The Game of Squash
Squash is a game that can be played at any age. The basics of the
game are easy to learn, and there are modified games and equipment to suit
every size and skill level.
Providing players with the opportunity for life-long involvement in
sport, squash is an ideal sport for people of all abilities because it can be
played either as an enjoyable leisure time activity or a competitive sport; an
individual, team or mixed sport regardless of weather conditions and with
little risk of injury.
People who play squash keep fit, look and feel good, and are better
able to live healthy and full lives.
The Court
The court is an enclosed rectangular room with a flush door in the
centre of the rear wall. In play, all four walls and the floor are used.
The Racquet
There are many types of racquets on the market. The best racquet is the one that feels right for you
and we will help you make the correct choice. We have demo rackets available to try and purchase
If you do not own a racquet, you can easily rent one from the club
Which ball should I use?
The level at which you play will determine which type of ball will
be the best for you to use. If you are unsure, ask one of our professionals.
The speed and degree of bounce of a squash ball is indicated by the color of
the dot on the ball. Children may progress from a foam ball about the same size
as a tennis ball, to a rubber ball which is slightly larger than a normal
squash ball.
Clothing
When playing squash, light clothing such as a t-shirt, shorts or skirt and white
soled sports shoes are mandatory.
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Body Warm Up
Muscle and joint injuries can be prevented by warming up the body
correctly. A five minute total body warm-up for players should consist of
general body warm-up as well as specific muscle stretching.
Warm/Cool Down
Just as important as the warm-up is the cool down. A five minute
cool down and specific muscle stretch should complete each session.
Eye Protection
In order to prevent serious eye injuries, we recommend that players
wear eye protection which comply with the current Australian Standard.
What level am I?
Our professionals can help you with this. Below are the general characteristics
of a squash player as defined by the USSRA ranking system.
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E Level Player- Beginner, still learning to keep score, can rally at
slow pace with player of equal ability, has trouble hitting consistently while
on the run, cannot get ball out of corners, cannot volley with any consistency,
can serve, knows the basic rules, does not understand let point rule and has
not played tournament squash.
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D Level Player- Can consistently hit the ball in play when not under
pressure, can hit the ball hard when set up, starting to get balls out of the
corners, can move forward for a medium drop, starting to use the four corners
of the court, has moderate physical fitness, has just begun to play tournament
squash.
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C Level Player- Understands the general principles of depth, uses
all four corners of the court as part of shot selection, has a fair volley and
can execute a boast and a drop shot, has good physical fitness and ability to
play hard matches two days in a row, forehand and backhand are hit with varying
speeds in varying direction.
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B Level Player
- Very dependable on both forehand and backhand, can return serve with good
depth both down the rail and cross court, volleys easy balls for depth and to
the drop, understands how to hit to the nick on balls out in the middle,
starting to learn to hold the shot on a ball in the middle, can retrieve
consistently out of the back corners, can consistently cover all four corners
from the T.
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A Level Player- - Has mastered all aspects of the game, only separated from high B
players by fitness and the quality of the shots, frequently has an outstanding shot or
shots around which to build his or her game, has less physical and mental lapses than
the 6.0 player.
How to improve?
Coaching is only one aspect of becoming a better player. Learning the basic strokes,
rules and safety are important for beginners to learn to enable them to enjoy the game more. As
you improve learning to deal with more pressure (quality of shot and speed of the game) becomes
vital. A good coach can help you with this and many other aspects of your game. Fitness, mental
approach and nutrition all become important the more you improve. The club @ 800 offers our members
access to all these facilities.
How Do I book a court?
Courts can be booked up to 7 days in advance at Reception either by telephone, e-mail
or in person. We try whenever possible to limit coaching during peak hours to allow all our members
time to enjoy the game.
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