With only an estimated 20 million active players across 185 countries, it’s not a total surprise to hear the question “what is Squash?” when it’s mentioned. Not to be confused with a verb meaning to flatten or a noun indicating a type of vegetable, the sport, Squash, is a high-intensity racket sport game played inside a four-walled court. Unlike more well-known racket sports such as Tennis or Badminton, Squash requires its players to be in constant motion and sharing space, eyes peeled for the other’s positioning of every single shot. It’s a sport that requires relentless attentiveness as much as it requires relentless athleticism. Given its exciting and growing popularity, the Royal Cliff has decided to curate an article all about it in hopes of building anticipation for the upcoming Squash tournament to be hosted at our award-winning luxury Pattaya sports club, FITZ Club. To learn more about the sport, Squash, read on.
What is Squash?
Squash is a racket sport played by two to four people in an enclosed indoor court. A descendant of tennis dating back to the 18th century, it was originally played in London prisons where players hit balls with rackets against a wall or in a corner. In a game of squash, the floor is made of hardwood with walls constructed from safety glass, so that spectators are able to watch the riveting sports play. In Squash, the balls are made of hollow rubber and tend to have little bounce. It is customary for them to be warmed up by being repeatedly hit against walls before the match.
How to Play Squash
The Rules of Squash
The essential rule of Squash is that once the ball is served, players take turns hitting the ball against the front wall. You can’t let it bounce on the floor more than once before you hit it back. Players may also move anywhere around the court to achieve this momentum.
There are some rules about where the ball can go on the wall.
There’s a line at the very top of the front wall called the “out-of-bounds line” or “out line”. If the ball hits that line or above it, it’s out. There’s also a line at the very bottom called the “tin”, which the ball can’t hit either. The goal is to hit the ball in the middle part of the wall. The ball may strike the side or back walls at any time, as long as it hits below the out line and above the tin. Now you know what Squash is, and how to play it.
How to Score a Point in Squash?
In Squash, whoever wins a rally gets a point. A rally is the back-and-forth part of the game. It commences once a successful serve is delivered. Every single time the ball bounces twice, goes out, or hits the tin, somebody scores – regardless of who served.
The first player to reach 11 points wins the game. But if both players are at 10, you have to keep playing until someone is ahead by 2 (this is usually called “deuces” in racket sports).
A full match is the best of 3 or 5 games.
Play Squash at Our Luxury Pattaya Sports Club
FITZ Club is an award-winning sports center in Pattaya – just a quick service shuttle ride from our luxury Pattaya hotels. It’s open from 7AM to 9PM daily, and staffed with certified professional trainers that undergo frequent learning to improve their fitness capabilities and physical education knowledge. Guests at our hotel can use the facilities as part of their stay. However, non-guests are also welcome to use the facilities.
FITZ Club is home to a state-of-the-art gym, 7 flood-lit tennis courts that have won an ITF Masters Star Recognition Award, two glass-back squash courts, 2 multi-purpose courts (pickleball, futsal & basketball), an aerobic studio with floor-to-ceiling mirrors, infrared sauna and steam rooms, a swimming pool with kids’ water slides, and a jogging trail. Our two glass-back squash courts are the ideal playing grounds for those interested in trying their hand at Squash and growing a passion for it. With our FITZ Club Squash tournament just around the corner, there’s no better place to practice and become better.
Reserve a Court at FITZ Club
For those interested in experiencing a game of Squash at our luxury Pattaya sports club, reservations for accommodation or court bookings can be made by clicking here or by sending us an email at fitz@royalcliff.com. You can also get in touch with us at 038 250 421 or chat with us directly via LINE (@royalcliff) or WhatsApp (+66842289596) to secure your booking.
