Let and stroke in squash: interference explained
Squash is the only racket sport where players share one space. That’s why the rules spell out in detail what happens when one player gets in the other’s way.
The duty to clear
After playing a shot, a player must give the opponent direct access to the ball, a fair view and room to swing. If you are in the way, your opponent can ask for a let — “Let, please”.
Let — the rally is replayed
A let is given when there was interference but the striker could have returned the ball anyway, or when the situation is unclear. The rally is replayed and the score doesn’t change.
Stroke — a point
A stroke (the point to the obstructed player) is given when the other player didn’t make every effort to clear, or prevented a winning shot.
Ball hits a player
If the ball hits the opponent on its way directly to the front wall — stroke to the striker. If it was going via the side wall — let. If the shot would not have been good anyway — the point goes to the opponent.
Try it in the game
In the game your player moves back to the T after each shot, clearing the way. Stand in your opponent’s path to the ball and it’s a stroke.
Play squash onlineQuestions and answers
- What is the difference between a let and a stroke?
- A let means the rally is replayed. A stroke means the point goes to the player who was obstructed.
- What happens if the ball hits the opponent?
- If the ball was going straight to the front wall — stroke to the striker; via the side wall — let.