What squash is
Squash is a racket sport played in a closed room, where two players take turns to hit a small rubber ball against the front wall. The ball may also hit the side and back walls on its way, so the court is small but there is a lot of game in it. Squash began at Harrow School in England in the early 19th century, when pupils hit a ball against a schoolyard wall. In 2028 squash is on the Olympic programme for the first time.
The court is 9.75 metres long and 6.4 metres wide. Squash is mostly played one against one, though there is a doubles game on a wider court. The game is full of short sprints and turns, which makes it a good workout even for people who never plan to compete.
Where and when it is played in Estonia
In Estonia squash is played indoors all year round, mostly at sports clubs and centres. A court is usually booked for 45 minutes or an hour, and weekday evenings are the busiest. At a club night the club has several courts at once and players change opponents after every game. You see the number of venues and the towns at the top of this page, and every venue's page has its website and how to book.
In short for beginners
- The first time you can usually rent a racket at the venue. Take a blue dot ball, it bounces the most.
- Indoor shoes need a light sole that leaves no marks.
- Eye protection is compulsory for children and juniors, and sensible for any beginner.
- The full guide: how to start playing squash.
The rules in short
- The winner of every rally scores a point, not only the server.
- A game is played to 11 points. At 10:10 it goes on until one player leads by two. A match is usually best of five games.
- The ball must hit the front wall above the tin and below the out line, and may bounce on the floor only once.
- If your opponent is in the way and you cannot hit safely, stop and ask for a let: the rally is played again.
- The full rules are on our squash rules page in Estonian.