Both sports use a racquet to hit a small ball, but that is where the similarities end. Squash is fast and demands quick, agile play, while tennis leans more on technique and precision. This article compares the two across gameplay, equipment, health benefits, and popularity, so you can get a feel for what makes each different.
What Is Squash?
Squash is a racquet sport that originated in England in the mid-19th century. It is played on an enclosed four-walled court, with a low "tin" strip along the bottom of the front wall that the ball must clear to stay in play. The aim is to hit the ball against the front wall so your opponent cannot return it.
It is played as singles (one player each side) or doubles (two each side) and rewards quick reflexes, good hand-eye coordination, and excellent cardiovascular endurance. Known for intense rallies and a quick pace, it is physically demanding. After decades of campaigning, squash will make its Olympic debut at the LA 2028 Games, a milestone for the sport.
What Is Tennis?
Tennis traces back to 12th-century France and is played on a rectangular court divided by a net; the goal is to hit the ball over the net into your opponent's side so it is hard to return. Unlike squash's enclosed court, tennis is played in an open court, which adds a strategic element of shot placement and tactics. It uses a larger, pressurised ball and a racquet with a round head and long handle, and is played on clay, grass, or hard courts, each affecting the ball's speed and bounce.
Health Benefits of Squash and Tennis
Both sports involve continuous movement and multiple muscle groups, giving an excellent cardiovascular workout that builds stamina and endurance. Squash is one of the most physically demanding sports, with constant movement and quick direction changes that improve aerobic fitness, muscular strength, and even bone density. Tennis leans more on technique and agility, and its start-and-stop movements strengthen the arms, legs, and core while using different muscle groups for various shots. Both also require mental focus and strategic thinking, which sharpen decision-making, and both offer a good outlet for stress relief.
Main Differences Between Squash and Tennis
While they seem similar at first glance, squash and tennis differ in several key ways.
Court
Squash courts are smaller, enclosed four-walled spaces, while tennis courts are larger and open-air. A standard squash court is 9.75 m x 6.4 m (about 62.4 square metres). A standard tennis court measures 78 ft x 36 ft (23.77 m x 10.97 m), totalling 2,808 square feet (260.87 square metres), though for singles it is narrower at 27 ft (8.23 m) wide. The surfaces differ too: squash courts have a hardwood (usually maple) floor with plaster or glass walls, while tennis is played on clay, grass, or hard courts, all of which greatly affect gameplay.
Equipment
Tennis and squash rackets use similar strings, but a tennis racket is about six centimetres longer, measuring 27 inches for adults, and has a rounder head versus the squared-off top of a squash racket. Footwear differs by sport: tennis shoes vary by court surface with sturdy outer soles and cushioning, while squash shoes must be non-marking with a sticky grip, so they come in fewer styles.
Gameplay
In squash, players hit the ball against the walls; in tennis, they hit it over the net into the opponent's side. In tennis the ball may bounce once before being returned, but in squash it must be hit on the fly without touching the ground. Squash is known for its fast nature and shorter rallies, while tennis tends to have longer, more strategic rallies.
Scoring System
The scoring differs significantly. In tennis, matches are divided into sets, with a set won by the first to six games with a two-game lead; each game is scored 15, 30, and 40 for the first three points, and at 40-40 (deuce) a player must win by two clear points. Squash matches are played as best-of-five games to 11 points, with a two-point lead required to win each game. And unlike tennis, where players alternate serving each game, in squash the serve only changes when the server loses a point, so one player can serve continuously until they lose a rally.
Shot Selection
Both sports share many shots, such as serves, returns, volleys, forehands, backhands, drop shots, and lobs, but each has its own. In squash, players need drives and boasts that use the side and back walls, and the ultimate shot is the "nick," where the ball hits the corner of the court and rolls out, demanding precise aim and control. In tennis, players master groundstrokes and a strong serve, along with finesse shots like drop shots to catch an opponent off guard.
Tips for Starting Out in Squash or Tennis
A few tips if you want to try either sport:
- Get coaching to learn proper technique and avoid common mistakes early.
- Use good-quality equipment, which need not be the most expensive but makes a real difference to your play.
- Focus on footwork, since both sports demand fast movement and quick changes of direction; drill it.
- Stay hydrated and stretch before and after play to avoid injury and muscle soreness.
Squash vs Tennis at a Glance
| Feature | Squash | Tennis |
|---|---|---|
| Court | Indoor, enclosed, ~62 m² | Outdoor or indoor, ~195 m² (singles) |
| Ball & racket | Small hollow ball, light racket | Pressurised ball, larger racket |
| Rally style | Walls in play, fast and continuous | Over a net, longer baseline rallies |
| Intensity | Very high (~600-1000 kcal/hr) | High (~400-700 kcal/hr) |
| Weather | Indoors, year-round | Often weather-dependent |
| Best for | Fast, compact, high-cardio workouts | Endurance, footwork and outdoor play |
The Bottom Line
If you want a fast, intense, year-round indoor workout in tight quarters, choose squash; if you prefer longer rallies, strategy, and outdoor play, choose tennis. They train different things, so plenty of players happily do both.
