Play Squash!

Why Squash, Getting Started , Where you can play

Why Squash?

Squash can be an intimidating sport to try for the first time, but we promise you, it’s not! Unlike other net based racquet sports where you spend a lot of time picking up balls, the squash court walls are very forgiving and in your first session you’ll be having rallies find yourself wanting more!

Forbes has even ranked Squash as the healthiest sport for it’s muscle endurance training, high calorie burn, and low rate of injury. What does this mean for you? By getting involved in Squash you’ve found the most fun way to get or stay fit! Not only will you burn calories and learn new skills, but you’ll meet friends and be become part of a larger community of like minded people.  

With our guidance you will have all the information you need to give it a try on your own or with friends! 
 

Getting Started

When you’re getting started with Squash the things you will need are:

  • Running shoes, preferably good gripping non marking indoor shoes. Volleyball, clean tennis shoes, indoor soccer, or badminton shoes will be perfect! Try to avoid cross trainer / running shoes which offer poor lateral ankle support. These are often slippery and can also leave marks on the court floors  
  • Squash racquet
  • Goggles – optional at most places but highly recommended! These protect you from both the ball and your opponent’s racquet on an errant swing. 
  • Squash ball (there are many types of balls that cater to your level of play, some are bigger and faster. The slower balls are for more advanced players)

This is a lot of equipment to get started, but good news, most beginner programs will loan you a racquet, goggles, and ball to help you get started. Clubs and programs will also have pro shops where you can try and buy all the equipment you’ll need to play on your own outside of the program. 

Do I need lessons?

It depends on you and how you like to learn. Some people like to jump right in and play, others like to take lessons first before they join organized play. There are options for both. Lessons will help you learn the fundamental technique to hit the ball which will make the game more fun and prevent injury. Most beginner programs will include instruction alongside time to play, private or semi private lessons are also available for a more accelerated and personal touch. 
 
If you’re coming from another racquet sport, consider trying a beginner program right away. If you’ve never tried a racquet sport, a lesson or two before you play will set you on the right path towards a fun and safe experience.  

Learning the Rules

We have posted the rules of squash to a separate page. We recommend that you review these ahead of time if you aren’t playing with an organized group, or just ask your instructor to go over them. 
 
The most important things to keep in mind are to play safe, play hard, and have fun. Since both players are on the same side unlike other racquet sports, there is potential for interference to occur (you could get in each other’s way). Like other racquet sports there is a “let” rule which means you can replay the point. Squash rules help to ensure everyone is safe on court while playing. 

I'm Ready - Where can i play

There are a number of clubs across Toronto and the GTA, knowing where you are will help us connect you with the programs closest to you. 

 

There are a number of clubs across Toronto and the GTA, knowing where you are will help us connect you with the programs closest to you. Some clubs offer specific programming open to non-members, this is an easy way to get involved and see if you would be interested in joining the club permanently. 

You can also leverage your social media. There are squash courts in many condo buildings, and Facebook groups to connect players. If you are in Toronto you can join this group.

If you already have a gym membership, you may already have access, both Goodlife (Finch, and Dunfield locations) and LA Fitness have squash courts available to their members. 

Other accessible commercial club courts include:

  • Toronto – Squashabout (Goodlife Dunfield)
  • Toronto – Goodlife Northridge (Yonge and Finch)
  • LA Fitness locations:
    • Don Mills
    • Warden
    • Kennedy Commons
  • Toronto – West End YMCA
  • Toronto – Central YMCA
  • Toronto – Sheppard YMCA
  • Toronto – Glendon Athletic Centre
  • Toronto – TMU Athletic Centre
  • Toronto – York University 
  • Toronto – University of Toronto Athletic Centre
  • Toronto – St.Lawrence Community Centre
  • Toronto – Michener Institute of Education Fitness Centre
  • Toronto – Crescent Town Community Centre
 
Are we missing in, or are they no longer available, drop us a note!