r/squash

Hey everyone,
I know this might sound a bit unusual, but I actually use squash balls mostly as stress balls rather than for playing squash.
For years I’ve been using Dunlop double yellow dot balls because I absolutely love the feel:
the dry rubber texture,
the progressive compression,
and the strong elastic rebound when squeezing them in my hand.
I usually keep one at home, one at work, and one in my backpack.
The problem is that after several years of constant squeezing/stress use, one of my Dunlop balls finally started developing a small crack along the seam/joint line.
So now I’m looking for recommendations:
Is there any squash ball brand that lasts longer than Dunlop for this kind of heavy hand squeezing use?
Or maybe a racquetball/stress ball alternative with a very similar feel but much better durability?
I’d like to keep that same “premium rubber” sensation if possible.
Thanks!

https://squashvote.wtf/video/105/psa-world-championships-cairo-2022-mens-qf-roundup-pt1/

A look back at this call on match ball from 2022. The 2 hour battle between Momen and Coll. What’s your call?

I’ve used and heavily enjoyed the Dunlop ultimate 132 as well as elite 135 lines throughout my years, but recently broke two elites within one month( cracked neck), seems to be a qc issue with some sonic core batches and my wallet cannot afford it, so now looking for recommendations, I enjoy traditional head shapes and use the ultra nick string at 24 lbs, tried the slash and hated it, but looking for something more durable. My playstyle is very attacking and almost gambling, a lot of volleying and short touch shots, please give recs!

Ive had some groin pain when playing for about 3 weeks now. First time it happened I didnt really listen to my body straight away and continued playing for a wekl before a properly rested it for about 5 days. I played a few times after that and it was fine, but felt it again 3 days ago and have been resting since. The pain is very mild and hardly noticeable in my day to day activities.

My question is what is the best way to ensure I recover as fast as I can? I mean rest of course is essential, but does that mean not put any sort of strain on it at all like a low intensity run for example? A few things I was thinking about were solo squash sessions, stretching, foam rolling, light weight training to strengthen the area, what should I be doing at the stage I am in

This has probably already been brought up, but I thought it was worth bringing up again post-Worlds.

Last year, I remember Timmy Brownell brought up a rule change proposal on the In Squash podcast that I thought was genius: "Ask for the call you want."

Every decision now becomes a binary one: if you want a stroke, ask for one, but now the decision tree becomes stroke or no-stroke, let or no let. You can still review, but the decision can only change between the two calls.

I think this helps solves 2 things:

1. Ambiguity. Referees should now be able to describe their decision clearly without a 3rd variable getting in the way, which helps viewers understand what's happening. (i.e. it's much easier to understand a foul vs no foul as opposed to foul vs no foul vs maybe foul.) Players will probably still be upset with calls, but that would be the case for any rule system.
2. Fishing. Players fish now because they could possibly win the point outright, but could also receive a let for contact or safety. This new system would force players to think if it's really worth it to ask for a stroke or to simply try to go through and play the ball.

(To be fair, I think referees have gotten better at calling "No lets" in these positions, but they still get it wrong sometimes + the ambiguity is still there from a viewing perspective.)

Logistically, I don't think this would change the game flow too much. Players may argue that they now have to think of the call they want to ask for and it disrupts their game, but that effort should probably be going towards playing the point rather than gamesmanship.

I think this also is better for the game at the amateur level too, because it makes refereeing a bit easier to understand / implement. You'd only have to consider 2 options as opposed to 3.

I honestly don't see much wrong with this system, which is why I wanted to ask you all: what do you think of this rule? What are some flaws?

I had a match the other night where i got caught flat footed at the T. My opponent hit a dying crosscourt and i had to just lunge for it. no time to set up, no time for a proper swing. Just stuck my racquet out and somehow managed to flick it straight back along the wall. Bro on the next court asked how i even got to that. honestly i have no idea, just survival instinct. Apparently that's called a scramble, read somewhere that Jonah Barrington perfected it back in the day, arm extended, body almost horizontal to the floor, just meeting the ball as it comes off the bounce and guiding it with whatever spin you can manage. no time to think, just react.

I used to play squash with friends fairly often, with a bit of competition play (including doing a refereeing course a long time ago).

I started to play on a club 'ladder', where you're matched up with players of a similar skill level, with no issue. I was in maybe the top 20-25% at two different clubs.

I took a bit of time off (1-2 years) due to injury and personal circumstance, so now when I play, I've dropped down a few positions, to maybe 30-40%.

The issue I have now, is that I lose a lot of games due to positioning that's throwing me off. I find that my current opponents stand a bit too close to the wall, and change the type of shot that I might plan to hit (mainly cross court drives). I have tried talking to a few of them, but I feel like I come off too complain-y for this level of play. I call lets if it's a serious impediment, but I don't know if it's fair to call lets in other instances. Some of the feedback that they give me is that they were back at the T (even though I explained that it's more about front-wall access, rather than centering). I've also had players get annoyed, saying that I could have hit a straight drive (which is true, even though it's not aways the shot I prefer).

When I play against my old opponents, at a higher level, this issue disappears, and I enjoy the games a lot more, and I can even win more consistently.

Is there an easy way to play at this level, and still enjoy the game? I'm trying to use it as an opportunity to practice my drives, but it's still a bit frustrating when I lose points.

Do you still call a let often if you can hit the front wall, even if it's not the shot you want?

Hey squashers,

Can anybody help me find some public courts in Nashville for a web friend?

They found some in Vanderbilt University and Montgomery Bell, but they are not accessible to everybody.

Thanks.

In tennis or badminton, the ref is very close to the action. Even in traditional courts the ref sits near. Then why during matches played on glass courts the refs sit so far away. Making decisions on doubles, lets, in/outs from so far away must be exhausting and prone to errors (either making wrong decision or not seeing error). Just roll up a high chair like in badminton or tennis and prop it up on the left or right wall so they don't obstruct the camera and call it a day (make it extra spicy by propping the chair behind the front wall). All this talk about making changes rules and policy, asking for good behavior on court, etc etc, this is a cheap tangible solution that can be implemented and tried and if doesn't work change it back.

Hi, i just started my squash craze and am looking for other beginners to play with. I’ve taken a few lessons and attended clinics and can sustain rallies but now want to find matches at Opensquash / other venues. I’m currently on the FIDI trial membership but would like to explore other options. Feel free to DM to set up a match.

I’m in the market for some new squash shoes. My asics blade ff2s haven’t lasted as long as previous models. Has anyone worn the kanso shoes and what did they think of them? I’ve been contemplating buying a pair but don’t want to fork out around £100 on a pair if they’re no good. I made the mistake a few years ago buying some eye squash shoes and they were terrible. I’m usually a asics wearer but fancied a change

Très bel article sur Asal. Son titre, son talent, les incidents, sa personnalité, les limites PSA rencontrées, l’enjeu 2028, … Un article remarquable d’Eurosport sur le numéro 1 et le PSA Tour

The Asian Games are 4 months away and Asian Squash is in an interesting phase right now. If you are unaware, the gold medal winners of the singles event of Men's and Women's will earn a direct spot for the LA28 Olympics.

Men's:

When you compare the Asian Men's scene to the overall state of men's squash, it's quite competitive. An NOC can only enter two players in the singles event so the contenders would look like this:

Malaysia: Eain Yow Ng (20)

Pakistan: Noor Zaman (29) and Ashab Irfan (41)

India: Abhay Singh (24) and Ramit/Chotrani/Velavan (40-50)

Hong Kong: Alex Lau (42)

Everyone here has the ability to beat anyone else tbh however Eain Ng has had a quiet year, even losing 3-0 to Ashab at the Texas Open a couple months back. The indians seem to have stalled and their best hope is Abhay Singh who has been inconsistent but can turn up on his day and win the whole thing. The biggest climbers this season have been Noor Zaman and Ashab Irfan (who just started his collegiate squash career aswell). An all Pakistan final between them is certainly possible if the stars align.

My Prediction: Ashab Irfan will surprise everyone and win the Gold medal and be the first ever Squash Olympian. The battle between Noor and Ashab in itself deserves it's own post given their similarities career wise and the stakes for this Asian Games.

Women's:

The Women's game is more predictable, it will be tightly contested between Subramanium (5) and Watanabe (6) but there is also a dangerous and exciting newcomer in the form of Anahat Singh (21) the contenders will be:

Malaysia: Subramanium (5) and One of the Azman sisters

India: Anahat Singh (21)

Japan: Satomi Watanabe (6)

Hong Kong: Sin Yuk Chan (27) and Tomato Ho/Ka Yi Lee

My Prediction: I think Sivasangri Subramanium will qualify but Anahat Singh will reach the finals and if she encounters Watanabe then she will get upset by Singh but Subramanium still has enough to beat her for the gold medal.