Squash 57

Squash 57 is the perfect programme for someone who wants a great workout but still want to be able to put your socks on in the morning. Squash 57 provides an easy introduction to squash which makes it ideally suited to beginners as well as helping to extend the playing ‘career’ of squash players by offering a less intense alternative that will keep people on court well into their later years.

As a club, leisure centre, university, or college looking to grow the opportunities you offer, Squash 57 could be a great option for you.

Squash 57 can help you:

reach a new audience and attract new junior and adult players who are less likely to take part in more traditional club activities.
offer a suitable style of play for someone who is learning to play.
engage more female players by offering Squash Girls Can - a female-only version of Squash 57.
increase the number of people both at the beginning and end of their squash playing ‘career’.
increase court usage and associated income at your club or venue.
upskill more volunteers as leaders to facilitate sessions.

Who is Squash 57 aimed at?

Squash 57, formally known as racketball, sees players play with a larger racket and bouncier ball. With the ball being bouncier it allows more time to get to it, this creates opportunities for longer rallies. It is perfect for those who want a game that’s easy to pick up, that’s as much fun for children as the adults – no matter what standard you are.

This type of player typically:

is trying to learn how to play squash or is looking to continue playing some form of racket sport as they come to the end of their squash playing ‘career’ and are looking for something a little slower-paced.
only has one or two people to play squash with. Squash 57 offers group activities on court enabling them to meet new squash buddies.
prefers to focus on the fun, and social side of squash knowing that they get a good workout on court and are less interested in high pace.

How to start Squash 57 at your club / venue

Check your workforce: do you have any Squash 57 leaders or suitable coaches at your club/venue to run these sessions?

Train some leaders: organise a Squash 101 leaders course for coaches or volunteers from your club. Speak to your county association and other clubs and venues locally to see if there's any more interest in a course in your area. Once you've gathered some interest, contact participation@englandsquash.com to organise a course.

Schedule your Squash 57 sessions: once you have some leaders trained it's time to schedule your sessions. Think about your target audience when scheduling sessions and the day and time that'll work for them. Ask your target audience when the sessions would best work for them. We suggest a regular session so people can plan it around their lives.

Promote your sessions: make sure all the information is on your website. Make use of social media and promote within your local community and with local partners. Check out our top tips for social media.

Record your sessions: use the England Squash app to record your sessions and log players. This is essential to help England Squash monitor the programme so that we can show progress to our major funding partners and potential sponsors. Please also provide us with feedback on the programme so we can continue to make improvements. There are prizes and incentives available for using the app, along with additional resources and content to help you with your sessions.

Looking for the full Squash 57 rules?

Download the World Squash Federation rules below.