Sports

Squash Rules Summary

Score Summary

To win a squash match, you must win 3 out of 5 games. The first player to win 3 games wins the match. The games are played to 11 points. If the score is tied 10-10, the first player to lead by 2 points wins the game. For example, if you advance 13-11, you have won the game.

Either player can earn a point (it is not necessary to be serving to earn a point).

Warming up

If you are playing in a tournament or other authorized match, squash rules require a maximum warm-up of 5 minutes (2.5 minutes per side). Sometimes you have the flexibility to warm up a bit more, but if the tournament is on a tight schedule, you may be forced to do so, so be aware of that.

Before the game begins, spin a racket to determine who will serve first.

Service

Each point begins with a serve. The server decides whether to serve from the right service box or from the left service box. The server must place at least one foot inside the service box, without touching the service box line.

The service must hit the front wall first, above the service line painted on the front wall. The ball must hit completely above this line without touching it. The ball must land on the opposite back quarter of the court, unless the opponent volleys it.

If the server wins the point, then he serves from the other service box and continues to alternate as long as he is scoring points. If the server loses the rally, the other player becomes the server and decides from which service box he would like to serve.

At the start of a new game, the player who won the last game serves first.

Manifestations

To continue the play, you must hit the ball before it bounces twice. You can launch your shot from the side or back walls, or directly to the front wall, as long as the ball makes contact with the front wall before it hits the ground. Your shot must also be played above the can (the strip of metal or wood along the bottom of the front wall) and must remain within the outer limits of the court. If you can’t continue the play with a good shot, your opponent wins the point, regardless of who was serving.

Interference

During the game, you are not allowed to cram or block your opponent’s swing from getting the ball back. If you interfere with your opponent’s swing while hitting the ball, this is called a “hit” and you lose the point. Similarly, if you are standing between the ball and the front wall, and your opponent is standing with his racket ready and ready to hit, this is a hit and you lose the point. If you block the other player from moving toward the ball and don’t do your best to get out of the way, this is also a hit.

If you block the opponent from moving towards the ball and do your best to get out of the way, this is called “letting go” and the point is replayed. If the opponent was ready to hit the ball, it would be a hit, but if the opponent was unable to move towards the ball, this is a let.

If you block the opponent from moving towards the ball, and there was no chance for your opponent to get his shot back, this is called a “no let” and you win the point despite the interference.

These situations can often be ambiguous. If the players cannot agree, it is better to play a let. Of course, in a tournament, there are often referees to determine the calls.

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