Recreational Squash
Recreational squash is incredibly important to the junior and adult squash system, because it not only acts at the on ramp to learning about the sport, but also offers players the opportunity to improve as squash players while providing a fun and social activity for players to make new friends in a safe and organized environment. Recreational squash is considered to be all squash activities which are played at the club level. This is where a large portion of junior and adult programming will occur, as most players will first start playing at their local club and will continue participate in the programming available through their club.
Is Recreational Squash Right for You?
Each players’ journey through their squash experience will be different and will reflect personal preferences, goals, and priorities. All players have different goals and time commitments/constraints, and levels of interest. Therefore, it goes to reason that players will engage in different ways and will have different pathways.
Recreational squash is a great starting point for many players, as it allows players to remain local, requires a relatively low time commitment, and allows players to enjoy the general squash experience in a fun and convenient environment. Although recreational squash is intended to focus on fun, improvement, physical activity, and meeting new people, it still offers competitive play opportunities through the clubs organized play programming. All clubs have slightly different offerings, but most clubs offer the following opportunities:
Individual Lesson
Players receive one-on-one instruction from the squash professional at the club, during which, players receive technical help with the goal of improving as a player.
Group Clinic
Multiple players participate in a training session together. The players will perform training drills and fitness sessions under the instruction of the club professional.
Friendly Matches
Players can schedule time to play matches against friends or hitting partners. This is called a friendly match because it is a standalone match that is not tied to a specific competition.
Club Championships
A tournament where club members can compete against each other. Provides a great opportunity for members to gain match experience locally in a competitive environment.
Round Robins
A competition in which players are divided into smaller groups of players. Within each grouping, each player will complete a match against all other players in his or her group.
Challenge Ladder
Players are placed on a “ladder” in order of ability. Players then challenge each other in head-to-head matches, the results of which leads to changing positions on the ladder.
Box Leagues
Players are separated into different round robin divisions (boxes) based on ability. After each round robin is complete, players will either move up or down to a different box based on their results.
Team Leagues
Groups of players can form a team and join a league where they compete against other teams in a fun, social, and competitive environemnt.
Transition to Competitive Squash
Players who are looking for additional competition and player development opportunities may need to look outside of their local clubs and are encouraged to pursue the competitive tournament offerings.
Adult Competition
US Squash accredits hundreds of tournaments across the country for adult players of all ages and abilities. Whether you are looking to play in your local community or travel new areas, these events provide competitive opportunities for players who want to take their game to the next level.
Junior Competition
US Squash offers a schedule of competitive junior tournaments across the country for players of all ages and abilities. These junior tournaments are aimed at providing an alternate pathway for those who are focused on player development and are looking for heightened levels of competition.