Squash is a thrilling game. While it is a racquet sport, just like tennis, there are obvious differences. Instead of returning the ball to another player across the court, you are focusing on hitting it against the squash front wall. And although you could use a tennis racquet to hit the ball against the front wall, should you? Let’s find out.
You should not play squash with a tennis racket. Tennis rackets are twice as heavy, compare to squash racquets; therefore, it’ll be difficult for players to maneuver the racquet properly, and as fast as needed during a squash game. As a result, this will increase the risk of injury, especially on the wrists, arms, as well as shoulders.
6 Reasons to NOT play squash with a tennis racket
Playing squash with a tennis racquet or any improper equipment is not a good idea. While you can play squash with a tennis racquet, it is not recommended under any circumstances.
Below are six reasons why you should not play squash with a tennis racket:
- Greater Weight – More than double the weight.
- Higher string tension – Twice as much.
- Less maneuverability
- Development of bad habits.
- Inaccurate portrayal of what it feels like to play a lively game of squash.
- Higher risk of injury.
Now, we’ll go into more detail on some of them.
Greater weight.
The game of squash is meant to be played with a lighter racquet, between 110 and 145 grams. Tennis racquets are much heavier than this. In fact, they can be as much as 2.5x heavier than a squash racket. Squash requires a player to move quickly and to be light on their feet. Also, the players are supposed to make contact with the ball using a quick flicking motion of the wrist.
The heavier tennis racquet will tend to weigh the player down and make this difficult. It’ll, also, require more wrist strength to flick the ball. Therefore, you should use the more appropriate, lighter squash racquet
Higher string tension.
Another issue is the strength and tautness of tennis racquets strings compare to squash racquets.
Tennis racquet strings are thicker, stronger, and tighter. In the other hand, string tensions used in squash racquets are much lower; in general, tennis racquets have about twice the string tension of squash racquets. Thus, using a tennis racquet, we’ll prevent players from hitting the ball with enough power.
Develop bad habits from the get-go.
If you try to play squash with a tennis racquet, you will develop bad habits. This will happen because you will be compensating for the heavier weight of the racquet. Also, you won’t have the proper maneuverability of the racquet needed for squash.
You won’t get the full squash experience.
If you were starting out learning to play squash with a tennis racquet, you would not be getting a true feel for how the game is played.
Higher risk of injury.
Racquet Weight Comparison: Squash vs. Tennis
- Squash rackets weight an average of 127.5 grams (110 – 145g).
- Mid/Heavy Tennis rackets weight an average of 305 grams (280 – 330g).
- A tennis racket can be about 2.5x heavier than a squash racket.
In addition, squash rackets use a much lower string tension compare to their tennis counterpart. If we add the fact that squash balls are much lighter than tennis balls, it’ll be quite challenging to get enough power when hitting a squash ball with a tennis racquet.
Avg. string tensions comparison: Squash vs. Tennis
- Squash: 26lbs
- Tennis: 53 lbs
- A tennis racket, on average, has twice the string tension that a squash racket.
Overall, playing squash with a tennis racquet is not something a serious player would do, and is not recommended for any level of Squash-playing.
Playing Squash the right way
For the full effect of a great squash game, you should play by the rules and play with the right equipment. Go to a legitimate squash court, with the proper lines. Take along your squash racquet and the ball appropriate to your skill level. Be sure to wear the protective gear and correct attire, which we will cover in this article. Learn to play correctly, so that you can take full enjoyment in the game.
If you plan to begin playing squash regularly, you should probably go ahead and invest in all of the proper equipment. You should be able to buy everything you need at a sporting goods store. The racquet is of the utmost importance, but we will also cover the other necessary squash equipment in this article. Squash is more fun with the right equipment.
Equipment for playing Squash
To enjoy squash to the fullest, you should use the proper equipment. Proper equipment can be purchased at a sporting goods store, as well as online.
Below is a list of the suggested equipment needed for playing squash:
1. Squash racket
A proper squash racquet should be between 110 and 145 grams. It is lighter and smaller than a tennis racquet to provide for the quick wrist flicking that needs to take place during a game of squash.
2. Squash shoes
Regular tennis shoes are not permitted on a squash court. You will need non-marking shoes, with good grips to keep you from slipping.
3. Attire
There is nothing special about proper squash attire. You would wear something much like what you would wear to play tennis. Standard squash attire includes a t-shirt and a skirt or shorts.
4. Squash balls
Squash balls with a blue dot are designed for beginners. The next step up for an improving player would be a ball with a red dot. Single yellow dot balls are intended for intermediate/advanced players, and balls with double yellow dots are for squash players at the professional level.
5. Bag
You will need a squash bag large enough to carry all of your equipment. You do not have to purchase a specifically designed bag for this, but there are bags available with zipping compartments shaped to specifically hold a squash racquet.
6. Goggles
Squash goggles or any kind of protective eyewear will suffice on the squash court. The purpose of these is to keep you from injury should the ball ricochet and hit you in the eye. Goggles are preferable because they will wrap all the way around your head and not slip.
7. Grips
The squash racquet you purchase will already have a grip on the handle, so this is not something you have to go out and buy initially. However, your grips will wear out over time, and you’ll need to replace them.
All things considered
If you plan to take the game seriously, you should not try to play squash with a tennis racquet. It is worth purchasing the proper, lighter racquet or either playing at a squash club that rents out racquets.
Squash can be a lot of fun when played correctly and using the right equipment. You would not be doing yourself justice to bring along your tennis racquet and assume that would suffice for a lively game of squash.