List Of Equipment Needed In Squash

Squash is a competitive indoor sport that requires you to have the correct equipment for a good game. Luckily, squash is a sport where you would not have to spend a fortune before stepping on the court. Having the correct equipment, as well as the correct technique, can contribute to a victory at your next squash game.

To play squash, you will need essential equipment such as a racket, a ball, clothing, and shoes. Other equipment such as protective eyewear and squash bags can also be used, but these items are not essential. Squash equipment can be bought at clubs, sports retailers, and online.

You will need the correct equipment to have the best experience playing squash. Below you will find a list of essential and non-essential equipment needed to play squash.

1. Squash Racket

A squash racket is the most important equipment needed to play squash. Rackets come in many different brands, sizes, and weights. You can purchase a good quality squash racket without having to spend a huge amount of money. Due to the change in shape and construction of squash rackets, getting a more modern style racket is advisable.

Squash rackets are supplied pre-strung, but after a few games, you would need to do some re-stringing. Each squash racket, whether light or heavy, has advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, it is up to you as the squash player to decide which squash racket suits your comfort and playing style.

The weight and construction of a squash racket play an important role in how smooth your next squash game will be. Beginners usually use heavier rackets and tend to shift to lighter ones as soon as they gain more experience. If you are a beginner, I suggest you get yourself a ‘teardrop’ shape racket because these rackets are easier to use.

2. Squash Ball

As a squash player, you should know that choosing the correct squash ball is an important part of the game. In squash, you will find smaller balls that are less bouncy and larger balls that are more bouncy. Squash balls come in different types; each type is based on your preference as a player and the type of court you are playing on.

Below are the four types of balls that you can find in Squash:

The Blue Dot Ball (Beginner)	Used by people who recently started playing Squash Larger in size and has more bounce Requires less time to ‘warm up’ Easier to hit
The Red Dot Ball (Intermediate)	Used by people that have already played Squash Fun and quick game Less hang time than Blue Dot Ball
The Yellow Dot Ball(Advanced)	Used by people that have a huge amount of experience in squash More bounce than the Double Yellow Dot Ball Strives in cold weather conditions Used at competitions and club level
The Double Yellow Dot Ball (Professional)	Official squash ball for all professional games Used by highly-skilled players Very little hang time and bounce Requires flexibility and strength

It would be best to buy the correct squash ball whether you are a beginner, intermediate, advanced, or professional player. Buying the correct squash ball will bring out your best playing style. Buy decent quality squash balls to have the best squash experience while not damaging your racket too much.

3. Squash Clothing And Shoes

Squash clothing and shoes are other important equipment you will need to play the game. To play squash, you need to wear comfortable athletic clothing that allows you to run freely around the court. Some squash clubs and even squash tournaments require players to have the correct squash gear before getting to the court.

You will need comfortable squash clothes to produce your best performance. Men and women tend to wear comfortable squash shirts and shorts. Women have also started wearing comfortable skirts or skorts when they play squash. You will find yourself moving a lot, so you would need clothes supporting swift movements.

You will need to purchase shoes that are designed specifically for use on indoor courts. When playing squash, you should not be wearing any casual, running or tennis shoes. Look out for squash shoes that provide excellent grip and traction. Squash involves quick footwork, so you will need comfortable and durable shoes.

4. Squash Eyewear

Some players tend to wear protective eyewear even though eye injuries do not usually happen in squash. In junior squash competitions, players must wear protective eyewear. If you want to protect your eyes while still having a fun time, then you should get yourself a pair of anti-fog squash goggles.

There are two types of eyewear that squash players use to protect their eyes, single eyepiece lenses and double eyepiece lenses. Single eyepiece lenses are somewhat less stylish but provide more protection than double eyepiece lenses. Double eyepiece lenses are usually worn by players that are having a non-competitive squash game.

Below are some tips for purchasing protective eyewear for squash:

Make sure to buy eyewear that has the anti-fogging feature
Check if your new eyewear product has adjustable straps
The eyewear product should come with easy replacement lenses
The value of the eyewear item depends on lens quality, goggle material, and brand
You may customize your squash goggles to suit your fashion and playing style.

5. Squash Bag

You will need a bag to carry around your equipment like any other sport. There is a huge variety of sports bags on the market, but purchasing a bag specifically designed for racket sports would be advisable. These bags are meant to keep your squash equipment (racket, ball, clothes, etc.) safe and somewhat free from damage.

I suggest getting yourself a squash sports bag with backpack-style handles because these bags are easier to carry. Make sure to purchase a sports bag with enough space and compartments to place your equipment. Also, ensure that you place your racket/s and ball/s in a separate compartment and not in the same compartment as your squash clothes.

6. Squash Grip

All squash rackets come with a grip already placed on the handle; therefore, you don’t need to buy squash grips at first. However, over time your squash racket will need a new grip so that you can continue performing at your best. New grips can be placed over the old ones, or you can remove the old grip and replace it with the new one.

Squash grips are seen as the most inexpensive equipment, but it has similar importance compared to other squash equipment. Factory grips are often not the best in terms of quality; therefore, it is advisable to purchase at least one or two extra squash grips. A new squash grip will always be advantageous in your next game.

Below are the three types of squash grips that you can find:

Soft Grip

The most popular grip used by squash players
The thick version of over grips or thin alternatives for replacement grips
Excellent comfort due to extra cushioning

Over Grip

These are grips that a placed over factory grips
Decreases moisture that tends to build up on the grip
Extra comfort

Replacement Grip

Grips that are used as replacements when your current grip is worn out
Grips need to be replaced so that you can avoid unwanted mistakes
It makes your squash racket feel brand new

7. Squash Racket Strings

Squash racket strings are considered less important than any other squash equipment, and this is because rackets usually come with a pre-attached set of strings. However, you should know that the quality of the racket strings depreciates after every squash game. Do not be surprised if you tear through your first set of strings after a few squash games.

Squash players should know that racket strings also play a huge role in technique and playing style. Racket strings are usually set at either high tension or low tension. Higher tension strings give squash players more control, while lower tension strings provide more power.

Below are the things you need to consider when purchasing racket strings:

The rackets springing tension
The thickness of the string
Dimensions of each string

8. Squash Headbands And Wristbands

Squash is a sport that requires you to move a lot and therefore creating an excessive amount of sweat on your face and body. Items like headbands and wristbands allow you to enjoy the game while managing your sweat. These items are not compulsory in squash, but they can play a role in whether you have a good or bad game.

If you are a heavy sweater, a squash headband is a must-buy piece of equipment. Wearing a headband will lessen the time taken to wipe the sweat away and help with a smooth performance. A headband can also help long-hair players keep their hair away from their faces and eyes. This piece of equipment allows for more focus and less distraction.

A squash wristband is for those players who tend to sweat through their hands. Wristbands are excellent for maintaining the grip of your squash racket. Not having a wristband could potentially lead to losing control, and the racket might even slip out of your hand. Wristbands are usually comfortable, and having one or two is never a bad investment.

9. Other

There are a few more items that squash players use that are not mentioned above. These items might not be as important as those mentioned, but they do play a part in player performance. Below is a list of other equipment that you might need when playing squash:

Squash Glove – used to improve grip and to avoid sweaty hands
Court Towels – Also used to maintain sweat
Water Bottle – Very important to stay hydrated while playing squash

Conclusion

Like any other sport, squash requires you to have certain equipment to have the best experience possible. Choosing the correct racket, ball, clothing, and accessories can improve your technique and playing style. These items allow you to explore a new sport without spending too much money.

Rackets, balls, clothing, and shoes are seen as essential parts of equipment needed in squash. Non-essential items include eyewear, bags, grips, strings, headbands, and wristbands. However, all these types of equipment, essential and non-essential, are important for improving your gameplay and performance.