribble the ball from the quarter court opposite the side it was hit from. After the rally starts, you don’t have to think about the red lines. Play continues until a point is scored.
Scoring systems: There are 2 scoring systems that have been used to award squash games:
English punctuation system: This scoring system was also called booklet scoring. According to the rules, the server receives a point when the player wins the rally, while in case the receiver wins the rally, the player will only get the serve without any points. Whoever reaches the score of 9 first is the winner. When the game is tied at 8-8, the first player to reach 8 points will decide if the game should continue with the first set (9 points) or the second set (10 points). Previously, this scoring system was widely used in the UK and Commonwealth countries.
LEAVE: This is the official scoring system in squash known as the Point a Rally Scoring system or PARS. The rules governing this method of scoring state that a point will be awarded to the player who wins the rally, regardless of whether he was serving or receiving the ball. The game continues until one of the players achieves eleven points and it is vital that the winner has a minimum advantage of 2 points.
Refine your game: If you want to learn to play squash on a more serious and professional level, you can also find out how to hire a coach who can help you develop better technique for the game.