How-to
What squash ball should I use?
- England Squash
- 4 min read
More bounce = more hits = more fun.
There’s the blue dot, red dot, single yellow, and double yellow; and there’s almost always someone telling you that ‘proper squash’ uses the double yellow.
But the “best” ball isn’t necessarily the one used in competitive squash. It’s the one that helps you play your best game on court.
For new players, that usually means starting with a ball that has more bounce. A bouncier ball gives you more time to move, more chances to hit the ball, and more rallies that actually get going.
If you’re unsure, start with the ball that helps you stay in the rally.
The aim is simple: pick the ball that keeps the rally alive.
Why the ball matters
The ball you use can completely change the game.
Choose the wrong ball, and rallies can end before they really begin. You’ll spend more time picking the ball up than playing. That can make squash feel harder and more frustrating than it should be.
Choose a ball with the right amount of bounce, and everything changes. You get more time on the ball, which helps you keep rallies going and enjoy the game more.
Good ball choice isn’t about making the game easy. It’s about helping people actually play.
So the question shouldn’t be, “Am I good enough for this ball?” It should be, “Is this ball helping us have a good rally?”
That’s a much better way to choose.
Why temperature matters
The temperature of the court and the ball can affect how the game feels.
Squash balls bounce more as they warm up through play. Fast, continuous rallies keep the ball warm, while colder or stop-start games usually need a ball with more built-in bounce.
On a warm court, the ball stays livelier, so a single yellow or double yellow can work well, especially in fast, consistent rallies.
But on a cold court, the same balls can feel much flatter. If rallies aren’t working, try something bouncier, such as a red dot, blue dot, or UNI ball.
You don’t have to use the same ball every time. The right ball can change with the conditions, so it’s worth adjusting based on the temperature of the court and the season.
Squash ball types and what they mean
So, which squash ball should you use?
The main difference between squash balls is how much they bounce, which is shown by the different coloured dots.
This guide uses the official Dunlop squash ball – the ball used across England Squash competitions and events:
Balls: a quick guide
Blue dot ball: Most bounce
Best for: Complete beginners, juniors, social sessions, coaching, groups with mixed abilities, and stop-start play.
A blue dot ball is usually the best place to start if you’re new to squash – and is often the best squash ball for beginners.
Because it’s bouncier right from the start, it gives you more time to move, swing your racket, and return the ball. That means longer rallies and more time spent playing.
It works well in games where players are still learning, pausing between rallies or talking things through as they play.
Red dot ball: Still lively, with a little more challenge
Best for: Beginners improving, casual players and games with mixed abilities.
A red dot ball is a good next step when you’re able to rally more. Compared to a single or double yellow, it gives more bounce and is easier to keep in play. It still offers a good amount of bounce, but the game feels quicker than with a blue dot
Single yellow dot ball: a middle ground
Best for: Regular players, intermediate games, cooler courts and players developing towards competitive play.
A single yellow dot ball offers a more controlled feel than a blue or red ball, while still being easier to play with than a double yellow.
For many regular players, a single yellow dot ball offers the perfect balance between a challenging game and consistently longer rallies.
It can also work well in colder conditions, or when the game isn’t quite intense enough to keep a double yellow performing at its best.
Double yellow dot ball: lowest bounce
Best for: Sustained, high-intensity or competitive play, and warm court conditions.
The double yellow dot ball is the standard choice for competitive squash. In the right setting, it gives a more controlled and challenging game, rewarding accurate hitting, movement, and consistency. It works best when rallies are fast and continuous enough to keep the ball warm throughout the game.
But a double yellow isn’t the best choice for every session. If the court’s cold, rallies are short, or the game is stop-start, the ball can feel flat and hard to keep moving. When that happens, rallies can break down quickly, and the game can become less enjoyable.
UNI ball: flexible and easy to use.
Best for: All standards – from beginners to competitive league players.
The Dunlop UNI ball is slightly larger, softer and bouncier than a regular squash ball. It gets rallies going quickly and makes the game easier to get into from the start, without needing to warm the ball up first.
FAQs
Check out our FAQs for more advice.
Start with a blue dot, red dot or UNI ball. These give you more bounce, more time to react, and a better chance of keeping rallies going - exactly what you need when you’re getting started.
Use a blue dot, red dot or UNI ball. In stop-start games or when players are at different levels, the ball cools down quickly. A bouncier ball helps keep rallies going and makes the game more enjoyable for everyone.
A single yellow dot can be a good option. It offers a more controlled feel than a blue or red ball, while still giving you enough bounce to keep rallies going - especially if a double yellow feels too flat.
Try a single yellow, red dot, blue dot or UNI ball. Cold conditions can make the ball feel flat. Switching to something bouncier will help keep the game flowing.
Switch to a ball with more bounce like the blue or red dot. If you’re spending more time picking the ball up than hitting it, the ball probably isn’t right for your game. A bouncier option will help you stay in the rally.
Switch to a ball with more bounce like the blue or red dot. If you’re spending more time picking the ball up than hitting it, the ball probably isn’t right for your game. A bouncier option will help you stay in the rally.
