Want to know how to play a squash game? Well, this is the article that you need in your life. It is a unique game that had its origin in the prisons of London back in the 19th Century. So, get your rackets as we take you on an informative journey through history of a nuanced and intricate game of squash.
What Is Squash Game?
The game is remarkably similar to tennis, but the players are facing a ball and hit the ball so that it bounces off the wall before reaching the opponent. If this is what you are looking for, then you are in the right spot. Squash is a ball and racket game played in a closed court with four walls. Players take turns to strike the ball onto the playable surface of one of the walls. The primary objective of the player is to hit the ball in such a way that the opponent cannot return the strike.
As of current stats, around 20 million players play the game of squash across the globe in 185 different countries. The game is so popular that the International Olympic Committee or IOC has formally recognized the World Squash Federation and has included it in the Olympic Games. In fact, fans of Squash can rejoice as the game will be featured in the 2028 Summer Olympics.
But one thing that not many people know about the game is that the game first originated in the prisons of 19th Century London. Soon enough, the game became popular, and different schools in London included the game. The first ever school that inducted this game into their curriculum was Harrows School in London. This started the journey of this game that transformed a mere pastime into an Olympic event.
As time went by, the game started getting more and more regulated. One fun fact about the game is that the infamous RMS Titanic had a squash court in the first class. This shows the overall popularity of the sport among the affluent classes.
How To Play: Squash Game
Squash originated in the restrictive environment of London Prisons. Therefore, the game is very much shaped by that restriction of space. The game is primarily a racket and ball game where two or more players play on a four-walled court with rules kind of similar to tennis. But unlike tennis, the ball in squash is bounced via a wall and is not directly to the opponent. This adds a layer of complexity to the game, therefore making it a more strategically advanced game. In fact, Forbes Magazine has voted this game as one of the healthiest games of all time. The game keeps the players on their toes.
Scoring
Each match is a five-round game. The winner is the player who wins three rounds out of five. Each game is played for a total of 11 points. In order to win, you need to get 11 points. But if both the players reach 10-all at the same time, then the game continues till one player gets a +2 lead. In such situations, players can score according to PAR or point–a–rally. If the server wins a rally, he scores a point and remains the server. If a receiver wins a rally, he wins a point and becomes the next server. This is how the scoring system works in a regular game of squash.
Interference
Interference becomes a major aspect of the game of squash. And the reason behind this is that all the players are on the same side of the court. Therefore, players have to consciously make an effort to avoid colliding with each other. If a server or a receiver feels that the other player is obstructing his or her vision, then he or she can call it out. Also, if there is an interference, players can choose to continue playing or stop the set. If the interference was an inadvertent mistake, then the player who calls it out is awarded a ‘let,’ and the opponent is issued a warning.
If the interference was not a mistake, then the player calling it out will be awarded a stroke and, subsequently, a point. This can feel a little too complex at first. Over time, you will understand the rules of interference and how it pans out. In fact, reading the official rulebook of squash games will also help you understand the rules of interference better.
Strategy
This is a subjective section as each player differs in their strategies according to the situation. However, dominating the T is a popular strategy. After making a hit, players return to the center of the court. This spot is the best place to dominate as it helps the player to reach any side of the court easily. Dominating the T also ensures the most minimal movement spaces.
Therefore, strategically, this is the best place to stand or dominate the court. So, we suggest that you practice moving to the T with every shot you make. In fact, make it a second habit so as to ensure that you do not have to move extra when receiving the ball. Otherwise, the game will automatically become more complex and elaborate.
End Note
So there you go, this was all the pieces of information that you would need in order to understand the intricate game of squash that is popularly lauded as one of the best and fittest games by the prestigious Forbes magazine. However, no game can be understood completely unless you play the game. So get out of your room and play a healthy game of squash with your friends and family to understand the true joy.
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