Squash rally rules: the basics
Players hit in turn. The goal is to send the ball to the front wall so that the opponent can’t return it before its second bounce.
Three conditions of a good shot
1. The ball reaches the front wall without touching the floor. 2. It hits the front wall above the tin and below the out line. 3. It never touches a wall above the out lines.
On the way to the front wall the ball may bounce off the side and back walls — that is legal and often useful (a boast goes via the side wall).
One bounce
You must hit the ball before it bounces on the floor a second time. You can also volley it before it lands, taking time away from your opponent.
When the rally ends
Your opponent wins the point if you hit the tin, hit the ball out, fail to reach the front wall, or don’t get to the ball before its second bounce.
Try it in the game
In the game your player runs to the ball automatically. If the ball bounces twice — that’s a winner for your opponent.
Play squash onlineQuestions and answers
- How many times can the ball bounce?
- Once. You must return the ball before its second bounce (or volley it).
- Can you hit the side wall?
- Yes, the ball may bounce off the side and back walls as long as it then hits the front wall above the tin.
- Can you volley in squash?
- Yes, volleys are allowed during rallies and on the return of serve.