Understanding the rules and scoring systems is essential for competitive play. This guide covers all official squash rules, scoring methods, and tournament formats as recognized by the World Squash Federation.
Basic Court Rules
The court is a contained playing area with four walls. Players hit the ball alternately until one player fails to return it correctly.
Let and Stroke
Let
- Player is hindered from making a shot
- Rally is replayed with no points awarded
- Must be requested before the ball is hit
- Call "let" clearly
Stroke
- Player was prevented from making a winning shot
- Point is awarded to the hindered player
- Most common with interference
- Request stroke after the rally ends
Interference Rules
- Player must have reasonable access to the ball
- Direct path to ball must not be blocked
- Opponent must not crowd the swing
- Player has the right to the T position
Scoring Systems
Hand-Out Scoring (Original)
- Only the server scores points
- Points are only won when serving
- Server must hold service to score
- Games to 9 points
Point-a-Rally (PAR)
- Point is won on every rally
- Winner of rally serves next
- Games to 11 points
- Currently the standard
Hand-In Scoring
- Only server can score
- Winner continues serving
- Receiver wins point on return
- Games to 10 points
Game and Match Formats
Best of 3 Games
- Most common in leagues
- Best player of 3 wins match
- Games to 11 points
Best of 5 Games
- Used in major tournaments
- Best of 5 games wins match
- Games to 11 points
- 5th game to 11 or 15
Service Rules
Service Box
- One foot in service box
- At least one foot on ground
- Ball must hit front wall above service line
- Must land in back quarter
Service Let
- Fault if ball hits front wall below service line
- Fault if ball hits side wall before front wall
- Fault if service lands in front half
- Two faults results in lost point
Basic Fouls
- Ball hits the Tin (out line)
- Ball hits above out line on front wall
- Ball hits the floor before front wall
- Ball hits out line on side or back wall
- Player hits ball twice
Conclusion
Know the rules thoroughly to compete fairly and effectively. The rules exist to ensure fair competition and player safety. Most local leagues have simplified rules - check with your club for specific variations. Understanding the rules fully will help you play with confidence.