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Squash is a dynamic and challenging game that combines physical fitness, strategy and quick reflexes in a unique sporting experience. Played indoors with four walls, this sport requires precise shots, tactical thinking and endurance. With 25 million passionate players worldwide, squash has become more than a game – it’s a way of life that offers not only physical activity but also a mental challenge. Dive deeper into this sport and discover what makes it so attractive and addictive.
Squash is a dynamic racket sport played in a four-wall court with a small rubber ball. The goal of the game is to send the ball towards the frontal wall in a way that makes it difficult for the opponent to return it. Players move quickly around the court, using a variety of shots, including a “drive” shot against the side walls, a “drop” shot that is accurate and low, a “lob” shot that lifts the ball above the opponent, and a “boast” shot that uses the side wall to tricked the opponent. Squash requires agility, endurance, tactical thinking and quick reflexes, making it a sport in which players try to hit the ball in such a way that it is difficult for the opponent to return it successfully, thereby winning points.
Beginnings: Squash first took off in England during the early industrial era. Back then, English masters used their tennis courts for this fast and dynamic game. The first rules were formed in this period.
Spreading the Passion: Squash quickly crossed the borders of England and became a global sport. Traveling players and clubs played a key role in spreading the popularity around the world.
Exploding Popularity: The 20th century saw an explosion in the popularity of squash. Professional tournaments were established, and professional players appeared. Rivalries, equipment innovations and new game formats shaped this era.
Contemporary Era – Challenges and Aspirations: Today, squash is a global sport with millions of passionate players. He has ambitions to become part of the Olympic Games. This history will explore contemporary challenges and the future.
Squash can be played in singles (one on one) or doubles (two players against two players), with the rules being similar for both formats.
The court has specific zones, including service boxes and lines that help players decide where to move.
The goal of the game is to score points so that the opponent cannot legally return the ball. This is achieved by forcing the opponent to make a mistake or not be able to return the ball effectively.
The object of the game is to win the game by being the first to reach or exceed a certain number of points, usually 11.
This is the area near the net where players cannot hit the ball before it bounces. The goal of this rule is to prevent players from dominating the game by standing too close to the net.
Each game is limited to 11 points. Players score points when the ball becomes unreturnable to the opponent, either by scoring a direct point or by forcing the opponent to make a mistake. In order to win a game, you usually need to have a margin of at least one point over your opponent, for example, 11-9.
If the players reach a score of 10-10, the game continues in “tie-break” mode, where it is enough to win 2 points more than the opponent to win the game.
The match is usually played as “best of” sets. For example, the first player to win 3 sets in a match wins the match.
Material : Squash rackets are usually made of graphite, carbon or aluminum, with different levels of flexibility.
Shape and Weight : Rackets come in a variety of shapes and weights. Players often choose a racquet based on their preference for balance and weight.
Grip Size : The size and shape of the racket grip is also important, as it affects comfort and control during play.
Speed and Elasticity : Squash balls come in different speeds and elasticities, marked by different colors. These characteristics affect the speed of the game and the bounce of the ball.
Surface : Squash is played on a hard surface, so it is important to have footwear that provides good traction and support for quick changes of direction.
Functionality : Squash clothing should be comfortable and allow free movement. Players usually wear lightweight materials that absorb sweat.
Safety : Injury protection is also important, so players often wear protective rubber bands around their heads to protect against eye injuries.
Goggles : Players often wear goggles to protect their eyes from injury from balls or rackets.
Transport : Racket bag allows safe transfer of rackets and accessories to the court.
Tension : Players can adjust the string tension according to their preferences for control or power.
1. Jahangir Khan: This Pakistani player is considered one of the greatest squash players of all time. He won a record ten consecutive World Squash Championship titles during the 1980s.
2. Nicol David: Known as the “Queen of Squash,” this Malaysian player dominated women’s squash for more than a decade. She won many world titles and was number 1 in the world for many years.
3. Ramy Ashour: Egyptian player known for his brilliant technique and agility. He won numerous prestigious tournaments and was world number 1.
Squash is a sport that has many prestigious tournaments around the world, both for men and women. Here are some of the most famous squash tournaments:
British Open: This tournament is considered one of the oldest and most prestigious in the world of squash. It takes place in Great Britain and traditionally gathers the best players from all over the world.
World Squash Championship: This is the most prestigious competition in the world of squash, where players fight for the title of world champion. The tournament is held every year and brings together the biggest squash talents from different countries.
Hong Kong Open: This tournament is considered one of the biggest in Asia and attracts top players from all over the world. It has a rich tradition and a high level of competition.
US Open: This tournament is one of the biggest in the United States of America and attracts top players from all over the world. It is organized in men’s and women’s competition.
Commonwealth Games: Squash is included in the program of the Commonwealth Games, where players from Commonwealth member countries compete. This competition brings added prestige to the game.
Longest Squash Match: In 1983, Johnathon Power and Paul Price played the longest squash match in history. The match lasted as long as 195 minutes and was played in five sets. This extremely durable fight was remembered as one of the most memorable in the history of squash.
Dunlop Squash Balls: Dunlop has become the most famous manufacturer of squash balls. Interestingly, each ball is tested so that it has perfect speed and bounce, which is important for the proper flow of the game.
Ball speed: Squash balls can reach speeds of over 240 km/h during a match, requiring incredible reflexes and speed from the player.
It was even played in space: Astronauts on the International Space Station played squash to keep fit in low-gravity conditions. This unusual playing location has certainly become one of the most unusual stories in the world of squash.
London Twist: In Great Britain, the term “London Twist” is known, used as a joke in squaw. This happens when players get tangled around each other during the game and try to avoid a collision. This situation often causes laughter and applause from the audience.
