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Squash: A Comprehensive History of the Game

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Squash: A History of the Game

by James Zug

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	802 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	404 pages

Squash is a racquet sport played by two or four players in a four-walled court with a small, hollow rubber ball. The game is played by hitting the ball against the walls of the court, in such a way that the opponent(s) cannot hit it back. Squash is a fast-paced and physically demanding sport that requires a high level of skill, agility, and athleticism.

Origins of Squash

The origins of squash can be traced back to the 19th century, when it was developed as a variant of the game of rackets. Rackets is an ancient game that was played in England and France as early as the 16th century. The game was played in a four-walled court, with a wooden ball and a wooden racket. In the 1850s, students at Harrow School in England began to play a variation of rackets using a smaller, hollow rubber ball. This new game was called "squash." Squash quickly became popular among students at Harrow and other schools in England.

Development of Squash

In the early 20th century, squash began to spread to other countries, including the United States, Canada, and Australia. The first official squash tournament was held in 1907 in London, England. The tournament was won by H. L. Doherty, who was also a Wimbledon champion. In 1920, the International Squash Federation (ISF) was founded. The ISF is the governing body for squash worldwide.

Squash continued to grow in popularity throughout the 20th century. In 1976, squash became an official sport at the Olympic Games. However, squash was removed from the Olympic program in 1988. Squash is now played in over 185 countries, and there are over 50 million squash players worldwide.

Rules of Squash

The rules of squash are relatively simple. The game is played on a four-walled court, with a small, hollow rubber ball. The ball is hit against the walls of the court, in such a way that the opponent(s) cannot hit it back. The game is played to 11 points, and the first player to reach 11 points wins the game. If both players reach 10 points, the game is played to 12 points, and so on.

There are a number of different strokes that can be used in squash. The most common strokes are the forehand, the backhand, the volley, and the drop. The forehand and backhand are used to hit the ball with power and accuracy, while the volley and drop are used to keep the ball in play.

Equipment for Squash

The equipment used in squash is relatively simple. The most important piece of equipment is the squash ball. Squash balls are made of a hollow rubber material, and they come in a variety of sizes and speeds. The other pieces of equipment used in squash are the squash racket and the squash court.

Squash rackets are made of a variety of materials, including wood, metal, and graphite. The type of racket that a player chooses depends on their playing style.

Squash courts are made of a variety of materials, including wood, glass, and concrete. The size of the court depends on the level of play. Professional squash courts are typically 21 feet wide by 32 feet long.

Famous Squash Players

There have been many great squash players over the years. Some of the most famous squash players include:

* Jahangir Khan (Pakistan) * Jansher Khan (Pakistan) * Hashim Khan (Pakistan) * Nicol David (Malaysia) * Raneem El Weleily (Egypt) * Camille Serme (France)

World Squash Championships

The World Squash Championships is the most prestigious squash tournament in the world. The tournament is held every two years, and it brings together the best squash players from around the world. The first World Squash Championships was held in 1976, and it was won by Geoff Hunt of Australia.

The current World Squash Champion is Ali Farag of Egypt. Farag won the title in 2019, and he is the first Egyptian player to win the World Squash Championships.

Squash is a great sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. The game is fast-paced, physically demanding, and requires a high level of skill, agility, and athleticism. Squash is also a social sport that can be enjoyed with friends and family.

If you are looking for a great way to get fit and have fun, then squash is the perfect sport for you.

Squash: A History of the Game

by James Zug

4 out of 5