The court
The standard, internationally-recognised size of a squash court is 32 feet by 21 feet (9.75 metres by 6.4 metres). The out of court line (out line) is painted on the front wall, at a height of 15 feet (4.57 metres). The back wall also has an out of court line at a height of 7 feet (2.13 metres). The front and back out lines are joined by straight, angled lines along the side walls. These slope downwards (because the back out line is lower than the front out line), creating the characteristic trapezium shape of the side walls.
The service line (also known as the cut line) is located at a height of 6 feet (1. 83 metres) on the front wall. Below this, 17 inches (0.43 metres) above the floor, is the line demarcating the “tin”. This area is the equivalent of the net found in many other racquet sports.
The floor is divided by a half-court line running parallel to the side wall and extending down the centre of the court for 14 feet (4.26 metres), and by a short line which spans the whole width of the court. The two areas behind the short line are called the quarters orquarter courts. Within the quarters are the two service boxes, measuring 5 feet 3 inches (1.6 metres) square. These are located behind the service line at the far right and left of the court.
The Ball
Both green and black squash balls are being used, the former made from non-marking rubber. The traditional black ball is, however, preferred because the rubber from which it is made guaranteed a more consistent bounce and a less flighty ball. International matches, however, are played with a white colored ball in order to increase visibility to the audience.
As well as this basic distinction based on the type of rubber used, there are four types of squash ball in use. These are identified by a small colored dot, each color indicating a varying degree of bounce. The blue dot ball is the fastest followed by balls with green, white and red dots.
A further type, known as a Double Yellow, may also be used. This is categorised as Extra Super Slow and has a very low bounce. This is the ball used in all international matches nowadays. Players are allowed to warm the ball to playing condition at the beginning of a match or when a new ball has been introduced.
It's not uncommon for squash balls to break during play. If this occurs the Referee will replace the ball, after confirming it is broken.
The Racquet
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| Traditional rackets made from wood and natural gut |
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| Latest rackets are made using the latest and most innovative technologies |
Traditionally these were made of wood and gut. But modern squash racquets are constructed from a variety of materials including aluminium and carbon. Imagine a cross between a tennis and a badminton racquet and you will get the general idea of a squash racquet. The shape and size of the racquet head varies quite a lot, and offers different levels of power, balance and comfort. The player's individual style will determine the most suitable racquet.
Shoes
Shoes in squash play a very vital role since a player is required to use his feet extensively during the game. What makes squash different is that the players do not move in the same direction all the time, the nature of the game is such that you'd be running all around the during the game, and this is where it is absolutely inevitable to have shoes that support your feet movement, unless you want to run into some sort of injuries.
The type of shoes used in squash are those with non-marking soles (as are in almost all indoor sports) and are NOT meant for forward motion. This is because a shoe designed for forward motion won't help a squash player much in side-ward movement.
Other equipment
- Clothing - The type worn by squash players varies, but is similar to the whites worn by tennis players.
- Eye Guards - The World Squash Federation and other bodies recommend protective eye guards made out of clear plastic, to be worn at all times during play.
- Handle Grips - These may improve racquet control and help to stop the racquet from slipping out of a player's grasp.
