Choosing the Right Squash Racket to Suit Your Size & Style
A beginner’s guide to selecting squash equipment
Choosing the right squash racquet for your size and style is not always easy. With so many brands and styles to choose from, getting an understanding of how to shop the best options for your size and playing style will save you and your parents time and money.
For kids ages 6 to 9, you need to be very selective when you buy your first squash racket. Choosing the right squash racquet to suit your size and style is very important, because an uncomfortable racquet won’t give you the best experience playing a match. Kids just starting out should look for a junior style from Head, Prince, Wilson, Dunlop, or an equivalent brand of squash racquet. Aluminum is not the best or lightest metal for rackets, but it is more budget-friendly than graphite, and has good impact resistance for new players.
If you’re a little older with a strong swing and consistent ball play, you should be ready for a full-size racket. You’ll love getting the ball to the back of the court with the power that a full-size squash racket offers.
The 3 most important things in choosing a squash racket are: throat shape, weight, and balance point. All these elements are difficult to analyze at first glance, so let’s explore them in more detail as you prepare for International Squash Academy:
Racket Throat Shape
Rackets are first decided by one of 2 throat shapes known as Teardrop (also known as Open), Classic (or Closed), and Hybrid.
Open throat rackets look similar to tennis rackets. This style is good for players who value stability over power.
Closed styles feature a longer string bed, and offer more power with a big “sweet spot” strike zone and more control. This requires more skill, but it rewards the user with more precise shots and better mobility. If you want more power, a closed throat style is what to look for first.
Hybrid rackets fall somewhere between traditional and closed squash racquets. They feature a teardrop shape that allows for more power and control, with a bridge for stability and control.
Racket Weight
Squash rackets come in a variety of weight categories, but lighter doesn’t always mean better. Each category is calculated by the total weight of elements like the frame, grip, strings, and bumper. Depending on your budget, a graphite frame is the lightest option, and the ideal choice for faster reaction time and offensive play, but someone with a slower swing should opt for a heavier frame.
A “Very Heavy” category racket will weigh 6+ ounces (170 g), and is an affordable option for casual players. The next level is a “Heavy” racket that weighs 5.3 to 6 ounces (150-170 g). This weight is a good choice for beginners just getting started with squash. Rackets that weigh 5 to 5.25 ounces are considered “Average,” and therefore the most common weight category for casual and more experienced players.
Pricier rackets fall into the “Light” and “Very Light” weight categories of 4 to 5.2 ounces (125 – 140g). These styles have superior handling and accuracy, but will most likely be harder on your arm since they don’t absorb shock waves as well as heavier models. Junior and beginner players are often best served by a racket in the “light” category; however, you may need to try out a few different weights to find the one that helps you play better.
Frame Balance Point
In the grand scheme of things, the weight of your squash racquet is not as important as the balance. A squash racquet’s balance is determined by its weight distribution related to the head. The center of gravity should match your style of play. This balance is referred to as “light,” “evenly balanced,” or “head heavy.”
A light balance means that most of the weight is in the bottom of the racquet, making it easier to maneuver, but harder to control at speed. The power and direction will come from your wrist, so look for a fast racket head speed to counter this handicap with a light balance.
As the name implies, a heavy balance is the opposite of light, and holds the majority of its weight in the top of the frame. Top-heavy weight gives your shots a controlled, harder hit, and can help to guide your swing and improve accuracy. Evenly balanced squash rackets will give you a nice blend of power, control, and maneuverability.
When all is said and done, choosing the right squash racquet is about exploring the options to find a style that works best for you. Once you develop your game, your racquet preferences will most likely change. Sports camp is a good way to get feedback from players that are playing at a skill level similar to your own, so don’t be shy about asking your peers and coaches about their racquet preferences.
If you are looking to advance your squash skills with like minded, young athletes, register now for summer squash camp at one of our East Coast locations in the United States.
Get back into the Squash action! Get in the game, keep your eye on the ball, and don’t drop the racquet. Sign up for camp news to stay informed on the latest opportunities for young squash players.
“Failure happens all the time. It happens every day in practice. What makes you better is how you react to it.”
— Mia Hamm