Racquet sports are fast-paced games that require quick reaction time and speed. If you’re unsure which sport between squash vs pickleball you should focus on, then this article is perfect for you.
Keep reading because we will be diving into the worlds of squash vs pickleball, exploring their similarities and differences to help you decide which sport suits you best.
What Is Squash?
Squash is a fast-moving racquet sport that has been around for a very long time. Imagine yourself and your opponent engaged in a four-walled court battle where you each use a netted racquet to strike a little rubber ball against the front wall. Basically, the objective is to outmaneuver your opponent and prevent them from returning the ball. It’s a game that requires agility and quick reflexes.
Squash has a unique scoring system and set of rules that may take some time to grasp. But once you do, you’ll find yourself engrossed in the game. It’s not just about hitting the ball it is also for strategic shot placement and mental agility plays a crucial role in winning.
The physical demands of squash are not to be taken lightly. It’s a vigorous activity that will raise your heart rate and provide excellent cardiovascular exercise. All that repeated lunging, running, and direction changes will greatly improve your overall fitness and agility. Squash may be the ideal sport for you if you enjoy challenges and thrive in competitive settings.
What Is Pickleball?
Now, let’s switch gears and talk about pickleball. Unlike squash, pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It’s played on a slightly larger court than squash, with a solid paddle and a plastic ball with holes. The rules are relatively simple, making it accessible for beginners of all ages.
Pickleball has been very popular lately and for a good reason. It is a social and recreational activity that offers a more relaxed experience, unlike squash that’s more intense. It’s the sort of game you can easily enjoy with friends and family.
Pickleball has fewer rigorous physical requirements than squash. It offers a low-impact workout for those who wish to be active without placing too much stress on their joints. It’s a great choice for elders, newbies, or those seeking a more leisurely and also socially athletic experience.
Differences Between Squash and Pickleball
Comparison between Squash and Pickleball.
| Squash | Pickleball | |
|---|---|---|
| Court | Length: 9.75m
Width: 6.4m Height: 5.64m Played inside four walls |
Length: 13m
Width: 6m Played on a court with a net in the middle. |
| Equipment | Net racquets
Squash balls |
Paddles
Pickeballs |
| Format | Singles and doubles | Singles and doubles |
| Pace | Fast-paced. Requires quick decision-making. | Slightly slower and involves more strategic decision-making. |
| Physical Fitness | Requires immense endurance and agility. | An active and healthy lifestyle is required. |
| Point System | 11-point matches. Two-point lead was needed to win the game at the end. | 11-point matches. Two-point lead was needed to win the game at the end. |
Now that you are familiar with the fundamentals of squash vs pickleball, let’s dive into the specifics of these sports and take a look at what sets them apart.
Court Dimensions
Squash is mainly an indoor sport since it is played within four walls. The standard court is about 9.75 m in length, 6.4 m in width (for singles), 5.64 m in height, and 11.665 m diagonally. The width of the court for the doubles game is 7.62 m. Players play on the same side of the court and strike the ball against the wall in front. Also, they need to move around the limited space within the court to strike and parry moves.
Pickleball is also played on a small court, but it is much longer than squash at 13.4 m and slightly narrower in width at 6 m. A net in the middle of the court divides it into two halves. It includes two baselines, a center line on each side of the court, and two non-volley lines on each side, which then create two non-volley zones. The non-volley zones are also known as the kitchen.
Equipment Used
Squash
Players in squash use a net racquet specifically made for the game. Squash racquets are usually lightweight and have a smaller head size compared to other racquet sports. They are made to offer the best possible agility and control, enabling players to produce power and precision in their strokes.
Players must use their racquets to hit tiny, hollow, and incredibly springy balls. Because these squash balls are made to stay bouncy throughout the whole game, resulting in frantic rallies and difficult gameplay.
Pickleball
On the other hand, pickleball players use lightweight materials like wood, graphite, or composites. The paddles are solid and have a wider surface area than squash racquets, giving players a bigger striking zone.
Pickleball utilizes a unique ball that is made of plastic and dotted with many holes. Its construction gives it distinctive flying characteristics and a slower speed. Pickleball is an easy and pleasant sport for players of all ability levels because the paddle and ball combination allows for more controlled strokes and prolonged rallies.
The Pace and Play Style
Squash players must swiftly cover the whole court during heated rallies. To outsmart your opponent, strategy, and shot placement are crucial. In pickleball, precision and placement are more valued than rapid reactions. More controlled and accurate strokes are possible because of the slower tempo and smaller playing area due to the court being divided in half by the net.
High-intensity sports like squash need explosive movements, quickness, and endurance. The sport moves quickly and will raise your heart rate. Contrarily, pickleball is less strenuous on the body and provides a more moderate workout. The emphasis is more on strategic thinking, hand-eye coordination, and fast decision-making rather than raw athleticism.
Learning Curve
Due to its intricate tactics and quick pace, squash may be more difficult to learn. It necessitates improving your feet and balance, court placement, and racquet ability. Meanwhile, pickleball has a more straightforward and forgiving learning curve for novices. Even without considerable instruction, you can quickly pick up the fundamental strokes and enjoy the game on your own.
The Rules
Pickleball and squash have their own unique set of rules that govern gameplay and scoring. Understanding and adhering to the rules of pickleball and squash is essential for fair play and enjoyable matches.
Squash
The game of squash is played on a court with four walls, and the players alternate serving and receiving. However, the aim is to place the ball in the other corner of the court without touching the tin (bottom boundary) or the outline above the tin. The server must strike the ball over the service line, after which it must be returned before the ball bounces twice on the floor. After bouncing the ball off the front wall above the tin and below the outline, then the goal of both players is to keep it in play.
Players must be mindful of not obstructing their opponent’s access to the ball. In squash, points can be scored by either player, and matches are usually played as best-of-five or best-of-three, with each game played to 9 or 11 points. A player must win by two clear points to secure victory in a game. If the score reaches 10-all, then the first to get a two-point lead wins the match. If one player does not score two consecutive points, then the rally continues.
Pickleball
A net divides the pickleball court into two halves. A right and left service area is included on either side. The opponent’s service area must be reached with an underhand serve that is made diagonally across the net. The ball must bounce once on each side after the service before the players are allowed to start volleying the ball. This is known as the double-bounce rule.
Once the ball has been served and both sides adhere to the double bounce rule, they can play it after the first bounce or strike it before it bounces. However, they are not allowed to volley from the kitchen. The rally continues until one team misses a return or makes a mistake, such as sending the ball into the goal or out of bounds. Points are scored only by the serving team, and the game is usually played to 11 or 15 points, so a two-point advantage is required to win.
Pickleball vs Squash Tournaments
Tournaments play a significant role in the squash vs pickleball communities, showcasing top-level competition and providing platforms for players to demonstrate their skills.
Squash
In squash, there are several prestigious tournaments held worldwide, such as the British Open, World Championship, and PSA World Tour events. The top athletes from all around the world participate in these fierce competitions in front of a large and devoted fan base.
Players compete for ranking points and cash prizes in the professional sector, which is governed by the Professional Squash Association (PSA). The World Championship, which determines who the best squash player in the world is, is the culmination of a year-long series of competitions amongst the top players.
Pickleball
The tournament scene has been rapidly growing in pickleball as the sport gains popularity. There are numerous tournaments organized at regional, national, and international levels. The USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) is the governing body for the sport in the United States and organizes major tournaments such as the US Open Pickleball Championships.
Professional pickleball contests are supervised by two well-known organizations: the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) and the Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP).
Top athletes compete in a variety of formats, including singles, doubles, and mixed doubles, on the professional scene. Professional pickleball competitions offer thrilling matches and chances for players to demonstrate their abilities on a bigger stage, thanks to a mix of seasoned sportsmen and up-and-coming prospects.
Who Should Play Squash, and Who Should Play Pickleball?
Squash is a fantastic sport for people who appreciate physically demanding activities, who enjoy the rush of a quick match, and also who want to test their physical and mental boundaries. Also, if you enjoy competition and are prepared to put in the time to learn challenging tactics, squash may be the sport for you.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more relaxed and social sporting experience, then give pickleball a shot. It’s a great option for players of all ages and fitness levels, like elders or anyone recuperating from ailments. Since, pickleball is a game that strongly emphasizes having fun, connecting with others, and creating a sense of community.
Conclusion
Racquet sports have always been popular, whether for recreational purposes or going pro. Ultimately, the decision to play either squash or pickleball depends on your preferences, fitness goals, and the type of experience you seek.
If you’re torn between the two, feel free to give both sports a try. Many clubs and recreational centers offer beginner sessions and equipment rentals, allowing you to experience firsthand what each sport offers. We hope our guide on squash vs pickleball helped you pick your new hobby.
