Point-a-rally scoring
Every rally scores a point regardless of who served. Games are won at 11 points with a two-point margin, and matches are the best of five games.
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COURT · WSF · SRFI
Squash
Squash is played inside an enclosed four-walled court, with both players sharing the same space and hitting alternately against the front wall. Because opponents occupy the same ground, the rules of interference and lets are as important as the strokes. Games run to 11 points, best of five.
group
PLAYERS
1 v 1 (doubles played on a wider court)
schedule
DURATION
Best of 5 games to 11 points, 30–70 min
stadium
PLAYING AREA
Enclosed court 9.75 m × 6.4 m with a front wall tin at 48 cm
scoreboard
SCORING
Point-a-rally to 11, win by two
HOW IT IS PLAYED
Core Rules
The serve
The server must keep at least part of one foot inside the service box and strike the ball onto the front wall above the service line. It must then rebound into the opposite back quarter, unless volleyed by the receiver.
Serving order
The server continues serving, alternating boxes, until they lose a rally. The new server may then choose which box to start from.
Good returns
The ball must reach the front wall above the tin and below the out line before bouncing twice on the floor. It may travel via any combination of side and back walls on the way.
Out of court
A ball hitting the tin, striking on or above any out line, or touching the roof or a light fitting is out and loses the rally.
Interference and the let
A player must give the opponent fair access to the ball, room for a reasonable swing and a direct view. If interference occurs and the striker could have made a good return, the rally is replayed as a let.
Stroke
If the interference was avoidable, or prevented a winning return, the referee awards the rally outright as a stroke to the player who was impeded rather than replaying it.
No let
If the player could not have reached the ball, made no genuine effort, or the interference was minimal, no let is awarded and the rally stands as played.
Ball hitting a player
If a struck ball would have gone to the front wall and hits the opponent, it is generally a stroke to the striker. If it would have hit a side wall first, it is usually a let.
WATCH OUT
Fouls & Penalties
- errorFoot fault — no part of a foot inside the service box at the moment of striking.
- errorTurning on the ball, or striking when the opponent is in the line of fire — stroke against.
- errorDouble hit, carrying or scooping the ball.
- errorDeliberate distraction, excessive appealing, or obstruction — conduct warning.
- errorConduct stroke, conduct game and conduct match for escalating misconduct.
WHO DECIDES
Match Officials
- sportsReferee — rules on lets, strokes and conduct; the sole decision-maker in most matches.
- sportsMarker — calls the score and whether the ball is up, down or out.
- sportsThree-referee system — a central referee plus two side referees at major events.
- sportsTournament referee — hears appeals and manages conditions of play.
GOVERNED BY WSF · SRFI
Play Squash On A Real Arena
Book a floodlit, pro-standard venue and put the rulebook to work.
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