Welcome to Squash Only Australia—your go-to destination for everything squash! Whether you're just starting out or fine-tuning your squash game, choosing the right squash ball is crucial for improving your play. 

With different squash ball types, sizes, and dots, knowing which one suits your skill level can make a huge difference. In this guide, we’ll explain squash ball differences, the best squash balls for beginners, and which squash balls are used in competition. Plus, we’ll answer common questions like how big is a squash ball, what are squash balls made of, and how fast does a squash ball travel.

Let’s dive in and help you find the perfect squash ball to elevate your game! Stay tuned for expert insights from the team at Squash Only Australia—your trusted source for all things squash.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Squash Ball

Selecting the right squash ball is crucial for beginners to enjoy and develop their skills in the game. A well-suited ball enhances player experience, encourages longer rallies, and makes learning fundamental techniques easier. This not only improves skill progression but also boosts player retention and overall satisfaction.

Too often, beginners mistakenly start with a double yellow dot ball—a disaster for first-time players. With minimal bounce, it dies in the corners, demands excessive effort to hit, and limits movement on the court. The result? No real rallies, no sweat, no sense of achievement—just frustration. It’s no surprise that many rethink playing squash after such a difficult introduction.

To ensure beginners have a genuine and enjoyable experience, it's essential to guide them toward the best squash balls for beginners. Choosing the right squash ball type can make all the difference in helping new players discover the thrill and excitement of the game.

Selecting the right squash ball is essential for improving your game and ensuring an enjoyable experience on the court. Squash balls come in different sizes, speeds, and bounce levels, which are indicated by their squash ball dots. Understanding squash ball types will help you find the best one for your skill level.

Squash Ball Types and Their Differences

Blue Dot (Intro/Beginner Ball)

• The best squash ball for beginners, offering higher bounce and faster speed to allow more reaction time.
• 12% larger than a standard ball (squash ball diameter: 45mm).
• 40% more bounce than a pro ball, making rallies easier and boosting confidence.

Red Dot (Progress Ball)

• Designed for recreational and developing players looking to improve their technique.
• 6% larger than a standard ball (42.5mm squash ball size), providing 20% more bounce.
• Ideal for those transitioning from beginner to intermediate play.

Single Yellow Dot (Competition Ball)

• Standard club-level squash ball offering a balance of bounce and control.
• Same squash ball diameter as the pro ball (40mm) but with 10% more bounce.
• Suitable for advanced players and those playing in cooler conditions, where extra bounce is beneficial. 

Double Yellow Dot (Pro Ball)

• The official tournament ball used in national and international competitions.
• The slowest and least bouncy ball, requiring a well-developed technique and proper warm-up.
• Standard squash ball weight and squash ball size: 40mm diameter.

White Ball (Championship Ball)

• Used in professional glass court tournaments to enhance visibility.
• Offers elite-level performance with consistent bounce and durability.
• Standard squash ball weight and squash ball size: 40mm diameter.
• Recognised by the World Squash Federation (WSF) and Professional Squash Association (PSA).

Choosing the Best Squash Ball for Beginners

Selecting the right squash ball is crucial for improving your game and enjoying longer rallies. For beginners, the best choice is the blue dot squash ball, also known as the Intro ball.

Why Choose a Blue Dot Squash Ball?

• Higher Bounce – With 40% more bounce than a double yellow dot squash ball, it stays in play longer, making it easier to hit.
• No Warm-Up Needed – Unlike advanced squash ball types, the blue dot ball doesn’t require warming up before play.
• Ideal for Learning – The increased bounce and slower speed allow new players to develop technique, improve reaction time, and build confidence on the court.

Squash Ball Size and Weight Explained

If you’re wondering how big is a squash ball or what are squash balls made of, understanding their dimensions is key to choosing the right one for your game.

Squash Ball Diameter & Weight

• Standard squash ball size ranges from 39.5mm to 40.5mm in diameter, measured perpendicular to the seam.
• The squash ball weight falls between 23 and 25 grams, ensuring consistency in play across all squash ball types.

These specifications apply to all official competition squash balls. However, beginner squash balls—such as the blue dot and red dot balls—are slightly larger to allow for higher bounce and longer rallies, making them the best squash balls for beginners.

How to Choose the Best Squash Ball for Your Game

Selecting the right squash ball is crucial for improving your game and ensuring an enjoyable experience on the court. The squash balls difference lies in their bounce, speed, and dot markings, which indicate the level of difficulty. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced player, understanding squash ball types will help you play at your best.

Choosing the Right Squash Ball for Your Skill Level

• Beginners should start with a blue dot or red dot squash ball, which has a higher bounce and longer hang time. These are the best squash balls for beginners as they allow for easier rallies and help develop fundamental skills.
• Intermediate players can progress to a single yellow dot ball, which offers less bounce and requires better technique.
• Advanced and serious club players should use a double yellow dot squash ball, the official choice for competitions, including the PSA World Tour. This ball has the lowest bounce and demands precise control and power for more challenging play.

Factors That Affect Squash Ball Performance

• Bounce and Hang Time: A higher bounce makes the game easier, while a lower bounce requires more skill and faster reactions.
• Court Conditions: Temperature plays a role in ball performance. In cold courts, balls tend to be slower and less bouncy, so using a ball with higher bounce (e.g., a single yellow or red dot ball) is recommended. In warm courts, the ball heats up faster, making it more lively, so using a lower bounce ball (e.g., a single or ouble yellow dot) is ideal.

Final Tips

Choosing a squash ball size and type that matches your skill level ensures a better playing experience. Avoid using a ball that’s too advanced, as it can limit rallies and slow skill progression. Whether you're wondering which squash balls are used in competition, how big is a squash ball, or how fast does a squash ball travel, selecting the right one will enhance your game and keep you improving on the court!

How Long Does a Squash Ball Last?

One of the most common questions players ask is how often to replace a squash ball. The lifespan of a ball depends on factors such as playing style, frequency of use, and the ball type.

Signs You Need a New Squash Ball

There is no exact rule on when to replace a squash ball, but there are clear signs to look out for:

• The ball becomes shiny and starts to skid on the court.
• It loses bounce and doesn't react the same way during rallies.
• You struggle to maintain the usual speed and control in your game.

Typically, a squash ball lasts 8 to 10 hours of play before it starts to wear out. Professional matches allow a ball change every two games, while club players may go through a ball over several sessions. 

If you play regularly, it’s best to keep a few fresh squash balls in your bag so you’re always ready for a quality game. Understanding squash ball types and when to replace them helps maintain consistency and improves your overall playing experience!

Why Do Squash Balls Lose Performance?

What are squash balls made of? Squash balls consist of two rubber halves sealed together, trapping air inside. Over time, the air slowly escapes, reducing internal pressure and causing a loss of bounce. This is why older balls feel dead and don’t perform as well.

If you play regularly, it’s best to keep a few fresh squash balls in your bag so you’re always ready for a quality game. Understanding squash ball types and when to replace them helps maintain consistency and improves your overall playing experience!

Why Do Squash Balls Need to Be Warmed Up?

If you've ever started a game of squash with a cold squash ball, you’ll know it doesn’t bounce much. That’s because squash balls need to be warmed up before they perform properly.

The Science Behind Warming Up a Squash Ball

Squash balls are made of rubber and contain air inside. When hit repeatedly against the wall, the air inside warms up, increasing internal pressure and making the rubber more flexible. This results in a higher bounce, allowing for faster rallies and better gameplay.

How to Warm Up a Squash Ball

To ensure optimal performance, players warm up a squash ball by hitting it against the wall for a few minutes. This process gradually increases the bounce and responsiveness of the ball.

Do All Squash Balls Need to Be Warmed Up?

• Beginner balls (blue dot) – These have a naturally higher bounce and do not need warming up, making them the best squash balls for beginners.
• Intermediate balls (red dot) – Require only a short warm-up to reach optimal playability.
• Advanced and competition balls (single and double yellow dot) – These have a lower natural bounce and must be properly warmed up for a fair and competitive game.

By properly warming up your squash ball, you’ll ensure longer rallies, better control, and a more enjoyable game!

Which Squash Balls Do Professional Players Use?

When it comes to professional squash, the choice of squash ball is crucial for ensuring a fast-paced and competitive game.

The Official Squash Ball for Professionals

The double yellow dot squash ball is the standard choice for elite players and is the official ball used on the PSA World Tour. This ball has the lowest bounce and slowest speed, making it the most challenging to play with. It requires proper warming up before it reaches optimal performance.

White Squash Balls for Glass Courts

In modern glass courts, where visibility is key, professional tournaments often use white squash balls, also known as the White Pro or Championship Ball. These are identical in performance to the double yellow dot ball but are designed to be more visible under bright lighting conditions.

Should You Use a Professional Squash Ball?

If you're an advanced player looking for a challenge, the double yellow dot ball is ideal. However, if you're a beginner or intermediate player, opting for a red or blue dot ball can help develop skills before transitioning to professional-level play.

By choosing the right squash ball, you’ll ensure a more enjoyable and competitive game suited to your skill level.

Squash Ball Brands: Understanding the Differences

When choosing a squash ball, brand matters. While all squash balls follow standard regulations for squash ball size, squash ball weight, and squash ball diameter, different brands offer unique playing characteristics, durability, and consistency.

Dunlop Squash Balls – The Gold Standard

Dunlop is the most widely recognised brand, producing squash balls used in professional competitions, including the PSA World Tour. Known for unrivalled performance, long lifespan, and consistent bounce, Dunlop balls ensure a high-quality game at any level.

Head Squash Balls – Innovation and Performance

Head squash balls incorporate advanced materials to enhance durability and playability. They are a popular choice among competitive and club-level players looking for reliable performance.

Tecnifibre Squash Balls – Designed for Every Level

Tecnifibre offers a range of squash ball types, catering to beginners, intermediates, and professionals. These balls are built with durability and performance in mind, making them a versatile choice for players of all skill levels.

Karakal Squash Balls – Ultra Soft Rubber for Extra Control

Karakal squash balls stand out due to their Ultra Soft Rubber formula, which enhances control and accuracy. This makes them particularly appealing to intermediate and recreational players who want precision in their game.

Which Squash Ball Brand is Right for You?

While Dunlop squash balls are the go-to for professionals, other brands like Head, Tecnifibre, and Karakal provide excellent alternatives depending on your playing style and preferences. No matter your choice, understanding the difference in squash ball brands can help you find the best squash balls for your game.

Mini Squash Balls: The Perfect Start for Young Players

Introducing children to squash requires the right equipment, and mini squash balls are specially designed to help young players develop their skills. These balls differ from standard squash ball types in size, bounce, and speed, making it easier for kids to learn the game in a fun and engaging way.

Types of Mini Squash Balls

Dunlop Fun Red Mini Squash Balls (Ages 5-7)

• Larger and bouncier than regular beginner squash balls, allowing more reaction time.
• Ideal for building coordination and motor skills.
• Designed for absolute beginners to enjoy the game from the start.

Dunlop Play Orange Mini Squash Balls (Ages 7-10)

• Slightly less bouncy than the red ball, providing better control.
• Helps young players refine their skills and maintain longer rallies.
• The bright orange colour enhances visibility and reaction time.

Why Choose Mini Squash Balls?

Mini squash balls are essential for introducing children to the sport. Their adjusted squash ball size, weight, and bounce ensure an enjoyable experience while fostering essential skills like hand-eye coordination, reaction speed, and confidence on the court. For the best squash balls for young beginners, start with mini squash balls and set young players on the path to future success.

Final Thoughts on Squash Balls

Understanding squash balls in detail allows you to make informed choices based on your skill level, playing conditions, and personal preferences. Whether you're wondering which squash balls are used in competition, what are squash balls made of, or how big is a squash ball, having the right knowledge ensures you get the best performance on the court.

The squash ball size, weight, and bounce all impact gameplay. With different squash ball types, including those with various squash ball dots, choosing the right one is essential for skill development and competitive play. The best squash balls for beginners offer higher bounce and longer rallies, while advanced players benefit from lower-bounce, faster balls. 

Squash Only Australia – Your Go-To Shop for Squash Balls Online

At Squash Only Australia, we offer a wide range of squash ball types, helping you select the perfect ball based on your skill level and playing conditions. 

We proudly stock high-quality squash balls from trusted brands like Dunlop, Karakal, Head, and Tecnifibre, available individually, in twin packs, packs of three, half-dozen sets, or full boxes of 12. Buying in bulk ensures you always have a fresh ball on hand, as squash balls wear out over time. 

With fast shipping available across Australia, getting the right squash balls has never been easier. Whether you’re a casual player or competing at the highest level, we have the perfect squash ball for you. Shop online today at Squash Only Australia and take your game to the next level!

Welcome to Squash Only Australia—your #1 destination for everything squash! Whether you’re stepping onto the court for the first time or looking to sharpen your squash game skills, we’ve got you covered with expert advice, top-quality equipment, and all the essentials to get started and play squash.

Squash is a fast-paced, exciting sport that improves fitness, agility, and strategy. Whether you're new to the squash game or looking for guidance on the basics, this guide will help you get started. To begin, you’ll need a quality squash racquet, the right squash ball for your skill level, comfortable court shoes, and protective eyewear. Mastering the basic rules, grip, and movement will set you up for success and help you enjoy the game from day one.

Lets get started with the basics, how to play squash for beginners and stay tuned for tips, gear recommendations, and expert insights from the team at Squash Only Australia—your trusted source for all things squash!

What do I need?

All you need to get started is a squash racquet, a ball, and non-marking court shoes. Many squash centres offer equipment rentals if you don’t have your own. If you're new to the game, don’t hesitate to ask for guidance—we are happy to help!

Which Ball Should I Use?

If you're a beginner, start with a larger, faster ball—such as a blue, or red dot squash ball—since it bounces more easily, and slightly larger, making rallies smoother. As you gain experience, you can transition to a slower ball, like a yellow or double yellow dot, which has less bounce and requires greater control.

Getting Started

Before play begins, both players warm up the ball for 4 minutes, switching sides after 2 minutes.

• Scoring: When you win a rally, you score a point.
• Game Length: Games are typically played to 11 or 15 points. If the score reaches 10-all or 14-all, a player must win by at least 2 points.
• Match Format: A match is usually played as the best of 3 or 5 games.

Now you're ready to hit the court and enjoy the game!

The Serve Explained

• The player who wins the racquet spin serves first.
• Serves alternate between the left and right service boxes.
• The ball must hit the front wall above the service line and land in the opposite half of the court (unless volleyed by the receiver).
• If you drop or toss the ball without hitting it, you may retry your serve.
• However, if you swing and miss the ball completely, your opponent takes the serve.

A strong serve sets the tone for the rally—aim for accuracy and control!

Can I Stand Anywhere to Serve?

No, you must have one foot inside the service box while serving.

Additionally, no part of your foot can touch any of the box boundaries.

What is 'Good' or 'Not Good'?

• The ball must be hit before it bounces twice.
• The ball must not touch the top line around the court.
• The ball must not hit the tin, which is the low area on the front wall, about knee height.

What is a Let?

A let is when a rally is replayed. This typically happens if:

• It would be dangerous to hit the ball, or
• You accidentally interfere with each other's movement.

Can Rallies Always Be Replayed?

No, a rally cannot be replayed if:

• Your opponent wasn’t in the way.
• You couldn’t have played a good shot.
• You could have played the ball but were a bit lazy.

...In these cases you lose the point 

What is a Stroke?

You win the rally if:

• Your opponent didn’t make enough effort to get out of the way.
• Your opponent was too close, preventing you from swinging your racket.

Can I Turn Around and Hit the Ball?

Never hit the ball if it could be dangerous!

In squash, if you hit the ball after it has passed behind you to the other side of your body, it’s called a "turn".
It's safer to stop and ask for a let.

• If you turn and the ball hits your opponent, your opponent wins the rally.
• If you turn quickly and your opponent can’t get out of the way, it’s a let.

Can I Call a "Time Out" for a Rest?

No, you can't call a time out, but you can rest for 90 seconds after each game.

What if I Get a Cramp?

Unfortunately, you must either continue playing or lose the game.

The more you play, the fitter you’ll become, helping to reduce cramps in the future.

What if We Accidentally Run into Each Other and One of Us Gets Hurt?

If an accident occurs, you are allowed a short recovery time to recover.

What Happens if We Get in Each Other’s Way?

After hitting the ball, you must move out of the way so your opponent can:

• See the ball after it comes off the front wall.
• Move directly to the ball.
• Have enough space to swing at the ball.
• Hit the ball to any area of the front wall.

What Happens if I Hit My Opponent with the Ball?

Play safely—stop and don’t hit the ball!

• If the ball was heading to a side wall first, it's a let.
• If the ball was going straight to the front wall, it’s a stroke.

What Happens if I Hit the Ball Back at Myself?

Unfortunately, you lose the point.

Are There Any Special Rules About the Ball?

• If the ball breaks during a rally, it's a let.
• If the ball has an unusual bounce, there is no let.

Protective Eyewear

It is recommended that all players wear protective eyewear at all times during play, particularly for beginners and junior players.

Improving Your Squash Game

The more you play squash, the fitter and more skilled you'll become. Focus on proper movement, control, and strategy to advance your skills.

Remember

Always play in a way that is safe and fair.

Start Your Squash Journey with Squash Only Australia

Thank you for reading our beginner’s guide on how to play squash! If you're ready to hit the court, Squash Only Australia has everything you need to start your squash game with confidence.

As Australia's #1 online squash store, we offer a top selection of beginner-friendly squash racquets, balls, bags, shoes, grips, eyewear, and more—all from leading brands like Dunlop, Head, Karakal, Tecnifibre, and Wilson. We provide fast shipping Australia-wide, including Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, and beyond.

Shop now at Squash Only Australia and get the best gear to elevate your game! 

Squash is great fun and excellent exercise. Enjoy! 

At Squash Only Australia, we frequently receive questions about squash rules from our customers. To help, we've compiled some of the most commonly referenced World Squash Federation rules for quick and easy access. Enjoy your reading!

TWO MAIN SQUASH PRINCIPLES

SAFTEY: Players must always place safety first and not take any action that could endanger the opponent.

FAIR PLY: Players must respect the rights of the opponent and play with honesty.

THE GAME

• Singles Squash is played in a court between two players, each holding a squash racquet to strike the squash ball. The court, ball, and racquet must meet WSF specifications. 
• Each rally starts with a serve, and the players then return the ball alternately until the rally ends. 
• Play must be continuous as far as is practical.

SCORING

• The winner of a rally scores 1 point and serves to begin the next rally.
• Each game is played to 11 points, except that if the score reaches 10-all, the game continues until one player leads by 2 points.
• A match is normally the best of 5 games, but may be the best of 3 games

THE WARM-UP

• At the start of a match the players go on court together to warm up the ball for a maximum of 4 minutes. After 2 minutes the players must change sides, unless they have already done so. The players must have equal opportunities to strike the ball. 
• A player retaining control of the ball for an unreasonable time is warming up unfairly. 

THE SERVE

• The player who wins the spin of a racquet serves first.
• At the beginning of each game and after each change of server, the server chooses from which service-box to serve. While retaining the serve, the server must serve from alternate boxes.
• If a rally ends in a let, the server must serve again from the same box.

A serve is good, if: 

• The server drops or throws the ball from a hand or squash racquet and strikes it correctly on a first or further attempt before it touches anything else; and
• At the time the server strikes the squash ball, one foot is in contact with the floor inside the service-box with no part of that foot touching any boundary of that box; and
• The squash ball is struck directly to the front wall, hitting it between the service- line and the out-line, but does not hit the front and side walls at the same time; and
• The squash ball, unless volleyed by the receiver, bounces for the first time in the opposite quarter-court without touching any line; and the squash ball is not served out. 

A serve that does not comply is a fault and the receiver wins the rally.

• A serve that hits the service-line, or the short-line, or the half-court line, or any line bounding the top of the court, is a fault.
• If the server drops or throws the ball, but makes no attempt to strike it, this is not a serve, and the server may start again.
• A let is allowed if the receiver is not ready to return the serve and does not attempt to do so. However, if that serve is a fault, the server loses the rally. 
• If the server serves from the wrong service-box, which goes unnoticed by players, the result of the rally stands.  

THE PLAY

• If the serve is good, play continues as long as each return is good, or until a player requests a let or the ball hits either player or their clothing or the non-striker’s squash racquet.

A return is good if the ball:

• Is struck correctly before it has bounced twice on the floor.
• Without hitting either player, or their clothing or squash racquet, hits the front wall, either directly or after hitting any other wall(s), above the tin and below the out-line, without having first bounced on the floor; and rebounds from the front wall without touching the tin; and is not out.

INTERVALS

• A maximum of 90 seconds is permitted between the end of the warm-up and the start. 
• Players must be ready to resume play at the end of any interval, but play may resume earlier if both agree.
• A maximum of 90 seconds is permitted to change damaged equipment. This includes glasses, protective eyewear or a dislodged contact lens. The player must complete the change as quickly as possible. 
• During any interval either player may strike the ball.

INTERFERENCE

After completing a reasonable follow-through, a player must make every effort to clear, so that when the squash ball rebounds from the front wall the opponent has:

• A fair view of the ball on its rebound from the front wall
• Unobstructed direct access to the ball; and
• The space to make a reasonable swing at the ball; and
• The freedom to strike the ball to any part of the entire front wall. 
• Interference occurs when the player does not provide the opponent with all of these requirements. 
• A request for a let includes a request for a stroke.
• A striker who believes that interference has occurred may stop and request a let, preferably by saying “Let, please.” That request must be made without undue delay.
• Normally, only the striker may request a let for interference. However, if the non-striker requests a let for lack of access before the ball has reached the front wall, that request may be considered, even though that player is not yet the striker.
• If the striker strikes the ball and the opponent then requests a let, but then the ball goes down or out, the opponent wins the rally.
• If there was neither interference nor reasonable fear of injury, no let is allowed.
• If there was interference but the striker would not have been able to make a good return, no let is allowed.
• If the striker continued play beyond the interference and then requested a let, no let is allowed.
• If there was interference, but it did not prevent the striker from seeing and getting to the ball to make a good return, this is minimal interference and no let is allowed.
• If the striker would have been able to make a good return but the opponent was not making every effort to avoid the interference, a stroke is awarded to the striker.
• If there was interference that the opponent was making every effort to avoid and the striker would have been able to make a good return, a let is allowed.
• If there was interference and the striker would have made a winning return, a stroke is awarded to the striker.

Fair View - Fair View means enough time to view the ball and prepare to strike it as it returns from the front wall. If the striker requests a let for lack of fair view of the ball on its return from the front wall, the general provisions apply.

Direct Access - If the striker requests a let for lack of direct access to the ball, then if there was interference but the striker did not make every effort to get to and play the ball, no let is allowed. 

If the striker had direct access but instead took an indirect path to the ball and then requested a let for interference, no let is allowed. 

If the striker was wrong-footed , but showed the ability to recover and make a good return , and then encountered interference, a let is allowed

Racquet Swing - A reasonable swing comprises a reasonable backswing, a strike at the ball and a reasonable follow-through. The striker’s backswing and follow-through are reasonable as long as they do not extend more than is necessary.

Excessive Swing - If the striker caused the interference by using an excessive swing, no let is allowed.

Turning - Turning is the action of the player who strikes, or is in a position to strike, the ball to the right of the body after the ball has passed behind it to the left or vice versa, whether the player physically turns or not. 

If the striker encounters interference while turning , and could have made a good return. 

If the swing was prevented, even though the opponent was making every effort to avoid the interference, a stroke is awarded to the striker;

If the non-striker had no time to avoid the interference, a let is allowed;

If the striker could have struck the ball without turning , but turned in order to create an opportunity to request a let, no let is allowed.

BALL HITTING A PLAYER

If the ball, on its way to the front wall, hits the non-striker or the non-striker’s racquet or clothing, play must stop; then:

• If the return would not have been good, the non-striker wins the rally.
• If the return was going directly to the front wall, and if the striker was making a first attempt without having turned, a stroke is awarded to the striker. 
• If the ball had hit or would have hit any other wall before the front wall and the striker had not turned, a let is allowed, unless the return would have been a winning return, in which case a stroke is awarded to the striker. 
• If the striker had not turned but was making a further attempt, a let is allowed;
• If the striker had turned, a stroke is awarded to the non-striker, unless the non-striker made a deliberate movement to intercept the ball, in which case, a stroke is awarded to the striker. 

If the ball, on its return from the front wall, hits a player before bouncing twice on the floor, play must stop; then:

• If the ball hits the non-striker or the non-striker’s racquet t, before the striker has made an attempt to strike the ball and no interference has occurred, the striker wins the rally, unless the striker’s position has caused the non-striker to be hit, in which case a let is allowed.
• If the ball hits the non-striker, or the non-striker’s racquet, after the striker has made one or more attempts to strike the ball, a let is allowed, providing the striker could have made a good return. Otherwise, the non- striker wins the rally.
• If the ball hits the striker and there is no interference, the non-striker wins the rally.

THE SQUASH BALL

• If the squash ball breaks during a rally, a let is allowed for that rally.
• If a player stops play to appeal that the squash ball is broken, and it is found that the squash ball is not broken, that player loses the rally.
• If the receiver, before attempting to return serve, appeals that the squash ball is broken, and the ball is found to be broken, and if uncertain when it broke, a let for the previous rally is awarded.
• The squash ball must be changed if both players agree or if the referee agrees with one player’s request.
• If a squash ball has been replaced, or if the players resume the match after a delay, the players may warm up the squash ball. Play resumes when both players agree.
• The squash ball must remain in the court at all times.
• If the squash ball becomes wedged in any part of the court, a let is allowed.
• No let is allowed for any unusual bounce of the squash ball.

PROTECTIVE EYEWEAR

• The WSF recommends that all squash players wear protective eyewear that meets the appropriate National Standard. Eyewear should be worn properly over the eyes at all times during play, including warm-up. Players are responsible for ensuring their eyewear is suitable for protection. Explore our approved collection of protective eyewear and goggles here. 

SQUASH DEFINITIONS

• ATTEMPT - Any forward movement of the racquet towards the ball. A fake swing is also an attempt, but racquet preparation with only a backswing and no forward movement towards the ball is not an attempt.
• BOX / SERVICE-BOX - A square area on each side of the court bounded by the short-line, a side wall and by 2 other lines, from where the server serves.
• FAIR VIEW - Enough time to view the ball and prepare to strike it as it returns from the front wall.
• FAULT - A serve that is not good.
• FURTHER ATTEMPT - A subsequent attempt by the striker to serve or return a ball that is still in play, after having already made one or more attempts.
• GAME - A part of a match. A player must win 3 games to win a best of 5-game match and 2 games to win a best of 3-game match.
• GOOD RETURN - A return that is struck correctly and that travels to the front wall either directly or after hitting another wall or walls without going out, and that hits the front wall above the tin and below the out-line.
• HAND OUT - A change of server.
• LET - The result of a rally that neither player wins. The server serves again from the same box.
• MATCH - The complete contest, including the warm-up.
• NOT UP - A return that: A player does not strike correctly; or bounces more than once on the floor before being struck; or touches the striker or the striker’s clothing.
• OUT - A return that: hits the wall on or above the out-line; or hits any fixture above the out-line; or
• hits the top edge of any wall of the court; or passes over a wall and out of the court; or passes through any fixture.
• RALLY - A good serve followed by one or more alternate returns until one player fails to make a good return.
• STRIKER - A player is the striker from the moment the opponent’s return rebounds from the front wall until the player’s return hits the front wall.
• TIN - The area of the front wall covering the full width of the court and extending from the floor up to and including the lowest horizontal line.
• TURNING - The action of the striker who strikes, or is in a position to strike, the ball to the right of the body after the ball has passed behind it to the left or vice versa, whether the striker physically turns or not.
• WINNING RETURN - A good return that the opponent could not reach.

This is a simplified version of the official World Squash Federation (WSF) rules, intended for matches not officiated by a referee. For the complete and official WSF Squash Rules, please visit the WSF website.

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