Squash (sport)
Squash, sometimes called squash rackets, is a racket-and-ball sport played by two or four players in a four-walled court with a small, hollow, rubber ball. The players alternate in striking the ball with their rackets onto the playable surfaces of the four walls of the court. The objective of the game is to hit the ball in such a way that the opponent is not able to play a valid return. There are about 20 million people who play squash regularly world-wide in over 185 countries. The governing body of squash, the World Squash Federation (WSF), is recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and the sport is included in the Olympic Games, after a number of applications. Squash has been added for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. The Professional Squash Association (PSA) organizes the pro tour.
A squash player prepares to strike the ball with his racket | |
| Highest governing body | World Squash Federation (WSF) |
|---|---|
| First played | 19th century, England, United Kingdom |
| Characteristics | |
| Contact | Limited |
| Team members | Singles or doubles |
| Mixed-sex | Separate competitions (mixed sometimes in leagues) |
| Type | Racket sport |
| Equipment | Squash ball, squash racket, goggles, non-marking gum soled shoes |
| Venue | Indoor or outdoor (with glass court) |
| Presence | |
| Olympic | To be included in 2028 |
| World Games | 1997, 2005–present |