While the game of squash is rising in popularity all around the world, it’s also considered to be one of the healthiest sports. 

According to a Forbes Magazine survey involving consultations with personal trainers, exercise psychologists and coaches, squash was ranked the first, among the top 10 healthiest sports. Rowing cam a close second, followed by rock climbing and swimming.

For people looking to lose weight without slaving at a gym, an hour of intense activity on the squash court burns an average of around 800 calories. At the same time, it also improves stamina and strength.

People who play squash regularly understand the leg stability as well as core and upper back strength built from hitting winners on the squash court. Combining hard physical activity with the mental strategy required to out-think an opponent, makes squash what many like to refer as playing “chess on legs”. 

Flexibility and agility are two important aspects of fitness which are often overlooked because most people focus on improving muscle strength and cardiovascular endurance. Playing squash develops flexibility and agility while improving your overall fitness levels.

Few sports help in developing hand-eye coordination while improving flexibility and agility, in the way playing squash does. Improved hand-eye coordination reduces reaction time making you very dexterous.  
Squash injury rates are much less than other sports. Most injuries in squash occur due to improper movement, overuse, or when players fall.
 
The start and stop nature of squash requires a few precautions to be taken, before stepping on to the court. If you are over 40 years old, overweight or haven’t exercised for some time, it’s important to get a health check before stepping onto a squash court.

Warming up before a game of squash, stretching the leg muscles and cooling down once the game is over will help you avoid aches and pains. Most people drip with sweat, minutes after they begin playing and it’s important to replenish fluid loss by drinking plenty of water.

Invest in a pair of quality shoes with good grip and ankle support. To add an extra layer of protection you may what to consider wearing eye protection as there have been instances of eye injury resulting from a squash ball hitting the eye.

To get the most health benefits from squash and avoid injury, it’s important to use the correct technique which can be acquired by paying for a few squash lessons from a coach. You will improve your game, have more fun, get fit and stay safe.

See our infographic to read more about how squash can help you stay active!

The game of squash is rising in popularity worldwide and an increasing number of players are competing on the Professional Squash Association (PSA) tour, representing hundreds of countries.

Squash is also gaining popularity among juniors all over the world, which augurs well for the future of the sport. In our infographic, we have highlighted England, the United States, France, Canada, and of course, Australia, to show player to court ratios.

England, France, and Australia have a well-known history of top squash players and still have top players on the tour, including England’s Nick Matthew (WR #4) and Laura Massaro (WR #4), France’s Gregory Gaultier (WR #1) and Camille Serme (WR #2), and Australia’s Ryan Cuskelly (WR #16) and Donna Urquhart (WR #18).

The United States and Canada also boast of top players, including American Amanda Sobhy (WR #11), but have become well-recognised in the squash community for their governing bodies who do an incredible job promoting the sport and creating as large a player-base as a possible.

Although it isn’t yet an Olympic sport, the drive to including it in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and in the 2024 Olympics is gaining momentum with the World Squash Federation (WSF) organising #Vote4Squash and Back the Bid 2020 in order to spread its popularity. Tennis legend, Roger Federer has also supported the move for its inclusion. The proposal is being reviewed by the IOC.

Considered as one of the healthiest sports, squash helps in improving agility, strength and balance and agility. While a round of squash is comparable to a high intensity workout, it is and enjoyable social sport.

It is a sport which can be played by people of all ages and is simple to learn. There are also modified game types for people with different skill levels. For people aspiring to play competitively, there are coaches and squash academies all over the world who can help.

Just about every movement such as leaping, jumping, bending, spinning and running is made by the body in a game. These movements’ condition people to be agile and quickly start, stop, start or change direction.

Constantly watching a moving ball and adjusting the racquet hand to hit it promotes hand-eye coordination. The coordinated eye and hand movement improves finesse when walking.

Squash is also an excellent stress reliever. A game of squash is the perfect outlet to getting rid of anger, frustration or other negative energies at the end of a demanding day at the office.

The friendly environment of squash clubs also provides squash enthusiasts with an opportunity to make new friends.

See our infographic for more facts about squash and to learn about the history of our sport!

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA, October 14th 2017, In celebration of World Squash Day, The East Coast Squash Academy is excited to release the most all-inclusive infographic of squash statistics representing the history of squash, its massive global appeal, fun facts and interesting trivia. 

The Squash Statistics Infographic compresses 187 years of the sport’s history into exciting bite-size morsels of highlights outlining the benefits of squash, statistical and historical data from around the world, celebrating both male and female squash players.  

“Squash is one of the world’s most misunderstood sports and our goal releasing this visually exciting infographic is to encourage more people to experience the fun, excitement and health benefits of the game,’ explains Aaron Frankcomb, The Academy’s founding director and head squash professional.  

“Worldwide, squash is played by over 20 million people with Australia leading the world with nine gold medals making it the most successful squash nation in Commonwealth Games history. Squash welcomes people of all ages and social groups, it is not just for celebrities and high rollers.” Mr Frankcomb said.

“I don’t know of another sport that challenges your physical ability, technical skill and reflexes as well as combine strategic intent imagination and mental strength and toughness like squash does.” declares Peak Performance Strategist and faculty member, Dr Marc Dussault. 
The infographic was created for public distribution to expand the sport’s reach and exposure, please feel free to share it on social media with a backlink to the Academy’s website where more than 100 original references are listed.

To view the Squash Statistics infographic click "HERE"


Dr Marc Dussault

Marc is the Academy’s Peak Performance Strategist and an avid squash enthusiast (addict). In his mid 40s, he reached the top ranks of squash masters with less than 5 years of competition using his signature techniques of deliberate practice. 

When not on court coaching or doing high intensity drills and routines, Marc is the Exponential Growth Strategist mentoring business owners and entrepreneurs who seek to become champions in business.


Website: www.ExponentialGrowthStrategist.com