Both these sports require players to use a racquet to hit a small ball, but that's where their similarities end. Squash is known for being fast and demands quick, agile play, while tennis leans more on technique and precision.
This article compares the two sports across gameplay, equipment, health benefits and popularity, so you can get a feel for what makes each one different.
What Is Squash?
Squash is a racquet sport that originated in England and was first played in the mid-19th century. It is played on an enclosed four-walled court. The front wall has a low "tin" strip along the bottom that the ball must clear to stay in play. The objective of the game is to hit the ball against one of the walls, making it impossible for your opponent to return it.
A squash match can be played as singles (one player on each side) or doubles (two players on each side). It requires players to have quick reflexes, good hand-eye coordination, and excellent cardiovascular endurance. The game is known for its intense rallies and quick pace, making it physically demanding. After decades of campaigning, squash will make its Olympic debut at the LA 2028 Games — a milestone moment for the sport.
What Is Tennis?
Tennis is a sport that started in France in the 12th century. It's played on a rectangular court divided by a net, and the goal is to hit the ball over the net into your opponent's side, trying to make it hard for them to return.
Unlike squash, which is played in an enclosed space, tennis is played in an open court, allowing more variety in how players hit the ball. This adds a strategic element, where players need to think about shot placement and tactics. Tennis uses a larger, pressurized ball and a racquet with a round head and long handle. The game can be played on different surfaces like clay, grass, or hard courts, each affecting the ball's speed and bounce.
Health Benefits of Squash and Tennis
Both squash and tennis offer numerous health benefits that make them popular among fitness enthusiasts. As both sports involve continuous movement and use of multiple muscle groups, they provide an excellent cardiovascular workout that can help improve overall stamina and endurance.
Squash is known to be one of the most physically demanding sports, with players having to constantly move around the court and perform quick direction changes. This high-intensity activity can improve aerobic fitness, muscular strength, and even bone density.
On the other hand, tennis focuses more on technique and agility rather than endurance. The constant start-and-stop movements involved in playing tennis can help strengthen muscles in the arms, legs, and core. It also requires players to use different muscle groups for various shots, providing a full-body workout.
Both sports also require mental focus and strategic thinking, which can sharpen decision-making and problem-solving. These sports also offer a great outlet for stress relief and can improve mood and overall well-being.
Main Differences Between Squash and Tennis
While squash and tennis may seem similar at first glance, there are several key differences between these two racquet sports. Here are some of the main differences:
Court
One of the most significant differences between squash and tennis is the court on which they are played. Squash courts are typically smaller, enclosed spaces with four walls, while tennis courts are larger and open-air. The dimensions of a standard squash court are 9.75 m x 6.4 m (about 62.4 square metres in total).
In comparison, a standard tennis court measures 78 feet x 36 feet (or 23.77 m x 10.97 m), totaling 2,808 square feet (or 260.87 square meters). However, for singles matches in tennis, the court is narrower, measuring only 27 feet or 8.23 meters wide.
Plus, the surfaces of the two courts also differ. Squash courts have a hardwood (usually maple) floor, with plaster or glass walls, while tennis courts come in different surfaces such as clay, grass or hard court. These differences in court size and surface greatly affect gameplay for both sports.
Equipment
Tennis and squash rackets share similar strings, but a tennis racket is typically around six centimeters longer than a squash racket, measuring 27 inches for adults. Additionally, tennis rackets feature a rounder head, while squash rackets have a squared-off top.
Regarding footwear, while tennis and squash shoes may appear alike, key differences exist due to the nature of each sport. Tennis shoes vary by court surface, designed with sturdy outer soles and cushioning for comfort. In contrast, squash shoes must be non-marking and provide a sticky grip, resulting in fewer style variations compared to tennis shoes.
Gameplay
The gameplay and rules of tennis and squash also differ. In squash, players must hit the ball against one of the walls, while in tennis, they have to hit it over the net and land it within their opponent's side of the court. Plus, in tennis, players can let the ball bounce once before returning it, but in squash, they must hit it on the fly without letting it touch the ground. A
dditionally, both squash and tennis are played as singles or doubles. Additionally, squash is known for its fast nature with shorter rallies, while tennis can have longer and more strategic rallies.
Scoring System
The scoring system in tennis and squash differs significantly. In tennis, matches are divided into sets, with the winner of a set being the first to win six games with a two-game lead. Each game is scored by points, with 15, 30, and 40 representing one, two, and three points respectively. If the score reaches (40-40) or deuce, the player must win by two clear points to win the game.
On the other hand, squash matches are played as best-of-five games to 11 points, with a two-point lead required to win each game. Unlike tennis, where players take turns serving every game, in squash, only the losing player on serve changes when they lose a point. This can result in one player continuously serving until they lose a point.
Shot Selection
Shot selection is another key difference between squash and tennis. While both sports share many of the same shots, such as serves, returns, volleys, forehands, backhands, drops shots, lobs, etc., there are some unique shots to each sport.
In squash, players must be proficient in drives and boasts, shots that utilize the side and back walls to keep the ball in play. The ultimate goal in squash is to hit a "nick," where the ball hits the corner of the court and rolls out of bounds. This shot requires precise aim and control.
In tennis, players must master groundstrokes like forehands and backhands and also develop a strong serve. Additionally, players must be skilled in shots like drop shots, which require finesse and strategic placement to catch their opponent off guard.
Those are the main differences between squash and tennis. Whether you prefer the intensity of squash or the strategy of tennis, both are great to play.
Tips for Starting Out in Squash or Tennis
If you're interested in trying out squash or tennis, here are a few tips to help you get started:
- Find a coach: Both squash and tennis require proper technique and form, which can best be taught by an experienced coach. Also, a coach can help you improve your skills and avoid common mistakes.
- Invest in quality equipment: While you don't need to go for the most expensive racquet or shoes, investing in good-quality equipment can make a significant difference in your performance.
- Practice regularly: To see progress and improvement, consistency is key. Make sure to practice regularly and dedicate time to work on specific skills.
- Focus on footwork: Both squash and tennis require fast movements and quick changes in direction, making footwork essential for success. Make sure to focus on improving your footwork through drills and exercises.
- Stay hydrated and stretch: As with any physical activity, it's crucial to stay hydrated to avoid injuries. Also, don't forget to stretch before and after playing to prevent muscle soreness.
Follow these tips and you will improve quickly at either sport.
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.
