How-to
What do I need to play squash?
- England Squash
- 4 min read
Good news – getting started with squash is easier than you might think. You don’t need expensive kit, specialist shoes or your own racket to have a go.
For your first session, wear something comfortable, bring clean trainers and check whether the club or venue can lend you a racket and ball.
Many beginner sessions provide the basics, so you can get on court, start rallying and enjoy it without needing to buy everything first.
You can always choose your own kit later, once you know what feels right for you.
In this quick guide, we’ll cover:
- What equipment you need to play squash
- Choosing the right racket
- Which squash ball beginners should use
- What to wear on court
- What shoes are best for squash
- Why protective eyewear is recommended
What equipment do you need to play squash?
You don’t need much to get started. The basics are:
- Comfortable sports clothes and clean trainers
- A squash racket
- A squash ball
- Protective eyewear
Lots of clubs and venues provide rackets and balls, or let you borrow/hire them. Ask before you go, and they’ll point you in the right direction.
Do I need my own squash racket?
Not for your first hit. If you’re coming to a beginner group session, rackets are often provided by the venue. It’s a great way to try squash, get a feel for the game and see what kind of racket suits you before buying your own.
If you’re booking a court at a leisure centre or venue, check ahead to see whether rackets are available to borrow or hire.
When you’re ready to buy, keep it simple. You don’t need the most expensive model or the latest technology. Focus on a racket that feels comfortable in your hand, light enough to swing and easy to control. As a guide, many beginners prefer a lighter racket, often under 130g. Also check the grip feels secure and comfortable.
For more advice on choosing your first racket, including beginner-friendly options, head to our beginner’s guide to squash rackets.
What squash ball should a beginner use?
Choose the ball that keeps the rally going.
For beginners, that usually means starting with a bouncier ball. More bounce gives you more time to move, swing and return the ball, which means longer rallies, more hits and more fun.
We recommend Dunlop balls, our official supplier. For beginners, start with the Dunlop Intro blue dot ball because it offers the most bounce and helps rallies last longer.
Adults
- Dunlop Intro – blue dot: best for beginners.
- Dunlop Progress – red dot: best for improvers.
- Dunlop Competition – single yellow dot: best for club/league players.
- Dunlop Pro – double yellow dot: best for advanced players.
- Dunlop UNI ball – an all-round ball suitable for all levels of players.
Children
- Dunlop Mini Red ball: best for children aged approximately 5–7.
- Dunlop Mini Orange ball: best for children aged approximately 7–10.
Squash 57
Squash 57 balls are bigger than regular squash balls.
- Blue ball: best for beginners.
- Black ball: best for improvers or more experienced players.
Still unsure? Ask the coach or venue staff to set you up with a beginner ball. The aim is simple: pick the ball that helps you stay in the rally and enjoy playing.
For more advice on choosing the right ball, read our Which squash ball should I use? guide
What should I wear to play squash?
Wear something you feel comfortable moving in. That could be a t-shirt, long-sleeved top, shorts, leggings or joggers.
There’s no strict dress code, the main thing is you can move, stretch and change direction comfortably.
What shoes are best for squash?
For your first session, clean, comfortable trainers are enough to get you started. Choose trainers that let you move safely, stop, start and change direction.
If you start playing regularly, squash shoes or indoor court shoes can be a good next step. They’re designed for court grip, ankle support and quick changes of direction.
Should I wear protective eyewear for squash?
Yes, we recommend protective eyewear, or goggles, for all squash players. Whether you’re joining a beginner session, playing socially or taking part in competitions.
If you wear prescription glasses, over-goggle styles are available to fit comfortably over the top.
When buying eyewear, look for products tested to BS EN ISO 18527-2:2021, the standard for sports eye protectors.
Not sure what to choose? Ask your local club or venue for advice. Many can recommend suitable eyewear and may even have a pair available to borrow.
Ready to give squash a go?
You don’t need to know everything before you step on court. Start simple, ask for advice and choose the kit that helps you feel comfortable and confident.
The best way to find out what works is to get playing.
Find a beginner squash session near you.
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