Four Basic Questions Answered

All

I wrote this piece over 30 years ago to Club members who expressed an interested in the game.  What applied then applies today.

John

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1) If I have never played squash before, is there a checklist of equipment I will need to have before I play?

Throughout my years of playing squash (I've been playing for close to 30 yrs.now) I have been careful when it came to choosing and using the right equipment.

The following should get you started in the right direction:

Racquet:

As I matured as a player, I gradually began to recognize the qualities of a racquet that suited my game and style.  I started playing with racquets made of wood which gave way to racquets made of fiberglass and now to todays's racquets made of carbon fiber reinforced with titanium and graphite.  Through the evolution of racquet design, the same considerations apply. Generally speaking, a racquet should be fairly light and not head heavy.  Nowadays, a racquet around 150 grams is considered average. 

Now, try comparing racquets for it's designed playability.  Lay a racquet on a table and look at it's profile.  If it is narrow, it would be considered a flexible racquet, thereby being a racquet that has "touch".  If it is wide, it would be a racquet that is "stiff", thereby being a racquet that has "power".  A neophyte player should choose a racquet that is well-balanced.

The grip is another feature to consider.  I prefer a racquet grip that is rectangular in shape rather than oval.  While playing, the rectangular grip allows me to recheck the position of my hand on it quickly by feel and easily.

Having the proper string tension is important.  A string tension of around 28 lbs. is considered average. Tension above 28 lbs. improves touch, tension under 28 lbs. improves power.  

If you're ambitious and are planning to compete in tournaments, consider having more than one racquet at hand.  I always have three racquets at hand whenever I compete in a tournament.

Clothing:

I believe one must dress out of respect for the game.  Even if you sweat up a storm, grubby shorts and tank tops are inappropriate.  

For women, skirts are a good practical choice because skirts reduce the restriction around the upper legs and allow one to stretch more comfortably to reach difficult shots. And they're considered fashionable. In my advanced age, maybe I should consider wearing a skirt to give me the necessary edge.

Accessories:

Eyeguards are mandatory. 

A headband should be worn to keep the sweat from fogging up one's eyeguards. 

A wristband should be worn to keep the handle from getting too slippery.  

2) What are the most common mistakes new players make when purchasing their squash racquets and equipment?

The most common mistake new players make when purchasing a racquet is to choose one that is the most expensive or the cheapest.  Another mistake is to purchase a racquet without playing with it beforehand.  

3) Can I play in my regular cross training shoes, or do I need footwear specific to squash?  How about specific support elements in the shoe - what exactly should a new player be looking for?

Indoor court specific shoes with gum rubber soles are best.  Check to see if your foot sits atop of the shoe or if your foot feels like it sits in the shoe.  Sitting in the shoe is best. The game of squash demands good lateral support.  Cross training shoes are not designed strictly for lateral movement and are at best a compromise.

4) Squash has been called the "thinking person's game".  What specific strategies and techniques do I need to consider when playing?

Squash is a game of patterns. One must consider developing a series of shots to establish tempo and position.

Squash is a game of recognizing patterns and of breaking patterns.  Once your opponent gets used to a certain pattern of play then it must be broken to keep him guessing.

It is a game of spatial awareness. One must choreograph one's movement within the specific confines of the court to stay balanced and in control.

And it is a game of time management. One must think of technique, tactics, and strategy within the time alloted by one's opponent game plan in order to be successful.  For example, if one's opponent hits the ball hard and deep, one has less time to react and and strike a successful shot.  However, if one's opponent hits the ball with less velocity and less precision, one is afforded more time to strike a shot.

As one gets better, it takes more from a player to win a rally.  Most new players get into squash in order to become fit.  However, they soon discover that they must get fit in order to improve.

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