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The Evolution of Squash: From a Casual Game to a Competitive Sport

The Evolution of Squash: From a Casual Game to a Competitive Sport
The Evolution of Squash: From a Casual Game to a Competitive Sport

A fast-moving ball, the echo of quick footsteps, and the clash of rackets against walls, squash is a sport of speed, agility, and precision.


It has captivated players for over a century, yet its origins lie in unexpected places.

From the prison yards of England to the world’s most prestigious courts, its evolution is a story of chance, competition, and innovation.


A Sport Born in Confined Spaces

Squash did not emerge in grand stadiums or well-manicured lawns. It was shaped in the narrow walls of prisons and school corridors, where space was limited, and rules were improvised. It was a game of quick thinking, played in places where the movement was restricted and the ball had to be controlled with precision.


One of the earliest forms of squash was played in Fleet Prison in London. Inmates, looking for ways to pass time, struck a ball against the walls using rudimentary rackets.

The walls became part of the game, turning an ordinary activity into something that demanded accuracy and speed. The confined setting made the game unpredictable, forcing players to react instantly. This early version had no fixed rules, no standard courts, and no structured competitions, yet it laid the foundation for what was to come.

Around the same time, a similar pastime was taking shape at Harrow School. Students played a racket game against the walls, but something changed when they started using punctured balls. Unlike regular ones, these balls deformed on impact, creating an entirely different style of play. Instead of bouncing off the wall at a predictable angle, they would slow down, dip, or skid, requiring sharper reflexes. This made the rallies longer and more challenging, pushing players to think ahead rather than relying on force alone.


The school took note of the growing interest and built dedicated courts to accommodate the game.

These early courts had high walls and were narrower than modern ones, but they provided a structured environment for students to refine their skills.


The game spread beyond Harrow as former students carried it to universities and sports clubs. Unlike traditional racket sports played in open spaces, this one thrived indoors. The walls were part of the game. Players could use them strategically, aiming shots that would be difficult for opponents to return. This added a new layer of skill, making positioning just as important as power.


As more people picked up the sport, the need for consistency grew. The early courts varied in size, and there were no universal rules. Some players used softer balls, while others preferred harder ones that bounced higher. Without a standard format, matches could feel completely different depending on where they were played.


Over time, efforts were made to introduce uniformity, ensuring that the game could be enjoyed the same way across different locations.


The Move Towards Organised Competition

The Move Towards Organised Competition of Squash
The Move Towards Organised Competition

In the late 19th century, squash was still an informal game, played differently in various locations. There were no fixed rules, no set court dimensions, and no standard equipment.


The experience of playing depended entirely on where the game was being held and what materials were available. While the essence of the sport remained the same, inconsistencies made it difficult for players from different places to compete on equal terms. The need for structure became clear.


The first step toward a more uniform game came in 1883 when Vernon Harcourt built a purpose-made court in Oxford.

Unlike earlier spaces repurposed for the sport, this one was designed specifically for squash. It had defined walls, a clear playing area, and consistent dimensions.


This marked a shift from casual play to something more structured, where skill could be tested fairly across different matches.


A few years later, in 1886, the first agreed-upon rules were introduced. This was a turning point, as it provided players with clear guidelines on how the game should be played. Courts still varied in size, but these rules established a foundation that would later allow for more uniformity. As more clubs began adopting these standards, the sport started gaining recognition outside its original circles.

By the early 20th century, squash had grown beyond England’s schools and clubs. Enthusiasts in North America and other parts of the world had embraced the game, leading to further discussions on refining its regulations.


In 1911, a standardised court size was introduced, ensuring that players could compete under the same conditions, regardless of where they played. This change made it easier to organise matches at a higher level, bringing the sport closer to formal competition.

One of the most significant developments came in 1922 with the first British Open. Hosted at Queen’s Club in London, this event attracted the best players of the time, giving Squash its first major championship.


The tournament established a new benchmark for excellence in the sport. Winning the British Open became the highest achievement, much like securing a Grand Slam title in tennis. The event’s success set the stage for future competitions, proving that squash could thrive as a professional sport.


A Truly Global Game

Squash: a Truly Global Game
A Truly Global Game

The spread of squash was fuelled by its adaptability. Unlike outdoor sports that require large playing areas, squash courts could be built in confined spaces, making them ideal for urban settings.


This made it accessible in countries where space was limited, contributing to its expansion across continents.


By the mid-20th century, squash had taken firm root in countries far beyond its English origins. Pakistan emerged as a dominant force, producing legendary players such as Hashim Khan and Jahangir Khan.

Jahangir, in particular, set a record that remains unmatched, winning 555 consecutive professional matches during the 1980s. His impact on the game was profound, inspiring a new generation of players worldwide.


Australia also became a powerhouse, with Heather McKay reigning as the sport’s most successful female player. Her unbeaten run in major competitions from 1962 to 1977 demonstrated the depth of talent in the country. Meanwhile, Egypt’s rise in the late 20th century saw players like Amr Shabana and Ramy Ashour bring an attacking, fast-paced style that redefined the sport.

The growing global appeal of squash led to the creation of major international competitions, including the World Squash Championships and the Commonwealth Games. These events provided a platform for athletes from different regions to compete at the highest level, further increasing the sport’s visibility.


Despite its widespread popularity, squash long struggled to gain recognition on the Olympic stage.

Several attempts were made to include it in the Games, but the sport was repeatedly overlooked. Many attributed this to challenges in making it television-friendly, as fast rallies and a small ball made it difficult for audiences to follow.


However, technological advancements, including glass-walled courts and improved broadcast techniques, helped address these concerns. After decades of efforts from the squash community, the sport finally secured a place in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. This milestone is expected to bring a new level of attention and inspire fresh talent to take up the game.


Beyond the Olympics, squash continues to evolve. Modern rackets are lighter and more powerful, while ball technology has improved to enhance playability.


The Professional Squash Association (PSA) has expanded the sport’s reach through digital streaming, making it more accessible to fans worldwide.

Squash has always been shaped by the environments in which it is played, from prison yards and school corridors to global arenas. Its ability to adapt has kept it relevant across generations.


As new players step onto the court, they inherit a tradition built on skill, agility, and a passion for competition, one that promises to keep squash thriving in the years to come.


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