Squash, also referred to as squash rackets, is a racket sport that can be played by either two players(singles) or by four players(doubles) in a court which is surrounded by four walls, using a small hollow rubber ball. Players take turns hitting the ball with their rackets, against the walls, making it difficult for the opponent to return the ball successfully.
Approximately 20 million people around the globe play squash regularly, across more than 185 different countries. This sport has a governing body like any other sport, The World Squash Federation (WSF) is the governing body of Squash, which is recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Squash will be played for the first time in the 2028 Summer Olympics held in Los Angeles. The Professional Squash Association (PSA) manages the tour for the sport.
A Comprehensive Guide on Squash Balls
Balls are an integral part of any sport but particularly in the game of squash and it is very much important to choose the right kind of squash ball for your game. Let’s look at different types of squash balls, the materials used in them, and some top brands manufacturing squash balls. This guide will help you to buy the perfect squash balls so that you can play & win and also enjoy with your family and friends.
The study of squash balls is an interesting topic, a lot of individuals don’t know about why the squash ball bounces too high sometimes or very low. Also, they will find it difficult to understand why the ball travels faster or slower. So today let’s crack this code and understand the science behind it.
What Materials Are Used in Squash Balls?
Squash balls are usually made of rubber, more specifically raw butyl rubber along with a mixture of other natural and synthetic materials. A squash ball is generally hollow from the inside and the air in it absorbs the energy and converts that into heat that leads to the rubber being expanded and the ball becomes more bouncier as the game progresses. This is one of the most important aspects of squash ball that it needs to be warmed up nicely before it starts bouncing.
There are different types of Squash balls which include:
- Double dot squash balls
- Single dot balls
- Red colour balls
- Yellow colour balls
- Blue colour balls
Newbies often face numerous questions and challenges when it comes to selecting the appropriate squash ball. In India, coaches play a crucial role in helping the players in selecting the appropriate ball to play.
Squash balls have a variety of colours and dot patterns, each indicating different characteristics, including the bounce and performance under different conditions. At room temperature, a professional-grade squash ball will barely bounce, but when it is warmed up, it can bounce significantly more.
What Are The Types of Squash Balls?
- Yellow Double Dot : (Professional)
These balls are usually used in squash circuits and are favoured by professional players. They are suitable for tournaments and skilled club players. To achieve optimal performance, these balls require a continuous and vigorous hitting style to maintain the right temperature.
- Yellow Single Dot : (Club/semi-pro)
These balls are specifically designed for intermediate players or club-level players. These balls are used in cooler environments and offer more hang time in the air than the Double Dot balls.
- Red Single Dot : (Intermediate)
These balls are ideal for recreational players. The ball has a large diameter which also provides a good bounce allowing the recreational players to enhance their technique due to increased hang time.
- Blue Single Dot : (Beginner)
These balls are perfect for beginners as they offer more hang time, which will enable the players to engage in the rallies and enjoy the game as they learn.
- White Ball : (Glass Court)
White squash balls are specifically designed to be used in glass squash courts. They perform similarly to yellow double-dot balls but are used in glass courts to enhance their visibility.
What Are The Top Brands for Squash Balls?
- DUNLOP
Dunlop is a highly recognized brand in the squash ball industry, known for producing the largest quantity of squash balls globally. Their Pro Yellow Double Dot balls are popular among the players. Dunlop is the only brand that manufactures white squash balls specifically designed for glass courts, and they also offer Singe Dot Balls in Yellow, Red and Blue varieties.
- HEAD
HEAD is an emerging brand and it’s gradually making a mark in the squash balls industry. They have expertise in building racquets. But they also offer two main types of balls: the HEAD Prime Yellow Dot Balls and the HEAD Tournament Single Dot Balls.
Conclusion
This article covered the different types of squash balls, the materials used in their construction and the leading manufacturer brands of the squash balls. This aspect or topic will help you in choosing the right squash ball.
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