Types of Squash: Variants Explained

By Sarah Miller · June 26, 2027

Squash is a fast-paced racquet sport played by two (singles) or four (doubles) players in an enclosed court, where players hit a small rubber ball against the front wall. The main types of squash include international (standard) squash, doubles squash, softball squash, hardball squash, and variants like racketball and squash tennis, each differing in court size, ball type, and rules.

What Is International Squash?

International squash, also known as standard squash, is the most widely played version globally and is governed by the World Squash Federation (WSF). It is the format used in professional tournaments such as the PSA World Tour and the World Championships.

Key Features of International Squash

Played on a 9.75m x 6.4m court with specific marked zones
Uses a small, low-bounce rubber ball (typically black for beginners)
Scoring: Point-a-Rally Scoring (PARS) to 11 points
Games are best-of-five
Players must hit the ball above the tin and below the out line on the front wall

Doubles Squash: A Team-Based Variant

Doubles squash involves teams of two players on each side and is growing in popularity, especially in North America. While similar in concept to singles, it features different court dimensions and strategic team dynamics.

How Doubles Squash Differs

Court size: 25 feet wide (7.62m), longer than singles courts
Teams alternate shots; each player must take turns hitting the ball
Uses PARS scoring to 15 points
Ball has slightly more bounce than standard international squash balls
Recognized by the World Squash Federation and featured in the World Doubles Championships

Softball vs. Hardball Squash

The distinction between softball and hardball squash primarily relates to regional preferences and equipment used, particularly the ball’s bounce and speed.

Understanding the Differences

"Softball" refers to the international standard ball, which has minimal bounce and requires more power and precision. "Hardball" squash, once popular in North America, uses a faster, bouncier ball and was played on a narrower, longer court.

Variation	Court Length (m)	Court Width (m)	Ball Type	Scoring System	Top-Level Play
International (Softball)	9.75	6.40	Low-bounce (black/double yellow)	PARS to 11	PSA World Tour, WSF Events
Hardball (North American)	11.58	5.48	High-bounce (dot-coded)	Traditional to 15	Largely discontinued
Doubles Squash	12.20	7.62	Moderate bounce (blue dot)	PARS to 15	World Doubles Championships
Racketball	9.75	6.40	Large red ball (high bounce)	PARS to 11	England Racketball Association
Squash Tennis	10.97	5.79	Tennis ball (reduced pressure)	To 15	Niche, historical play

Table data source:1, 2, 3

The data shows that international squash dominates global competition with standardized court sizes and modern scoring. Hardball squash, while historically significant, has declined due to lack of international adoption. Doubles and racketball offer accessible alternatives with higher bounce balls, making them suitable for recreational players.

Other Variants: Racketball and Squash Tennis

Beyond the primary forms, several niche variations exist, offering unique gameplay experiences based on modified rules and equipment.

Racketball

Popular in the UK, racketball uses a larger, red, high-bounce ball on a standard squash court. It allows only one wall serve and is often preferred by older or casual players due to slower pace and reduced physical demand.

Squash Tennis

A historical hybrid developed in the US, squash tennis uses a depressurized tennis ball and a longer, narrower court. Though rarely played today, it remains a footnote in racquet sport evolution.

Frequently Asked Questions About Types of Squash

What are the different types of squash games?

The main types of squash include international (standard) squash, doubles squash, hardball squash, racketball, and squash tennis. Each varies in court size, ball type, scoring, and regional popularity.

Is doubles squash an Olympic sport?

No, doubles squash is not currently an Olympic sport. However, international singles squash will debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, which may boost visibility for all squash formats.

What is the difference between hardball and softball squash?

Hardball squash, once popular in North America, uses a faster, bouncier ball and a longer, narrower court. Softball squash (international) uses a low-bounce ball and is played on a wider, shorter court, now the global standard.

Can you play racketball on a squash court?

Yes, racketball is played on a standard squash court but uses a larger, red, high-bounce ball and modified rules, including one-wall serves. It's designed to be easier for beginners and recreational players.

Why did hardball squash decline in popularity?

Hardball squash declined due to lack of international standardization, limited global participation, and the rise of international (softball) squash as the dominant format supported by the World Squash Federation and professional tours.