Alex Robertston reports
This week, I thought I’d go back to the basics and cover some of the most common ‘frequently asked questions’ that newer players have about the sport. By new, I’m referring to people who have either never played (and are interested in trying), or players who have been in the sport for under a year.
However, if you’re not an absolute beginner, I still think that this article could be helpful!
Let’s dive in…
Squash Gear Questions
Should I buy a lighter or heavier squash racquet?
I know I touched on this in the first section; however, I wanted to go into a little more detail on racquet weighting as it’s one of the main things players consider when purchasing a new racquet.
However, my answer to this depends on your playing style and level of experience. Lighter racquets (from around 110g–125g) are generally favoured by more advanced or fast, attacking players who like to volley a lot and take the ball early.
They’re easier to manoeuvre and excellent for fast-paced exchanges at the front of the court.
But that can come at the cost of a bit of power and perhaps a bit of control.
Heavier racquets (130g–145g) offer more natural power and stability, which can benefit beginners or players who prefer a slower tempo and larger swings.
They are also often easier to time if you’re still developing your technique.
That said, weight isn’t everything; balance and feel matter just as much.
A head-light racquet will swing faster, while a head-heavy one will give you extra thump through the ball. If you’re not sure where you fall, try a racquet in the 125g–135g range with a balanced feel and go from there.
Having tried countless racquet models myself, I can confidently say that a light weight racquet with a head heavy balance point often feels heavier than a heavier racquet with a head light balance point.
Do with that what you will!
What squash footwear should I buy?
Squash is brutal on your feet and footwear, so wearing proper indoor court shoes is essential.
Running or gym shoes won’t cut it. They don’t offer the grip, lateral support, or stability needed for quick changes of direction, and they can increase your risk of injury.
Plus, possibly the most important thing that all squash shoes need is non-marking soles (otherwise, you’ll leave marks all over the court floor and nobody wants that)!
There are squash-specific models from brands like Asics and Kanso that are all designed with features like reinforced sidewalls, supportive heel cups, and shock-absorbing midsoles that cater to the high-impact nature of squash.
However, if you’re someone who’s newer to the sport, you may want to broaden your horizons a bit and look at all indoor court shoes (rather than just squash specific pairs) to see if anything tickles your fancy.
Comfort and fit should always be the priority.
Make sure your foot feels locked in, not sliding forward, and that there’s enough cushioning to absorb impact from lunges and jumps.
If you’re prone to ankle rolls, go for something with more structure and side-to-side stability. If you value speed, opt for a lightweight, lower-to-the-ground model.
Another key tip is to make sure not to wait until your shoes look wrecked, once the grip starts to fade or the support wears out (and you start to feel pain in your feet, ankles, knees, or shins), it’s time for a new pair.
A worn-out sole can be the difference between a clean stop and a nasty slip.
What tension should I string my squash racquet at?
String tension is one of the most overlooked aspects of a racquet setup, but it can have a major impact on how your shots feel.
Most people just request the recommended string tension (that is listed on the frame of most racquets). This is usually 24 to 30 lbs per square inch.
However, if you’ve broken your strings and need a new set installed anyway, why not tailor the tension to match your style and strengths?
Lower tensions (24-26 lbs) generally provide more power due to added flex and the trampoline effect of the strings, while higher tensions (28-30 lbs) offer more control.
It’s also worth noting that not all strings behave the same at the same tension.
Softer strings will feel more lively, while stiffer strings may give you more directional control. As always, it’s about finding the balance that works best for your swing and style of play.
What string pattern will work best for my squash playing style?
I’d say that the majority of squash racquets come with a 14×18, however, there are still many options for other patterns depending on the frame.
Most frames only support one string pattern, so make sure to take this into account when buying a new racquets, but, some frames (like many of those made by HEAD), offer the option to opt for either an open normal pattern, or, a more dense ‘fanned’ pattern.
But, before we go into that, what’s the difference between string patterns?
The general rule is that fewer strings (like 12×17) mean more space between them, allowing the strings to move more on contact, which increases rebound and spin.
This is great for players who like power, cut, and deception in their shots.
More-dense patterns (like 14×18, 16×19, or 16×17) give you more control and durability. They’re better for players who like to drive consistently, volley tightly, and take the pace off the ball rather than inject it.
If you’re still figuring out your style, don’t overthink it.
From personal experience, I wouldn’t actually say there’s a huge difference between the feeling ofdifferent string patterns for beginners, but, once you start to improve a bit, you can definitely start to feel the benefits and drawbacks of each.
Just like your racquet weight and tension, the best pattern is the one that complements your strengths.
