Squash – what it is and where to play in Serbia

Squash is a fast racket sport played in an enclosed court between two players (or in doubles). Players take turns hitting a rubber ball so it hits the front wall above the tin line before bouncing twice. The ball can bounce off the side and back walls, opening up tactical play. Forbes has ranked it among the healthiest and most demanding sports – great for fitness, reflexes and concentration.

A squash court is an enclosed room with four walls. Dimensions are about 9.75 m × 6.4 m, with a minimum ceiling height of about 5.64 m. The court is divided into the front half and two back quarters (left and right). The back wall is often glass so spectators can watch. The front wall has a tin line and a service line – the ball must hit the wall above the tin. Walls are usually white or transparent.

A match is played to three games won. A game is won by the first player to 11 points; at 10:10 play continues until one leads by two. The serve is from the service box – the ball must hit the front wall above the service line and land in the back quarter. On return, the ball must hit the front wall above the tin; it may hit the side and back walls first. The ball must be returned before it bounces twice. If a player blocks the opponent, a let (replay) or stroke (point to opponent) may be awarded.

Balls are colour-coded by speed: yellow (very slow), green or white (slow), red (medium), blue (very fast). Beginners usually use slow balls. Squash rackets are lighter and smaller than tennis rackets. Eye protection is recommended due to the close play and ball speed. Squash is popular in fitness centres and clubs in Serbia – book a court below and try it.