Cultural and Social Aspects of Squash

The relatively small Squash court and low-bouncing ball makes the game harder to master than its American cousin racquetball, as the ball may be played to all four corners of the court. Since every ball must strike the front wall above the tin (unlike racquetball), the ball cannot be easily killed. As a result, rallies tend to be longer than in racquetball.

Squash provides an excellent cardio-vascular workout. In one hour of squash, a player may expend 700-1000 calories (3 to 4 kJ) which is significantly more than most other sports. The sport also provides a good upper and lower body workout by utilising both the legs to run around the court and the arms/torso to swing the racquet.

There are several variations of squash played across the world. In the US 'hardball' singles and doubles are played with a harder ball and different size courts. Whilst 'hardball' singles is losing popularity in North America (to the 'International' game), the doubles game is still active. There is a also a doubles version of squash played with the standard ball, sometimes on a wider court, and a more tennis-like variation known as squash tennis.

Squash games are most competitive and enjoyable when played between players of similar skill levels. However there is no international standard method for evaluating the players' skill levels. This creates a rather interesting phenomenon within the squash community: many squash players are constantly on the look-out for potential partners who are compatible physically, mentally, and technically.

Squash now has a universal appeal, as there are courts in 148 countries in the world from Argentina to Zambia.