October 15th is World Squash Day, when players are encouraged to get out on court and get their squash game on! But before you grab your racket, did you know that with the right equipment, your squash game could be even more enjoyable? To explain more, we need to talk balls… squash balls to be precise!
A crucial element of squash is obviously the squash ball. But even though you might be playing with the perfectly matched racket, to enhance your game further, your racket needs to be paired with the perfectly matched ball to suit your playing style.
How do I know which ball to choose?
There are different factors that come into play when choosing which ball will be right for you. Have a read through our summary of ball types below to help you decide which to choose.
The Pro Ball
The Pro ball is the most popular ball and is the ball of choice by the pros and experienced players. It is available in both black and white because the pros play on beautiful glass courts and a black ball is harder to see. But something to be aware of with the Pro ball; it’s fast and it’s heavy, and it really needs to warm up before you get any bounce out of it. Even then, it means you must hit the ball hard, and you must move fast to have a competitive game. As a result, this ball is recommended for strong, experienced players.
The Competition Ball
The Competition ball is the closest ball to the Pro ball; it is the same size but it has a secret… it is slightly more bouncy than the Pro ball, offering around 10% more hang time. It is therefore perfect for intermediate to advanced players who still feel like there is room for improvement in their game, or for those who need a little more time to reach the ball to keep the games competitive and fun.
The Progress Ball
The Progress ball is the perfect ball for those looking to improve their game and take it to the next level. It is 6% larger than the Pro ball and boasts a 20% longer hang time. This ball is for those who just love to play, or those who want to hone their technique and improve their game. It is the perfect ball for the recreational player.
The Intro Ball
For those who are starting out, or those who perhaps want to enjoy a slightly slower paced game, there is the Intro ball. The Intro ball is 12% larger than the Pro ball and has a whopping 40% longer hang time. This means it really bounces around the court and gives players access to very easy power. So if you are just starting out, or you love to play squash but are not as mobile as you once were, choose the Intro ball.
To summarise
If you are a beginner, choose the Intro ball. If it’s too easy, the rallies are too long, and you want to challenge yourself, move on up to the Progress ball. Likewise, if you’ve been playing for a while and want to see if you can make your matches just a little bit more fun, then give the Progress ball a shot. The same processes apply for the competition and pro balls – if you want to step it up a notch, then try the next level ball.
Everyone’s playing styles and game objectives are different, so it’s all about finding what is right for you. We make a ball for every level of play, and even for kids, so please don’t walk away from the court before you’ve tried them all and found your perfect match!