Squash is an exhilarating, fast-paced racquet sport played by two players (or four for doubles) on an indoor court. It’s a great workout that tests agility, speed, and strategy. If you’re new to the game or looking to improve, follow these 13 steps to learn how to play squash.

1. Gather the equipment: To play squash, you’ll need a squash racquet, a ball, comfortable athletic clothing, court shoes designed for indoor use, and protective eyewear.

2. Choose the right ball: Squash balls come in various types, distinguished by their bounce level or “speed.” Beginners should start with a blue-dot or red-dot ball.

3. Locate a squash court: Find a local gym or sports center with dedicated squash courts.

4. Warm-up: Before playing squash, perform at least 10 minutes of dynamic stretching and warm-up exercises to prevent injury.

5. Learn the grip: Grasp your racquet with a “shake hands” grip—hold the racquet as if you’re shaking hands with someone.

6. Master basic strokes: Focus on learning three basic strokes—the forehand drive, the backhand drive, and the boast.

7. Understand scoring rules: In squash, points can be scored by either player, regardless of who serves. To win a rally (a sequence of shots within a point), you must hit the ball off the front wall – but within the lines – before it bounces twice on the floor.

8. Familiarize yourself with serving rules: A rally starts with a serve. The server stands in one of the service boxes and hits the ball onto the front wall so that it first lands within the opposite back quarter of the court.

9. Learn about ‘let’ calls: If an interference occurs during play—such as one player obstructing another’s shot—a “let” may be called, and the rally is replayed with no point gained or lost. The referee can also award a point to the non-offending player if an interference was deliberate or affected the outcome of the rally.

10. Practice rotating and moving on-court: Quick footwork and anticipation are essential in squash. Try to always move back to the “T” (the intersection of red lines on the floor at the center of the court) after hitting your shot.

11. Develop your game strategy: Focus on forcing your opponent to move around the court by varying your shot selections, and try to control the “T” whenever possible.

12. Watch professionals and experienced players: Learn technique, strategy, and tactics by observing high-level squash matches.

13. Practice regularly: Just like any other sport, regular practice is vital for improvement.

By following these 13 steps, you’ll have a solid foundation for learning how to play squash and can enjoy this exciting sport. Remember that consistency, patience, and practice are crucial in achieving success in squash—so keep hitting those courts!