Squash in Berlin is a fascinating backstroke sport: two players, a small rubber ball and a court with four walls.
The aim is simple - to hit the ball against the wall in such a way that the opponent can no longer reach it before it touches the ground a second time.
But how exactly does counting work?
And what's the deal with the lines?
So that you can enjoy your next match in the Sportcenter Wittenau not only sweat, but also score points, we have summarized the most important rules here.
The pitch and the goal
The match is played in „best-of-five“ mode. This means that whoever wins three sets first wins the match. A set normally goes to 11 points. If the score is 10:10, play continues until one player leads by two points (e.g. 12:10 or 15:13).
To win a point, you have to make your opponent make a mistake. This happens when:
- The opponent does not hit the ball before it hits the ground a second time.
- The ball is hit into the „out“ or against the „tin“ (the metal sheet at the lower end of the end wall).
The right equipment
Before you set off, a quick check: wear comfortable sportswear and Indoor sports shoes with a light-colored, abrasion-resistant sole (non-marking). This will protect our high-quality floor and prevent injuries. Don't forget your water bottle and a towel - squash makes you sweat!
Don't have your own equipment? No problem. If you don't yet have your own racket or ball, just ask our team at the counter. We will be happy to lend you everything you need to get started. Note: Juniors (under 19 years of age) must wear protective goggles on the court!
The serve
Every rally starts with the serve. This is how you do it right:
- Stand with at least one foot completely in one of the two Service boxes (the small squares on the floor).
- Hit the ball directly against the front wall. It must above the impact line (the middle line) and below the upper off line.
- The ball must then land in the opposite rear quarter of the field (diagonally).
During the ball change
After the serve, the entire court is free.
- Beat alternately: The players take it in turns to hit the ball against the end wall.
- Use walls: The ball may touch the side walls or the back wall as long as it hits the front wall at the end without touching the floor first.
- Volleys: You can also hit the ball directly out of the air (volley) before it touches the ground. This makes the game extremely fast!
When is the ball „out“?
A rally is lost when the ball:
- The Tin (the lowest boundary on the front wall). This can often be heard as a tinny noise.
- Above the Off lines (Out lines) lands on the walls. Touching the red line already counts as an „out“.
- Hitting the ground more than once before being hit.
Safety and fair play: Let and Stroke
As you share the confined space, safety comes first. If you feel you are about to hit your opponent with your racket or stand in their way, stop the shot immediately!
The rules distinguish between two situations here:
- Let (repetition): If your path to the ball was slightly obstructed or you were afraid of hitting your opponent, shout „Let, please“. The referee (or both of you together in a recreational game) then usually decides to repeat the ball change. Nobody gets a point.
- Stroke (point gain): When the opponent finds the way to the ball complete blocked or prevents a direct shot to the front wall, you receive a „stroke“. This means that the rally is stopped and you are awarded the point directly.
Our tip for beginners: If in doubt, it's better to play one more „let“ than risk an injury. Above all, squash at Sportcenter Wittenau should be fun!
Ready for the first match?
Now you know the theory. Time for practice! Book your court conveniently online and try it out. We look forward to seeing you on the court in Reinickendorf.