How to Play Squash – Getting Started in Squash

How to Play Squash – Getting Started in Squash

Welcome to Squash Only Australia—your #1 destination for everything squash! Whether you’re stepping onto the court for the first time or looking to sharpen your squash game skills, we’ve got you covered with expert advice, top-quality equipment, and all the essentials to get started and play squash.

Squash is a fast-paced, exciting sport that improves fitness, agility, and strategy. Whether you're new to the squash game or looking for guidance on the basics, this guide will help you get started. To begin, you’ll need a quality squash racquet, the right squash ball for your skill level, comfortable court shoes, and protective eyewear. Mastering the basic rules, grip, and movement will set you up for success and help you enjoy the game from day one.

Lets get started with the basics, how to play squash for beginners and stay tuned for tips, gear recommendations, and expert insights from the team at Squash Only Australia—your trusted source for all things squash!

What do I need?

All you need to get started is a squash racquet, a ball, and non-marking court shoes. Many squash centres offer equipment rentals if you don’t have your own. If you're new to the game, don’t hesitate to ask for guidance—we are happy to help!

Which Ball Should I Use?

If you're a beginner, start with a larger, faster ball—such as a blue, or red dot squash ball—since it bounces more easily, and slightly larger, making rallies smoother. As you gain experience, you can transition to a slower ball, like a yellow or double yellow dot, which has less bounce and requires greater control.

Getting Started

Before play begins, both players warm up the ball for 4 minutes, switching sides after 2 minutes.

• Scoring: When you win a rally, you score a point.
• Game Length: Games are typically played to 11 or 15 points. If the score reaches 10-all or 14-all, a player must win by at least 2 points.
• Match Format: A match is usually played as the best of 3 or 5 games.

Now you're ready to hit the court and enjoy the game!

The Serve Explained

• The player who wins the racquet spin serves first.
• Serves alternate between the left and right service boxes.
• The ball must hit the front wall above the service line and land in the opposite half of the court (unless volleyed by the receiver).
• If you drop or toss the ball without hitting it, you may retry your serve.
• However, if you swing and miss the ball completely, your opponent takes the serve.

A strong serve sets the tone for the rally—aim for accuracy and control!

Can I Stand Anywhere to Serve?

No, you must have one foot inside the service box while serving.

Additionally, no part of your foot can touch any of the box boundaries.

What is 'Good' or 'Not Good'?

• The ball must be hit before it bounces twice.
• The ball must not touch the top line around the court.
• The ball must not hit the tin, which is the low area on the front wall, about knee height.

What is a Let?

A let is when a rally is replayed. This typically happens if:

• It would be dangerous to hit the ball, or
• You accidentally interfere with each other's movement.

Can Rallies Always Be Replayed?

No, a rally cannot be replayed if:

• Your opponent wasn’t in the way.
• You couldn’t have played a good shot.
• You could have played the ball but were a bit lazy.

...In these cases you lose the point 

What is a Stroke?

You win the rally if:

• Your opponent didn’t make enough effort to get out of the way.
• Your opponent was too close, preventing you from swinging your racket.

Can I Turn Around and Hit the Ball?

Never hit the ball if it could be dangerous!

In squash, if you hit the ball after it has passed behind you to the other side of your body, it’s called a "turn".
It's safer to stop and ask for a let.

• If you turn and the ball hits your opponent, your opponent wins the rally.
• If you turn quickly and your opponent can’t get out of the way, it’s a let.

Can I Call a "Time Out" for a Rest?

No, you can't call a time out, but you can rest for 90 seconds after each game.

What if I Get a Cramp?

Unfortunately, you must either continue playing or lose the game.

The more you play, the fitter you’ll become, helping to reduce cramps in the future.

What if We Accidentally Run into Each Other and One of Us Gets Hurt?

If an accident occurs, you are allowed a short recovery time to recover.

What Happens if We Get in Each Other’s Way?

After hitting the ball, you must move out of the way so your opponent can:

• See the ball after it comes off the front wall.
• Move directly to the ball.
• Have enough space to swing at the ball.
• Hit the ball to any area of the front wall.

What Happens if I Hit My Opponent with the Ball?

Play safely—stop and don’t hit the ball!

• If the ball was heading to a side wall first, it's a let.
• If the ball was going straight to the front wall, it’s a stroke.

What Happens if I Hit the Ball Back at Myself?

Unfortunately, you lose the point.

Are There Any Special Rules About the Ball?

• If the ball breaks during a rally, it's a let.
• If the ball has an unusual bounce, there is no let.

Protective Eyewear

It is recommended that all players wear protective eyewear at all times during play, particularly for beginners and junior players.

Improving Your Squash Game

The more you play squash, the fitter and more skilled you'll become. Focus on proper movement, control, and strategy to advance your skills.

Remember

Always play in a way that is safe and fair.

Start Your Squash Journey with Squash Only Australia

Thank you for reading our beginner’s guide on how to play squash! If you're ready to hit the court, Squash Only Australia has everything you need to start your squash game with confidence.

As Australia's #1 online squash store, we offer a top selection of beginner-friendly squash racquets, balls, bags, shoes, grips, eyewear, and more—all from leading brands like Dunlop, Head, Karakal, Tecnifibre, and Wilson. We provide fast shipping Australia-wide, including Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, and beyond.

Shop now at Squash Only Australia and get the best gear to elevate your game! 

Squash is great fun and excellent exercise. Enjoy!