Starting Squash: What You Actually Need
Squash is one of the most accessible racket sports to start — you need a racket, a ball, and court shoes. That's it. But within those three items lies a surprising amount of choice, and picking the wrong ball (hint: don't start with double-dot) or an inappropriate racket can make your first month frustrating instead of fun.
At TopCricketStore, we carry Dunlop and Head squash equipment — the two brands that dominate every squash court from your local YMCA to the PSA World Tour. This guide covers exactly what a beginner needs, what it costs, and what you can skip until you're playing regularly.
Squash Balls: The Most Important First Decision
Squash balls look identical but the colored dots tell you everything about how they play. The ball is the most important equipment choice for a beginner — more than the racket. Here's why: a beginner hitting a double-dot ball (the pro standard) will experience a dead, cold ball that barely bounces. The ball never warms up enough because rallies are too short. You spend more time picking the ball off the floor than hitting it.
Ball Types Explained
| Ball Type | Dot Color | Bounce | Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pro (Double Yellow) | Two yellow dots | Very low — needs to be HOT to bounce | Slow | Advanced / pro players only |
| Competition (Single Yellow) | One yellow dot | Low — warms up faster than double dot | Slow-medium | Intermediate club players |
| Progress (Red / Single Blue) | One red or blue dot | Medium — good bounce even when cold | Medium | Beginners! Start here. |
| Max (Blue) | One blue dot (larger ball) | High — 12% larger, bounces easily | Fast | Complete beginners, kids, coaching |
For beginners: start with single-dot (competition or progress). The Head Prime Double Dot balls ($14.99/12-pack) are what pros use — skip these until you can sustain 10+ shot rallies. The Head Tournament Single Dot ($14.49/12-pack) is a much better starting point — it bounces enough when cold that you'll actually get to hit the ball.
For the first month, buy a 12-pack of single-dot balls. Each ball lasts 3-5 sessions before losing its bounce. At $14.49 for 12, that's about $0.30 per session — the cheapest piece of squash gear you'll ever buy.
Dunlop makes the official ball of the PSA World Tour and World Squash Federation. The Dunlop Competition Single Dot ($14.99/3-pack tube) and Dunlop Competition Single Dot 12-pack ($49.99) are the industry standard — every squash club in America stocks these.
Squash Rackets: What Beginners Should Look For
Squash rackets are lighter and more head-light than tennis rackets. A typical squash racket weighs 120-150g unstrung. Beginners should look for:
- Weight: 130-150g (heavier rackets generate more power with less swing speed — ideal for beginners who haven't developed a full swing yet)
- Balance: Even or slightly head-heavy (helps generate power)
- Head size: 470-500 sq cm (larger heads have bigger sweet spots, more forgiving)
- String pattern: 14x18 is standard — don't overthink this as a beginner
We stock squash rackets from Dunlop and Head. Contact our store for current racket inventory — our selection rotates based on what US distributors have available. Expect to spend $60-120 for a quality beginner-to-intermediate squash racket.
Squash Eyewear: Mandatory Protection
Squash is played in an enclosed court where you're 10-15 feet from your opponent. A mistimed swing or a ball off the side wall can hit your eye faster than you can blink. Every squash club in America requires protective eyewear. The ASTM F803 standard is the certification you need — it means the glasses have been impact-tested for racket sports. Don't wear regular glasses or sunglasses; they can shatter on impact and cause more damage than no eyewear at all.
Squash Shoes: Non-Marking and Stable
Squash courts require non-marking soles — the same gum rubber outsoles used on badminton and volleyball shoes. Running shoes are wrong for squash: they're built for forward motion, not the lateral stops and direction changes that squash demands. Look for shoes with:
- Gum rubber (non-marking) outsole
- Lateral stability features (wider base, reinforced side panels)
- Low-to-ground feel (you don't want thick cushioning that makes you feel disconnected from the court)
- Breathable upper (squash courts get hot)
Complete Beginner Setup: What to Buy and What to Skip
| Item | Priority | Budget Pick | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Squash balls (single dot, 12-pack) | Essential | Head Tournament Single Dot | $14.49 |
| Squash racket | Essential | Entry-level Dunlop or Head | $60-120 |
| Non-marking court shoes | Essential | Badminton/volleyball cross-trainers | $50-100 |
| Protective eyewear | Essential | ASTM F803 certified | $25-40 |
| Grip tape / overgrip | Nice to have | Yonex replacement grip | $5-10 |
| Squash bag | Skip (use any backpack) | — | $0 |
| Wristband / headband | Skip until you're sweating heavily | — | $5 |
Total beginner investment: $150-275. That's all you need to walk onto a squash court properly equipped. Compare that to golf ($500+), tennis ($200+), or cycling ($1,000+) and squash is one of the most affordable racket sports to start.
Common Beginner Mistakes
Buying double-dot balls first. This is the #1 beginner mistake in squash. Double-dot balls need to be hot to bounce properly, and beginners can't sustain long enough rallies to warm them up. You'll spend your first sessions frustrated. Start with single-dot.
Using running shoes. Running shoes are designed for forward motion. Squash involves constant lateral movement, quick stops, and direction changes. Running shoes increase your risk of rolling an ankle. Get court shoes with lateral support.
Skipping eyewear. A squash ball traveling at 100+ mph in a confined space is genuinely dangerous to unprotected eyes. A $30 pair of protective glasses is the cheapest insurance you'll ever buy.
Why Buy Squash Equipment from TopCricketStore?
We carry genuine Dunlop and Head squash products from a real warehouse in Edison, NJ. Unlike marketplace sellers where counterfeit balls are common (yes, fake Dunlop squash balls exist), our inventory comes directly from authorized US distributors. Free shipping on orders over $100. Need advice on which ball to start with? Call or WhatsApp our store — we'll tell you honestly, because we want you to enjoy your first session, not quit frustrated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What squash ball should a beginner use?
Beginners should use single-dot (competition/progress) squash balls, not double-dot. Single-dot balls bounce more when cold and stay lively during short rallies. The Head Tournament Single Dot ($14.49/12-pack) or Dunlop Competition Single Dot ($14.99/3-pack) are ideal starter balls.
What's the difference between single dot and double dot squash balls?
Single-dot balls have a higher bounce and are designed for intermediate players and beginners. Double-dot balls have the lowest bounce and require sustained, hard rallies to reach proper temperature. Double-dot is the pro standard but frustrating for beginners because the ball stays cold and dead.
How long do squash balls last?
A squash ball lasts 3-5 playing sessions before losing its bounce and becoming glossy (slippery). Competitive players change balls every match. For recreational play, a 12-pack of single-dot balls ($14.49) will last 2-3 months of weekly play.
Do I need special shoes for squash?
Yes — you need non-marking court shoes. Running shoes lack lateral stability and leave black marks on squash court floors (which will get you kicked off the court). Badminton, volleyball, or dedicated squash shoes all work. Expect to spend $50-100 for a decent pair.
How do I know if my squash eyewear is safe?
Look for the ASTM F803 certification mark on the frame or packaging. This standard means the eyewear has been impact-tested specifically for racket sports. Regular glasses, sunglasses, and non-certified sports glasses can shatter on ball impact and cause eye injury.
Can I use a tennis racket for squash?
No. Tennis rackets are 27-29 inches long and weigh 280-340g. Squash rackets are 27 inches max and weigh 120-150g — roughly half the weight. Using a tennis racket in a squash court is dangerous (too much racket in a confined space) and will damage the court walls.