Playing Squash Safely
An On-Court Safety Guide for Individuals and Groups
Squash is really an extreme game, but before you rush headlong into it, consider the following facts:
Squash is really an extreme game, but before you rush headlong into it, consider the following facts:
- A Squash ball can travel up to speeds of 200 kph.
- It has more power than a 22 calibre bullet.
- A ball hit at that speed will take less than half a second to rebound into court.
- Racket swings and player movement also carry very considerable force.
- Unlike nearly every other fast ball game, the two (or four in doubles) players share the one court.
Individual Safe PlayA player can take their own responsibility for safety on court by changing some of the playing strategies, eg
And so on. Above all keep your frustrations and behaviour under control.
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Squashgame Gold: Advanced Text and Video Content| Potential Danger | Safety Strategy - Striker | Safety Strategy - Receiver |
| Getting hit with the ball | Be aware of the position of your opponent. Stop to play let/stroke if in any doubt |
Know where you have hit the ball and watch the ball. If possible, give your opponent a clear hit to the front wall or surrender the rally. |
| Making physical contact with the opponent | Make every effort to get to the ball but not at the expense of the opponent. Stop to play ""let/stroke" if interference occurs. |
Clear the ball quickly, avoiding your opponent. If in doubt, move towards the centre of the court, to develop some predictability |
| Getting hit with the racket | Stop the rally and call for a "let/stroke" before striking or restrict your swing (especially the follow through) If your swing is excessive, take steps to control it. Find out how... |
Don't "crowd" your opponent. Give them enough room to have a free swing at the ball. If entering the court, always knock beforehand. |
| "Turning" situation | Try not to "turn" if possible. If you have no other choice, do not play the ball unless you are certain your opponent is not in danger. (If you hit the opponent it is a stroke to against you! More About turning |
If possible, do not give your opponent the opportunity to turn. If it happens, move to avoid being hit. |
| Muscle strains | Pre-game warm-ups will help prevent injury. Warm downs will increase flexibility. More on Warm-ups... |
|
| Dehydration | Fully hydrate before playing (1 - 3 glasses of water) and drink in between games or every 15 minute or so. | |
| Cramps | Short term: Remain fully hydrated during play. Medium/long term: Reduce salt intake (this reduces percentage of salt loss which can cause cramps) |
Group Safety
Guidelines for Group Safety:
- Always consider others who are on court
- Abide by any special group rules
- Maintain "no go" areas
- Don't hit the ball except where specifically instructed by the coach or expected by all the participants
- Remain aware of all that is happening on court
- Don't hit when there are others in front
- If in any doubt that others may be affected, stop before hitting or swinging
- Always knock before entering the court
- Wear protective eyewear
- Always use equipment appropriate to the age/standard/experience level of the group
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