5 Reasons Why Squash is the Ultimate Sport

Every athlete likes to think the sport they take part is in the ultimate. They want to believe they are succeeding at the hardest, most challenging athletic competition out there, so it’s natural that every squash player believes the same thing.

But is squash really the ultimate sport? Here are five reasons why we totally think it is!

1. It is a Complete Workout Done in 45 Minutes

The sport of squash is hard. It is extremely competitive and fast moving. Because of this, you need to be in tip top athletic condition. The extreme squash player needs to be able to move around the court with ease and without getting overly tired too quickly, or you will not be able to play the game effectively. Like with any athlete, being conditioned physically is important, but in the game of squash, it is essential.

In a mere 45 minutes, the game mimics the hardest cardio and aerobic workout you can get. Constant running and following the ball, coupled with making hard, consistent contact with the ball and your racquet are tiring. If you weren’t in top physical shape before playing the game, you surely will be as you continue to play and get better. The more competitive you are as a player, the more conditioned you need to be.

You can’t get much more ultimate and extreme than that! Most people hit the gym for a few hours before they really max out their workout. For a squash player, 45 minutes of fun gets you to that ultimate max out workout.

2. It Takes Extreme Hand-Eye Coordination

There are balls bouncing off the wall and all over the court and your main objective is to hit these balls that are barreling toward your face. Not only do you have to hit them as they are flying toward you, but you need to be able to anticipate where they are going to hit on your side of the court. What may sound easy in theory is actually extremely hard as you are in the middle of this competitive game.

Without extreme hand-eye coordination, you don’t have the skill to hit the ball and score points, making the game pointless. While you can work on your hand-eye coordination, this is a feature that you have to have some natural skill with to begin. Without it, it will be that much harder to obtain.

3. Your Mental Skills Have to be as Good as Your Physical Skills

Being physically fit and athletic is not the only skill you need in order to be a squash competitor. You have to be as sharp mentally as you are physically. You not only have to make sure you are making contact with the ball and racquet; you also need to anticipate where you need to be on the court to make the next hit.

As if that weren’t enough, you not only need to anticipate the next hit, but you need to mentally prepare for where your next hit is going to fall. You need to try to get in the other player’s head in order to make them think you are going to hit the ball a certain way, but actually you will do the opposite, so that you are able to score. The game of squash is every bit mental as it is physical.

4. It Can be Both an Individual Sport and a Team Sport

Squash is one of the few sports that can be played as an individual sport or as a team sport. Similar to tennis, you can play with two players on the court, or you can play individually. Playing as a team sport gives you much more coverage on the court and also allows you to pair highly skilled players with players who may not be to the same level yet, but not have the match suffer because of it.

When playing as an individual sport, the player really has to be in the best physical and mental condition in order to really excel on the court. Being such a tough workout and left to handle the entire court yourself, playing individuals takes this ultimate sport to the next level.

5. It’s Expensive – All of the Best Sports are Expensive

Like almost all other competitive sports, there is a high cost involved in playing squash. Every player needs the important equipment such as a racquet, balls, necessary athletic wear and special court shoes. Along with just the equipment costs there are also the high fees associated with joining a racquet club. These fees can be very high if it is a private club or moderately high if it is a public club. On top of regular membership fees there are also court fees that are usually a per hour charge and can add up quite quickly.

When playing the ultimate sport, you naturally want to be the best. And what is the best way to get to the top? To practice, practice, practice. One of the best ways to get the practice and instruction you need is to attend a squash camp, where you can focus solely on your game and being your best. These camps are very expensive, but worth it to advance your game and skills set. Like every sport, if you do not push yourself to work harder and build your skills, you will not succeed.

When all is said and done, squash really is the ultimate sport. It takes much more than athleticism, although that is the primary component of a great squash player. It takes heart, mind, body and soul, along with money and time to really conquer the sport. It is safe to say that anyone who plays squash is no joke!