Anyone entering a squash court for the first time is often surprised: the ball is small, black and hardly seems to bounce off the ground. But squash balls are complex pieces of sports equipment.
Their behavior changes drastically depending on which marking - the famous colored dot - they are wearing and how warm they are played.
Choosing the right ball is crucial for having fun.
A ball that is too slow can quickly lead to frustration for beginners, as it „dies“ before you can reach it.
So that you can enjoy your next match in the Squash Berlin Sportcenter Wittenau the right ball, we explain the system behind it here.
The secret lies in the temperature
Before we get to the colors, an important note in advance: A squash ball must be „warmed up“. There is a drop of liquid gas inside the rubber ball. The ball only heats up through the force of the strokes, the internal pressure increases and it begins to bounce dynamically.
Depending on their level of play, players manage to maintain this temperature to varying degrees. That's why there are different balls.
Which point stands for which level?
The colored dots on the balls provide information about the bounce and speed. Here is our recommendation for your court booking in Berlin-Reinickendorf:
1. the blue dot (beginner)
This ball is slightly larger than the others and bounces very happily - even without a long warm-up.
- For whom? Absolute beginners and children.
- Why? He stays in the game longer, which enables longer rallies and makes it easier to get into the game. Sport facilitated.
2. the red dot (advanced beginners / recreational players)
This ball has a normal size, but still offers a high bounce.
- For whom? Hobby players who play regularly but do not take part in tournaments.
- Why? It forgives mistakes, but challenges you more than the blue ball.
3. the simple yellow dot (advanced)
This is where it gets serious. This ball bounces significantly less and must be hit consistently hard to stay warm.
- For whom? Experienced recreational players and club players.
- Why? The ball „dies“ faster in the corners, which rewards precise play.
4. the double yellow point (professional / tournament standard)
The measure of all things in competitive squash. This ball is extremely slow and hardly has any life of its own when it is cold.
- For whom? Professionals, tournament players and very strong amateurs.
- Why? It enables a tactical game in which the ball remains almost dead in the corner (the „nick“). However, this ball is usually unsuitable for beginners and leads to short, frustrating rallies.
Our service for your game
Many new guests make the mistake of immediately reaching for the „professional ball“ (double yellow) out of ambition. The result: the ball doesn't warm up, sticks to the ground and there is no flow to the game.
Do yourself a favor and start with a blue or red ball. The fun factor is significantly higher, as you can play longer rallies and work up a good sweat.
Are you unsure which ball is the right one for your shape today? Just ask our colleagues at the Counter. We sell and rent balls of all categories and will be happy to give you a recommendation that suits your level of play.
See you on the court!