How-tos
What to expect at your first group session
- Sally Archibald, Squash Coach and Founder of courter.co.uk
- 4 min read
If you’re keen to try something new and are reading this, you’re already ahead of most people.
Most people see an article or some content about a sport, say, “Yeah, I should do that”, and then scroll past without a second thought.
The fact that you’re here, reading about what a session is like, puts you in a different category. All you’ve got to do now is show up.
Let’s get this out of the way. You’re going to feel nervous. Everyone does.
You’ll probably sit in the venue car park for a minute, wondering whether to go in and Google “squash rules” (again).
And you’ll definitely worry about being the worst person there.
But, here’s the good news. Every single person inside the venue felt exactly the same way on their first session – but they got out of the car and walked through the door.
So here’s what actually happens when you do just that.
Your first session
The first thing you’ll experience is a warm welcome.
You’ll be greeted by coach or leader. Most of them are club volunteers because they genuinely want you to have a good time.
They’ll kit you out with a racket and a ball, get you on court, and introduce you to other beginners exactly like you.
Then they’ll walk you through what squash entails. And when it comes down to it, it’s just hitting a ball against a wall. That’s it. You don’t need a PhD in racket sports (or anything else) to get to grips with it.
From there, they’ll run some fun games and get you moving. One coach described beginner sessions as chaotic but in the best possible way. Another called them fun and welcoming. Honestly, both are spot on.
Then suddenly the session’s over. You’re sweaty, slightly out of breath, and wondering how 45 minutes disappeared so quickly.
Things everyone worries about
Even after hearing all this, most people still have a few worries before their first session. Coaches hear the same concerns all the time – and here are the answers they give:
This isn’t true. You’re in control – you can move at whatever pace feels good for you. But squash has a secret: it genuinely doesn’t feel like a workout until you stop and realise you’ve done more exercise than you thought possible.
Neither does anyone else at a beginner session! Even people who’ve been playing for years still argue about them. You don’t need to know the rules to hit a ball against a wall and have a laugh. That comes later.
OK, that one’s true. But here’s the thing – neither will anyone else. That’s the whole point. And it’ll only be true for the first few minutes. Once you’ve got over the awkward introductions and small talk, everyone will get on and have fun together.
This also doesn’t matter. Most clubs lend you one and the right ball to play with, too. Just take trainers, comfortable clothes, and a bottle of water. That’s your kit list. Done.
Everyone looks daft at the start. You’ll miss the ball, hit it into the floor, and swing at thin air; and so will everyone else. That’s half the fun. Nobody’s watching you because they’re too busy trying not to embarrass themselves.
A beginner session is not a tournament. Nobody’s keeping score, and nobody cares who wins. The coaches focus on fun, not points. If anything, the only competition is with yourself, aiming to hit one more shot than last time.
The hardest part is walking through the door
Getting started is often easier than people expect, with many clubs offering affordable ways to try squash and some even running free taster sessions for beginners.
And here’s the thing nobody warns you about: the people you meet at these sessions? They become your squash buddies for life.
What starts as a nervous first time becomes a regular thing, and before you know it, you’ve got a group of mates who are always up for a game.
Give it a go. Future you will be glad you did.
