Squash (sport)

Squash is a fast and exciting racket sport.

You can play it with two people in a singles match or four people in doubles. The game takes place inside a court with four walls. Players use rackets to strike a small, hollow rubber ball. The main goal is to hit the ball so your opponent cannot make a valid return. It is a very popular sport around the world. About 20 million people play it regularly in over 185 countries.

Playing a match involves many specific steps and rules. To start, players spin their rackets to see who serves first. The server must keep one foot inside a service box while hitting the ball. The ball must hit the front wall above a line called the service line. It must also land in the opposite back corner of the court. After the serve, players take turns hitting the ball against the front wall. The ball can bounce once on the floor before you must hit it back.

Squash has a very interesting history that began in London. It grew out of an older game called rackets played in prisons during the 19th century. Around 1830, boys at Harrow School noticed something special about their equipment. They used a punctured ball that would "squash" when it hit the wall. This made the game much more varied and fun to play. The first courts at the school were quite difficult to play in. They were built near water pipes, ledges, and other obstacles.

Equipment has changed a lot since those early days at Harrow.

Old rackets were made from one piece of English ash wood. They had grips made of suede leather and strings made of natural gut. Today, most players use modern rackets made from graphite. These rackets can weigh between 90 and 150 grams. The squash balls are also very specific. They are about 40 millimeters wide and made of a rubber compound. Players must hit the ball many times to warm it up so it bounces well.

To be a great player, you must learn smart ways to move.

Most players try to stay near the center of the court. This spot is called "the T" because of the shape of the floor lines. Staying near the T helps you reach any part of the court quickly. Players use different shots like "rails" to hit the ball straight up the wall. They might also use "drop shots" to hit the ball softly into the front corners. This forces the opponent to run a long distance. Mastering these moves helps players win more points.