Essential Rules of Squash Every Player Should Know

Sports Analyst

From the moment the ball ricochets off the wall and you scramble to return it, you realize squash isn’t just about speed—it’s about precision, strategy, and respect for the rules that shape the game. For newcomers, though, stepping onto the court can feel confusing. Why so many lines? How does the serve really work? And what happens when you and your opponent collide in the middle of a rally?

That’s where the rules come in. They don’t just keep the game fair; they keep it safe, structured, and thrilling to play. Squash is often described as “chess at high speed,” and like chess, every move matters—but only if you know the framework guiding those moves.

In this guide, we’ll unpack the essential rules of squash every player should know. From court boundaries and scoring to lets, strokes, and simple etiquette, you’ll have everything you need to step on court with confidence and enjoy the game the way it’s meant to be played.

1) The Court and Boundaries

A squash court is a rectangular box, enclosed by four walls and the floor. The walls have markings that act as boundaries:

Out line: The topmost line around the court. Any ball above it is out.
Service line (front wall only): Used during serves; the ball must hit above this line when served.
Tin: The metal strip at the bottom of the front wall. If the ball strikes the tin, the rally ends.
Floor markings: The service boxes (small squares near the front) and lines that split the court into left/right and front/back zones.

Learning these lines is the first step to understanding how a rally plays out.

2) How the Serve Works

Every rally begins with a serve, and it has its own rules:

The server must have at least one foot fully inside the service box (not touching the lines).
The ball must hit the front wall above the service line and land in the opposite back quarter of the court.
If the serve hits the side wall before the front wall, it’s a fault.
Players alternate service boxes after winning points.

Tip: For beginners, the lob serve—high and deep into the back corner—is the most reliable way to start a rally.

3) Scoring Rules

Squash uses the point-a-rally (PAR) to 11 system:

Each rally won earns a point, regardless of who served.
Games are played to 11 points, but you must win by at least 2 points (e.g., 12–10, 14–12).
Matches are usually best of 3 or best of 5 games.

This scoring keeps matches fast and competitive.

4) How a Rally Works

Once the ball is in play:

Players hit the ball alternately.
The ball must hit the front wall before bouncing a second time on the floor.
It can hit side or back walls before reaching the front wall, as long as it doesn’t go out or strike the tin.
Players must clear space after their shot so the opponent has direct access to the ball.

Rallies continue until a player makes a mistake or a winning shot is played.

5) Let and Stroke Decisions

Since both players share a confined space, interference happens often. That’s where the let and stroke rules apply:

Let: A rally is replayed if interference prevents a fair shot, but no clear winner was denied. Example: your swing was blocked slightly but you could have retrieved the ball.
Stroke: A point is awarded to you if your opponent blocks your direct path to the ball, preventing a winning or safe return.
No let: If the interference is minimal and didn’t affect your ability to play the shot, play continues.

Golden rule: Always move out of the way after your shot. Clearing space is just as important as hitting the ball.

6) Safety Rules

Squash is safe when played with respect, but accidents happen if rules aren’t followed:

Never swing if your opponent is too close—call a let instead.
Always give your opponent direct access to the ball.
Wear protective eyewear in competitive or club play.

Safety ensures longer rallies and better games.

7) Common Faults to Avoid

Double bounce: Ball bounces twice before you return it.
Down: Ball hits the tin or floor before the front wall.
Out: Ball goes above the out line or outside boundaries.
Serve fault: Incorrect foot placement or serve landing in the wrong area.

Knowing these will save you from confusion mid-match.

8) Match Etiquette (Unwritten Rules)

Beyond official rules, etiquette keeps the game enjoyable:

Start and end with a handshake (or racket tap).
Call “let” clearly and fairly.
Retrieve balls quickly between points.
Wipe sweat patches if the floor gets slippery.

Good etiquette makes you the kind of opponent everyone enjoys playing against.

9) Beginners’ Quick Checklist

Serve with one foot in the box.
Ball must hit the front wall before bouncing twice.
Keep shots above the tin and below the out line.
Recover to the T after each shot.
Always clear space for your opponent.

Final Rally

Squash may look like chaos from the outside—two players darting around a box, balls zipping in every direction—but once you know the rules, the chaos transforms into clarity. Every line, every serve, every call of “let” or “stroke” adds structure to the speed, making the rallies fair, competitive, and exhilarating.

For beginners, the rules are your foundation. They keep you safe, help you understand what’s happening in each rally, and allow you to focus on developing your skills instead of second-guessing the game. Mastering these essentials—court boundaries, serving, scoring, and etiquette—means you can step onto any court in the world and play with confidence.

So the next time you hear the ball crack against the front wall, you won’t just be reacting—you’ll know exactly what to do, where to stand, and how to keep the rally alive. And that’s when squash becomes what it’s truly meant to be: fast, fair, and fiercely fun.