Squash Rules Of Play

If you love racquet sports, but can't play tennis year round because of extreme weather conditions, squash might be a good alternative and here's a primer on squash rules of play. Squash was described in a recent article in "Forbes" as being the world's healthiest sport in terms of cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength and endurance. Squash is played in more than 175 countries by an estimated 20 million people, according to the World Squash Association. Here are the general rules they follow when they play this two-person game:

1. Starting the game. Players should decide who serves first and from which box on the court. Typically, this is done by spinning the racquet and one player guessing whether it will land up or down based on the position of the logo on the grip. The player who wins the spin chooses a service box and then alternates until he or she loses the point. 
2. The serve. The server puts the ball into play by hitting it to the front wall above the service line. The server has to have at least one foot in the service box. Only one serve is allowed; no second serve like in tennis.
3. Out-of-bounds. Red lines mark out-of-bounds. If the ball hits the line, it is considered out.
4. Winning the point. After the serve, the players engage in a rally. The rally continues until the ball hits the ground twice, lands outside the out lines, hits the tin or player interference.
5. Scoring. Squash is played to eleven with points scored only on serves. One version of the game allows for points to be scored on each rally if the players agree. Professionals play five game series, where the first player to win three games takes the match. Professionals also play by point-per-rally rules.