Basic Rules of Play

Basic Rules and Gameplay

Here’s a quick run through on some of the common terms used in squash:
Let – if your swing is impeded by your opponent, a let is called and neither player wins a point.
Stroke – if your swing is prevented by your opponent, a stroke is called and you win the point.
Tin – area below the lowest red line on the front wall. If the ball hits this line or below then it’s out.
The T – the T shape in the middle of the court where the lines meet.

Squash equipment

Squash is played between two players on a squash court each using a standard racket, and a ball approved by Irish Squash.



How to win points

Points can be scored by either player. When a player fails to serve or to return the ball, in accordance with the rules, the opponent wins the point. When the Receiver wins a point, they become the Server and add one to their score.


b) At the beginning of each game and each rally, the Server has the choice of serving from either service box and shall thereafter alternate for as long as they score points and remains the Server.
c) The ball must be served direct on to the front wall between the service line and the out line, so that on its return, unless volleyed, its first bounce lands within the back quarter of the court opposite to the Server’s box.
d) A service is a fault:
(ii) If after releasing the ball the Server fails to strike it before the ball falls to the floor, touches a wall, or touches anything the server wears.
(iii) If the Server fails to strike the ball directly onto the front wall between the service and the out lines.
(iv) Unless volleyed by the Receiver, the first bounce of the ball on the floor is not in the quarter court opposite the serves box.
(v) If the Server serves the ball out.


NB: If any part of the ball touches the out line the ball is deemed out or if the ball hits the tin or the floor on its second bounce the ball is deemed down. Similarly, if the ball bounces on or before the short line from a service, the serve is deemed a fault.

A good return

A return is good if the ball, before it has bounced twice on the floor, is returned by the striker on to the front wall above the tin, without touching the floor or any part of the striker’s body or clothing, provided the ball is not hit twice, down or out.


(a) A let may be allowed:
(i) If the striker refrains from hitting the ball owing to a reasonable fear of injuring the opponent.
(ii) If the striker, on the way to playing the ball incurs sufficient interference to impede their access to the ball when the striker would have otherwise played a good shot.
(iii) If the Referee is asked to decide an appeal and is unable to do so.
(b) A Let shall be allowed:
(ii) If the ball breaks during play.
(iii) If an otherwise good return has been made, but the ball goes out on its first bounce.
iv) If the ball in play touches the receiver or anything carried or worn by the receiver whilst on the way to the side wall or back wall in anticipation that the ball would have reached the front wall and hence been a good return.

How strokes (points) can be won

A player wins a stroke:
a) If the server fails to make a good serve (See point 4 on the Service).
b) If the opponent fails to make a good return of the ball in play.
e) If the ball hits the ceiling or any object outside of the court.

Freedom to play the ball

That is:

