Squash Balls. Humble, Squashable, Warmable, Smackable, Cheap!
The sport Squash, was originally called Squash Racquets... The name was based on the "Squashability" of the ball! Cool yes?
As these humble little fellows are often ignored, we thought we would give them a bit of screen time and describe them in detail. And for those new players out there, firstly welcome! Secondly, we'll give you the information you need to pick out the right squash ball for your level of playing! It's easy, don't sweat!
Squash balls are designed to be between 39.5mm and 40.5mm in diameter. There is some room for tolerance in the size, but they are typically very consistent.
Squash balls weigh in at a measly 23 to 25grams. Not much at all, but I tell you what, the feel harder when they hit you at high speeds! Wear goggles kids!
Squash Ball
There are a number of different squash balls available. 6 in total. But typically you will only see 3 of them. Eventually you will find that you will only ever play with one of the types as well. But build up to that!
The balls differ in material so as to provide different playing characteristics. It is the rubber composition that provides the vast changes. The balls are altered to adjust for a) player skill and b) temperature and atmospheric conditions.
Experienced players will play with SLOWER balls with LESS bounce compared to newer players who play with FAST balls with MORE bounce.
Remember that:
- EXPERIENCED = SLOW BALLS - LOW BOUNCE
- INEXPERIENCED = FAST BALLS - HIGH BOUNCE
The high bounce ensures that shots which would typically die in the corners are propped up making returns a lot easier. It will make your game more fun and you will improve much quicker as you will get more time to get your technique right. Don't let your ego get in the way! The learning curve can be steep, lighten the load!
The balls are distinguished between each other by small coloured dots which indicate the dynamic level of each ball.
The standard competition ball is the Double Yellow ball. The Orange ball (which I am yet to see) is for playing at higher altitudes - Though I think I'd rather be snowboarding if I was up in Colorado or Whistler! :)
| Colour |
Speed |
Bounce |
| Orange |
Super Slow |
Super low |
| Double yellow |
Slow |
Very low |
| Yellow |
Slow |
Low |
| Green or white |
Medium/slow |
Average |
| Red |
Medium |
High |
| Blue |
Fast |
Very high |
So beginner players begin with the Blue. Be in no rush to build up to the next level, but don't be afraid of challenging yourself! My friends and I typically play with single yellow for casual matches. It requires less time to warm up the ball and it can be more fun!
Be aware that squash balls need to be warmed up before you play. Spend at least 3 minutes on each side of the court hitting the ball with your opposition. The warmer the ball the more it bounces and the slower it moves. Cold balls are dead balls and are no fun to play with. Other techniques to warm the ball up are to rub it against the floor with your shoe really quick. That can be split the ball so I prefer to just have a hit!
There a few squash ball manufacturers - Dunlop, Prince, Pointfore, Wilson, Black Knight to name a few.
They are all fairly similar so don't spend too much time thinking about which type you want! They're all good ;)
Hope that helps! Feel free to drop a line if you have any questions.
Kind Regards,
SquashRacqueteer!
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