Beginners should choose a squash racquet around 120 to 140 g with an even or slightly head-heavy balance and a teardrop (closed-throat) head for a bigger sweet spot. Use a beginner ball with more bounce, such as a blue or red dot ball, and move to single and then double yellow dot balls as your game develops. Always wear protective eyewear on court.
Squash gear is simple: a racquet, the right ball, eyewear and non-marking court shoes. Getting the racquet and ball right makes learning much easier.
Choosing a racquet
Weight
Squash racquets are light, usually 110 to 170 g.
- Light (110 to 125 g): fast and maneuverable, needs good technique for power.
- Medium (125 to 145 g): a good range for most players.
- Heavier (145 g and up): more stable and powerful, slower to swing.
Balance
- Head-heavy: more power with less effort, good for beginners.
- Even: a versatile middle ground.
- Head-light: quick handling and control, preferred by many advanced players.
Head shape
- Closed throat (teardrop): no bridge, so the strings run down toward the shaft. Larger string bed, more power and a bigger sweet spot. The forgiving choice.
- Open throat (traditional): a bridge separates the head from the shaft. Smaller head, more control and precision.
Strings
Thinner strings (around 1.10 to 1.20 mm) add feel and grip on the ball, while thicker strings last longer. Most players string around 24 to 28 lbs.
Choosing a ball
Squash balls have colored dots that show how much they bounce. Exact names vary by brand; Dunlop’s range is the most common:
| Ball | Bounce | Suits |
|---|---|---|
| Blue dot (Intro or Max) | Most bounce, largest | Beginners |
| Red dot (Progress) | Extra bounce | Improving players |
| Single yellow dot (Competition) | Low bounce | Club players |
| Double yellow dot (Pro) | Lowest bounce | Advanced and competitive players |
Balls get bouncier as they warm up. Double yellow balls need fast, hard rallies to warm up, so using one too early makes the game frustrating.
Eyewear and shoes
- Protective eyewear designed for squash is essential. Ordinary glasses are not protection.
- Non-marking indoor court shoes with good lateral support are required by most clubs.
Quick picks
- Beginner: 130 to 145 g, head-heavy or even, closed throat (teardrop), blue or red dot balls.
- Club player: 120 to 140 g, balance by style, single yellow dot balls.
- Advanced: 115 to 130 g, head-light, either head shape to taste, double yellow dot balls.
Common questions
What squash ball should a beginner use?
A beginner ball with extra bounce, often blue or red dot, depending on the brand. Double yellow dot balls barely bounce unless they are warmed up by fast rallies, which makes them hard for beginners.
What is the difference between open and closed throat squash racquets?
A closed-throat racquet has a teardrop-shaped head with no bridge, so the main strings run down toward the shaft. That gives a larger string bed, more power and a bigger sweet spot. An open-throat racquet has a bridge between the head and shaft, a smaller head and more control.
Do I need eye protection for squash?
Yes. A squash ball is the right size to cause serious eye injury, and many clubs and all junior competition require protective eyewear.