Squash (sport)

Squash Played at the Pyramids of Egypt

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Squash Ball Dunlop Revelation Pro 1

Squash Court

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US Open Squash Championship 2011 Drexel University

Squash is a high-intensity racquet sport played by two (singles) or four players (doubles) in a four-walled court with a small, hollow rubber ball. The players alternate in striking the ball with their racquets onto the playable surfaces of the four walls of the court. The game is governed by the World Squash Federation (WSF).

History

Squash has its origins in the older game of racquets which was played in London prisons in the 18th century. The game evolved when students at Harrow School discovered that a punctured Rackets ball, which "squashed" on impact with the wall, offered a greater variety of shots, leading to the game being named "squash". The first purpose-built squash court was constructed at Harrow in 1864.

Rules and Play

The objective of squash is to hit the ball in such a way that the opponent is not able to play a valid return. There are several ways to score points, including causing the ball to bounce twice before the opponent hits it, hitting a shot that the opponent cannot return before it bounces once, and the opponent hitting the ball out of play. A match is typically played to the best of five games, with each game played to 11 points. The player who scores 11 points first wins the game, but if the score reaches 10-10, the game continues until one player wins by two points.

Equipment

The equipment required to play squash includes a squash racquet and a squash ball. The racquets are made from composite materials, including carbon fiber, and are smaller than those used in tennis. Squash balls come in various colors, each indicating a different level of bounce and speed, catering to different skill levels.

Court

A squash court is a rectangular box with four walls. The front wall features an outline and a service line, with the back wall having an out line. The floor is marked with a service box and a T-shaped line that the players must return to after playing a shot. The dimensions of a standard squash court are 9.75 meters in length, 6.4 meters in width, and a front wall height of 4.57 meters.

Playing Techniques

Squash players employ a variety of shots to outmaneuver their opponent, including the drive (a hard-hit shot down the side walls), the boast (a shot hitting the side wall before the front wall), the drop shot (a softly hit shot that lands close to the front wall), and the lob (a high shot aimed to go over the opponent's head and land deep in the court).

Competitions and Championships

Squash has a number of prestigious competitions, including the World Squash Championships, the British Open Squash Championships, and the Commonwealth Games squash competition. Despite its popularity and the push by the squash community, squash is not an Olympic sport.

Health Benefits

Squash is an excellent cardiovascular workout. It requires quick movements, agility, and endurance, making it beneficial for cardiovascular health, muscle strength, flexibility, and weight management.

Conclusion

Squash is a dynamic and challenging sport that combines physical prowess with mental strategy. Its rich history and the skill required to play at a high level continue to attract participants worldwide.