How To Choose a Squash Equipment

Squash is an increasingly popular indoor sport. And if you want to try it too you’ll enjoy it better with the right equipment. However, choosing may not be so easy. The right choice for you will vary according to your skill level and also, for example, different balls have different degrees of speed and rebound force. So what to choose and what to watch out for? You will find everything you need to know in our guide to choosing squash equipment.

Squash rackets

The most important part of your squash equipment
They have the greatest impact on the quality of the game
They are different types made for beginners and professionals

Choosing a squash racket is very important for every player and it can often be difficult. Several factors need to be taken into account, such as skill level or style of play. For beginners, heavier rackets with hand balance are more suitable. For advanced players, lighter rackets balanced in the head.

What is important when choosing a squash racket?

Choosing according to the player's skill

Beginners should choose hand-balanced rackets, ideally up to 360 mm. They offer good handling, but at the same time they do not tire out your hand too much. The weight of these rackets should be higher to make the strokes stronger, but at the same time should not exceed the limit of 200 g.

Advanced players have a wider choice. Ideally the weight of the racket for advanced players is around 160 g, but, like the balance, this depends greatly on their style of play.

Professional players often choose very light rackets with a balance to the head of over 370 mm. The weight usually does not exceed 150 g, so these rackets are very manoeuvrable, but also allow for strong blows.

Choosing by your style of play

In addition to skill level, playing style is very important for choosing the right racket. It is in this that each player is different.

Technical style – if you prefer accuracy and control to force, this style is for you. The idea rackets for this style usually have a balance in the hand below 360 mm. A lower weight will help for good maneuverability, and a smaller head area is ideal for better accuracy.

Offensive style – if you use fast and strong blows, choose rackets with balance in the head. This significantly helps with your swing.

Universal style – if you are able to combine different types of playing styles, a universal style is probably ideal for you. A player using this technique often changes his position and uses different types of strokes. Therefore, the racket should be universal. The ideal balance is to the center and weighs from 150 to 170 g.

Material

The material has an impact on the quality of the game. It is an absolutely fundamental criterion of the racket's parameters, so it is good to know something about it.

Graphite – the most widespread material for the production of squash rackets. It is characterized by high durability, high rigidity and very good flexibility, while maintaining a low weight. Other metals are often added to graphite to improve the racket’s properties. These rackets offer a very good gaming experience at an affordable price.

Aluminum – a material that is very often used in lower price rackets. Rackets are often made from mixtures of aluminum and other metals that improve their properties. Its main advantage is very good durability. The racket will not be destroyed even if mistreated. However, these rackets tend to be heavier, not very rigid and also transmit vibrations to the hand, which causes you to get tired sooner.

Composite – this material is not used very often. It combines several materials and their properties. It is therefore not possible to say what the composite is most suitable for. Composite rackets are however, often cheaper than other types.

Kevlar – a top material that is intended more for professionals or those who have very deep pockets. It offers similar properties to graphite, but brings them to an even higher level. The only disadvantage of Kevlar rackets is their high price.

Frequently asked questions when choosing a squash racket

Is there a difference between rackets for men and rackets for women?

Usually yes. Men often choose heavier rackets with head balance and a sturdy structure. Women more often choose lighter and more manoeuvrable rackets with hand balance. The construction is usually finer. But it all depends on which racket fits each individual and gender does not play that big a role.

Does the length of the rocket play any role?

The vast majority of squash rackets have a standard length of 685 mm. That is the length according to international rules. Thus, shorter rockets are usually intended for children or beginners.

Squash balls

These also have a big impact on the quality of the game
1 to 3 balls can usually be found in a package
Different types are different in terms of bounce and speed

Choosing the right squash ball is not something that should be overlooked. There are a number of different types and each one is suitable for different players. This, of course, has a big impact on the game. The first thing to be able to distinguish on the balls are the different colors and dots. These indicate the speed of the ball and its rebound force, i.e the length of the rebound.

What is important when choosing a squash ball?

Squash balls by skill level

For beginners, we recommend fast balls with a big bounce. You will have no problem keeping such balls in play, which is ideal for beginners. Over time, you can choose slower balls. How to distinguish balls from each other? At first glance, you will notice different colors and colored dots.

Blue ball – the best for beginners. It is the fastest of all.
Black ball with a blue dot – also intended for beginners. This ball is very fast.
Black ball with a red dot – designed for intermediate players. The ball is of medium speed.
Black ball with a white dot – designed for slightly more advanced players. This ball moves with a speed and rebound between balls with a red dot and balls with a yellow dot.
Black ball with one yellow dot – designed for advanced players. The ball is slow and has a small bounce.
Black ball with two yellow dots – designed for very advanced players and professionals. The ball is very slow and the bounce is minimal.
White ball with one yellow dot – a ball used in tournaments. In speed and rebound, it is similar to a black ball with one yellow dot.

Durability of a squash ball

Squash balls wear out over time. Balls with less rebound wear faster. On average, balls last 2 to 3 months when played 3 times a week. But durability also varies depending on what kind of player you are. The correct time to change the ball is therefore when the rebound is really small or when the ball is visibly damaged.

Frequently asked questions when choosing a squash ball

How to prepare the ball for the game?

Before starting the game, the ball must be preheated to a certain temperature. Otherwise, it will not have the characteristics expected for play. For example, the more heated the ball is, the greater the bounce. So how do you warm the ball? Simply start hitting the ball as hard as you can against the wall. The ball will gradually heat up. The more force you exert, the faster the ball heats up.

What is the difference between a ball with a small bounce and a big bounce?

It is true that faster balls have a bigger bounce. How big is the difference between a small and a big bounce? Generally, a value of about 40% is given. That is quite a lot, so you need to choose your ball very carefully.

Squash bag

Can hold up to 8 rackets
Shoulder and back strap
Choose for a beginner or professional

Squash bags are an indispensable tool for the transport of squash equipment and its protection. In addition to rackets, you can also pack balls, snacks or something to drink in your bag. You can choose from backpacks, which are more suitable for children, or shoulder bags, which will be appreciated by adults.

What is important when choosing a squash bag?

Volume

Volume is the most important factor when choosing a squash bag. When making your choice, you should think about how many rackets and other equipment you want to transport. Bags for 1 – 2 rackets are suitable for beginners and for more advanced players there are bags that can hold up to 8 rackets. You can also look at the volume, which will tell you how much can be added to the racket bag.

Way of wearing

According to the way of carrying, bags are divided into two types:

Over the shoulder – more common than backpacks. Thanks to their diverse capacity, they are suitable for almost everyone.
On the back – a less common type of bag. More suitable for beginners and children, they often hold only one racket and are not suitable for holding more accessories.

Frequently asked questions when choosing a squash bag

I'm just getting started with squash. Which bag should I choose?

For a beginner, small bags will suffice, just for a single racket. You won't use them anyway during the match, so a bigger bag would be just an unnecessary burden. For the vast majority of adults, it is better to wear it over the shoulder, which is practical and comfortable. Backpacks are usually appreciated by young athletes.

Other accessories

Tapes – elastic bands that help against pain when straining muscles and help prevent further injuries. They are often used, for example, in football and hockey, but also generally in almost every sport. With their low price, they represent a very good investment in health.
Wristbands – come in handy in many cases. Sweat is quite a problem during the game and you can get rid of it quickly with the help of a sweatband. This will certainly give you an advantage during the game, because if you get sweat in your eyes your opponent can easily use your temporarily impaired vision to their advantage.
Other accessories – this includes many products that can bring you an advantage in the game, but are not necessary for play. Among other things there are, for example, goggles, sleeves to protect against scrapes, or grips, which ensure that you can hold your racket better.

Glossary - squash equipment

Sweetspot

The ideal place in the racket to hit the ball with. The larger the size of the head, the larger the sweetspot (ie beginners have a better chance of hitting the ball in the sweetspot). In contrast, Midplus and Midsize rackets have a smaller sweetspot, so players must have perfect control of their technique.

Balance point

The balance point, also known as the balance of the racket, indicates for whom the rocket is intended. It is divided into three basic groups: head balance, center balance and handle balance. It is most often measured in cm, sometimes also stated in mm. Choosing a racket with the right balance according to the player's level can significantly affect the quality of their strokes and the game as a whole.

Racket grip

The grip, or handle, forms the bottom of the racket that the player holds during play. It depends most on its size, as it directly affects the playing technique. Grip is divided into five basic groups and can be referred to as European or American system. European ranges from L0 to L5 depending on size. The American one is measured in inches with the smallest being 4 inches and the largest 4 5/8 inches.

Monoshaft

Monoshaft is one of two types of squash rackets. Unlike a neck racket, it is more suitable for attacking players. It has longer longitudinal strings, which stretch more and throw the ball with more force.

Glossary