Squash is a fast-paced racquet sport that requires agility, strategy, and precision. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, understanding the terminology can help improve your game and enhance your overall experience on the court. Here’s a comprehensive glossary of common squash terms to get you started.

Comprehensive Guide to Squash Terms

A

Ace – A serve that is so well-placed or powerful that the opponent cannot return it.

Alley – The area along the side walls of the squash court.

B

Backhand – A shot played with the back of the hand facing forward.

Boast – A shot where the ball is hit off a side wall before reaching the front wall.

Break Point – A situation where the receiver has the opportunity to win the rally and gain service.

C

Carry – A ball that makes prolonged contact with the racquet strings instead of a clean hit.

Counterdrop – A drop shot executed in response to an initial drop shot, also known as a re-drop.

Crosscourt – A shot that sends the ball diagonally from one side of the court to the opposite side.

Cut – A shot played with an exaggerated spin, making the ball bounce lower and move unpredictably.

D

Drop Shot – A delicate shot that lands close to the front wall, forcing the opponent to move forward quickly.

Drive – A powerful shot hit parallel to the side walls, often used to keep the opponent pinned to the back of the court.

F

Follow-Through – The motion of the racquet continuing after the ball is struck.

Foot Fault – A fault that occurs when the server steps on or over the service box line during a serve.

G

Game – typically won by the first player to reach 9 points. Depending on the scoring system, games may also be played to 11 or 15 points.

Game Point – A situation where a player needs only one more point to win the game.

Get – a difficult retrieval of an opponent’s shot.

H

Half-Volley – A shot where the ball is struck just after it bounces.

Handout – When the server loses a rally and the opponent takes over serving.

K

Kill shot – A powerful shot that decisively finishes the point.

L

Let – A replay of a point due to interference, obstruction, or an unclear call.

Lob – A high, arcing shot designed to push the opponent deep into the court.

M

Match Point – A situation where a player needs just one more point to win the match.

R

Rally – A sequence of continuous shots exchanged between players.

Referee – The official responsible for making calls on the match.

Return – This shot follows the serve and is also known as a serve return.

Reverse – a shot that is played first against the opposite side wall of your side.

S

Serve – the shot that begins every point.

Service Box – The designated area where the server must stand to serve the ball.

Side Wall – Either of the two walls running along the length of the court.

Straight Drive – A shot hit parallel to the side walls with the goal of keeping the opponent in the back of the court.

T

T-Position – The central point on the court where a player can best anticipate and react to shots.

Tin – The lower section of the front wall that results in a fault if the ball hits it.

V

Volley – A shot hit before the ball bounces on the ground.

By familiarizing yourself with these squash terms, you can communicate more effectively on the court and refine your technique. Whether you’re looking to improve your skills or just understand the game better, knowing the lingo is a great place to start!

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