Squash - what is it: a game or a sport, how to play?

There are many different directions in the sport and some of them are very common, while others are not. The second group includes squash, which is considered a "close relative" of big tennis. He has his own rules and features that are necessary for learning.

What is sport squash?

Many, describing squash, offer this formulation - it is tennis, folded in half. This is due to the fact that the game is conducted indoors, in which players, standing not far from each other and using rackets, take turns striking the ball to hit the wall. The game of squash is very popular in America, Australia, Israel and Egypt. This sport was born in the UK, and it happened quite by accident: the children were waiting their turn to play tennis, and at that time they were beating the ball against the wall. This game sport - squash - is considered affordable for people of all ages.

Squash - rules of the game

The meaning of this sport is that a person should hit the ball with a racket so that after him the opponent could not make his stroke. To understand how to play squash, you can follow these rules:

1. There is a mandatory warm-up, which lasts 5 minutes. It means "warming up" the ball, that is, participants continuously beat it, which makes it more rigid. If during the game the ball is torn, then another is introduced, which is also heated.
2. Before starting, draw a draw, which determines who will perform the first serve. In the next round, the winner of the previous one submits.
3. Even before the game in squash, the participants choose the square of the pitch, and the earned point changes it for the next serve time. It is important that at the time of filing one leg is always completely in the selected square. If this rule is not met, then the pitch is lost, and it goes to the opponent.
4. Strikes on the ball players take turns, and you can beat both in the process of his flight, and after striking the ground.
5. The ball should not just touch the wall, but be above the acoustic panel and not fall into the out line.
6. Between games, in most cases, take a break for 1.5 minutes to drink water and take a breath.
7. Scoring is carried out in the event that a person commits an error, for example, falls into a strike or misses a blow. The winner is the one who can score 11 points first. If the score of the set was 10:10, then the game continues until one of the participants has an advantage of 1 point. In most cases, amaters play up to two wins, and professionals up to five.
8. Squash needs to be judged, as there are often controversial situations. If the player believes that there was a hindrance, he appeals to the judge with an appeal for the appointment of let, which is approved if the ball is torn or the opponent for a particular reason could not take the ball. When a player rudely breaks the rules, the point is assigned to the opponent and this is called Stroke.

Squash court

It is interesting that the size of the squash field was approved back in 1920. These are international standards that can not be violated: the length of the court can not be more than 9.75 m and the width is 6.4 m. The squash area still includes special markings, which are also clearly established:

1. The line for indicating the top out should be at a height of 4.57 m, and the lower one - 43 cm.
2. The feed line is marked at an altitude of 1.83 m. Another line is drawn from the floor to the top of the wall, and the distance to it should be 2.13 m.
3. Thick sloping lines should be drawn on the side panels, and they serve as a kind of connecting element between the outs and the frontal wall.

The ball for squash

It is a mistake to believe that you can use any ball to play squash. Its main distinguishing feature is the presence of dots and their color. Such signs are used to mark the strength of the rebound and speed, for example, if the squashball has two yellow dots, it indicates that it is slow and has a weak bounce. In most cases, it is used by professional players, since they have a great impact force.

Beginners are encouraged to use balls that have either one blue or one red dot. They have good speed and the best, in comparison with other options, a rebound. It will be useful to know when to replace the ball. Experts say that this should be done after the manufacturer's logo is erased and the surface becomes smooth to the touch.

Racket for squash

Choose a racket carefully, paying attention to every detail. If you compare it with a tennis racket, then it will be easier. The rules of squash allow the use of rackets of different weights and here one must be guided by the principle: the heavier the racket, the stronger the blow. Beginners are advised to start small, which will allow us to learn the principle of a successful game. The weight of rackets varies in the range from 120 to 210 g.

For the manufacture of racquetballs for playing squash, aluminum or composite is used in most cases. In addition, you should know that they can have both a round and rectangular shape. Attention when choosing should be given to such a concept as the balance of the racket and it should be such that it is comfortable to hold in his hand, and it does not fall "into the head" because the hand will quickly get tired. There is also a division in terms of the level of rigidity and here it is impossible to say which racket is better and which is worse, because the choice should be made based on your own feelings during the game and on the style.

Squash - equipment

If you want to engage in this sport, then it is important to pay attention not only to purchasing basic equipment, but also equipment, which includes shoes, clothes and special accessories. A squash trainer can give his recommendations regarding the choice of things, but there are general principles that can be followed. If you want to seriously engage in this sport, then you should not save on the purchase of quality items.

Sneakers for squash

Particular attention should be paid to shoes, which should be as convenient and easy as squash is a dynamic game, where you need to constantly move. When choosing it is recommended to follow such principles:

1. Shoes for squash should be as light as possible, so as not to slow down the reaction and not cause injury.
2. The sole should be non-mark, that is not to leave black stripes and other traces on the floor. Choose a model with a rubber sole, as this material provides a good grip of shoes and sex, so the risk of slipping is minimized.
3. In the sneakers there should be a good shock to the heel, because because of sudden movements can get problems with the joints. Well, if in the shoes there are special pads that reduce the stress that the feet get during the game.
4. The sock of suitable sneakers should be "breathing", this is important in order not to overheat the leg, but also strong, so that the shoes are preserved for many years and are not rubbed.
5. Of great importance is the side protection, which is an insert of rubber.
6. As for the backdrop, it must be tough, as it is important to protect the ankle from damage.

Clothing for squash

There are no clearly defined rules concerning clothing. The form for squash is identical to that played in tennis, that is the main requirement to it is maximum comfort. Men in most cases prefer to wear a T-shirt and shorts, and girls - a T-shirt and a skirt-shorts or sports shorts. In addition, it is recommended to wear a special bandage on the head and wrists, which are designed to absorb sweat.

Points for squash

Many newcomers are puzzled, why put indoors glasses, but here everything is very clear. In squash, they are designed to protect the eyes, because during active play the ball can get into the face, which will cause injury. To avoid this, special squash accessories are used, which must be selected taking into account some of the nuances: the athlete should see everything well, the design of the glasses should be strong, and they should not fly off the head.

Squash tournament

Although the Olympic Games do not include squash competitions, different countries have their own tournaments. International wrestling and other organizational issues are handled by the World Squash Federation - WSF. The sport of squash has also associations of players for women and men. One of the most famous tournaments in this sport is the White Nights Open. It takes place in St. Petersburg and people from different countries take part in it.