Squash is a racquet sport played by two players (singles) or four players (doubles) on a four-walled court. The objective of the game is to hit a small rubber ball against the front wall using a racquet and make it bounce twice before the opponent can return it.
Here are the full details about squash rules and a brief history:
Rules of Squash:
- Court: Squash is played on a four-walled court, typically made of plaster or glass. The front wall has an outline called the "tin," which is 19 inches (48 cm) high and marks the bottom boundary for valid shots.
- Scoring: Squash follows a point-a-rally scoring system, where players can score points on every rally. The game is typically played to 9 or 11 points, and players must win by two points (e.g., 9-7 or 11-9).
- Serve: The server must stand within the service box and hit the ball directly onto the front wall above the tin. The ball must land within the service box diagonally opposite on the other side of the court. If the serve is good, the receiver must return it before it bounces twice.
- Rally: After the serve, the players take turns hitting the ball against the front wall. The ball must be struck above the tin and below the outline at the top of the front wall. It can hit any other wall, including the floor, before the opponent tries to return it.
- Return: The opponent must return the ball before it bounces twice. The ball can be hit directly off the front wall or after hitting any other wall. It must be struck above the tin and below the outline. Players can hit the ball directly or let it bounce first.
- Let and Stroke: If there is interference during play, a "let" is called, and the rally is replayed. If the interference denies the opponent a clear opportunity to make a shot, a "stroke" is awarded, and the player is awarded the point.
- Winning the Point: Players can win points if the opponent fails to hit the ball above the tin, hits the ball out of bounds, or fails to return the ball before it bounces twice. The server continues to serve until they lose a rally.
History of Squash: The origins of squash can be traced back to the 19th century in England. It evolved from the game of "rackets," which was played in enclosed courts. The first squash courts were built in the Harrow School in London in the 1830s.
The game's name "squash" is believed to have derived from the "squashable" nature of the rubber ball used in the sport. Initially, various ball sizes and types were used, but eventually, the standard black rubber ball was adopted.
Squash gained popularity in the 20th century and started to spread internationally. The Squash Rackets Association (SRA) was formed in 1907, and the game's rules were standardized. The first British Open Squash Championship took place in 1922, marking the beginning of organized professional squash.
Over the years, squash has seen significant growth as a competitive sport worldwide. The World Squash Federation (WSF) was formed in 1967 to govern the sport globally. The Professional Squash Association (PSA) was established in 1976 to oversee professional tournaments and rankings.
Squash is now played in over 185 countries, and major tournaments like the World Squash Championships and the PSA World Championships attract top players from around the world. The sport continues to evolve, with improvements in equipment, court technology, and gameplay strategies.
In recent years, efforts have been made to include squash in the Olympic Games, although it has not been successful yet. However, squash remains a popular sport played at both recreational and professional levels, offering a challenging and physically demanding game for enthusiasts worldwide.