Squash and pickleball are two very different sports, but some people may not know the difference. So, what is the difference between squash and pickleball?

Squash and pickleball are two sports that are becoming more popular every day. They both offer a great way to get some exercise, but they are very different. If you are thinking about trying one of these sports, it is important to understand the difference between them.

The main difference between squash and pickleball is their courts. Squash court dimensions are different from that of a pickleball court. Squash is played with a net racket and rubber ball, whereas pickleball is played with a paddle and a whiffle ball. The rules of the sports also differ heavily.

Both are played with a racquet and ball, but that’s where the similarities end. Squash is a fast-paced, competitive sport that requires good hand-eye coordination and agility. On the other hand, pickleball is a slower-paced game that is perfect for beginners. It can be played indoors or outdoors and is great for getting some exercise.

In this post, we will discuss the key differences between squash and pickleball so you can decide which suits your style and interests you the most.

Squash vs. Pickleball - Court Size

The average squash court is about 32 feet long and 21 feet wide. The average pickleball court is about 44 feet long and 20 feet wide. A pickleball court is 50% larger than a squash court.

This difference in size can have a significant impact on the game. Squash is a much faster game than pickleball, and the smaller court means that players have to be more precise with their shots. Pickleball is a more strategic game, and the larger court allows for more running and chasing after the ball.

Besides that, payers hit the ball against the wall in squash before the other player can return the shot. In comparison, pickleball is played more like tennis, where two players stand on opposite sides of the court, and the ball is hit back and forth.

The size is not the only difference in both sports’ courts. There are different areas in pickleball and squash courts that players should be aways of.

Pickleball Court Areas

The Non-Volley Zone

The non-volley zone, also called the kitchen, is the 7-foot area on either side of the net. Volleys are not allowed in this area; it is a fault if a player hits the ball while in the non-volley zone.

The Service Area

The service area is behind the baseline from which players must serve.

The Baseline

The baseline is the back line of each pickleball court; it runs parallel to the net. Players must hit the ball over the net and into their opponent’s court. It is a fault if they hit the ball into the net or out of bounds.

Out of Bounds

The out-of-bounds line is 2 feet from each side boundary line. If a player hits the ball out of bounds, it is a fault, and the other team will receive the point.

Squash Court Areas

Service Box

The service box is where the player serves the ball. The player must stand inside the service box when serving and can only step out of the box after the ball has been hit. If the player steps out of the box before hitting the ball, it is a foot fault, and the point will be awarded to the other player.

Front Wall

The front wall is where most of the action takes place. The players must hit the ball against this wall to score a point. The front wall is also used for rebounds - if the ball hits off and goes out of bounds, the player who hits it gets another chance to hit it again.

Side Wall

The side wall is used mostly for shots that would otherwise go out of bounds. If the ball hits off the side wall and stays in bounds, it is considered a good shot, and the player can score a point.

Shortline

The short line is located at the front of the court and marks the boundary between in-bounds and out-of-bounds. If the ball hits this line, it is considered out-of-bounds, and the other player gets the point.

Squash vs. Pickleball - Equipment

Squash Equipment

Squash equipment includes the racket and ball. The racket is the primary piece of equipment used in squash. It is typically made of graphite or other lightweight materials and has a round head. The ball is also essential to the game of squash. It is usually made of rubber and is slightly smaller than a tennis ball.

Squash rackets are available in various sizes, weights, and grip styles to suit different player preferences. The racket’s weight affects its maneuverability and how much power can be generated when hitting the ball.

The type of ball you use also affects your squash game. There are two main types of squash balls: practice balls and tournament balls. Practice balls are designed for use during practice sessions and are usually softer than tournament balls. This makes them easier to control and produces less bounce. Tournament balls are designed for use during actual squash matches and are typically harder than practice balls. This makes them more challenging to control but provides more bounce, making the game more exciting.

Pickleball Equipment

When playing pickleball, you will need a paddle and a Wiffle ball. The paddle is usually made of wood or composite material, and the Wiffle ball is hollow and has small holes.

The paddle should be comfortable to hold and have a good grip. It should also be the right size for your hand. The Wiffle ball should be the right size for the paddle.

Pickleball paddles come in different weights, sizes, and shapes. They also have different grips and textures. You should choose a paddle that is comfortable for you to hold and has the right weight and balance.

The Wiffle ball is designed specifically for pickleball. It is made of plastic and has small holes in it. This makes the ball lighter and slower than a regular tennis ball.

Squash vs. Pickleball - Attire

Squash Attire

When playing squash, it is important to wear the proper attire. This keeps you comfortable during the game and protects you from injuries.

Shirts and shorts are the most common clothing worn when playing squash. They are loose-fitting and allow for a full range of motion. Skirts are also an option for women, but they should be shorter than knee-length to avoid getting caught on the racket or court.

Shoes are another critical piece of equipment. Squash shoes have special soles that grip the court surface to help prevent slips and falls. They also have extra padding to protect your feet from the ball’s impact.

Glasses are not required, but many players wear them to protect their eyes from the fast-moving ball. If you do wear glasses, make sure they are shatterproof.

Pickleball Attire

When playing pickleball, it is essential to dress appropriately. This means wearing comfortable clothing that you can move around in easily. Shirts, shorts, skirts, and shoes are all acceptable forms of attire. However, it is vital to ensure that your shoes have non-marking soles not to damage the court surface. Also, be sure to wear clothing that is not too loose or baggy as it could get caught on the paddle or net.

Squash vs. Pickleball - Point System

Squash Point System

The most basic way to score points in squash is by winning rallies. A rally is won when the player hits the ball and lands in the front wall before their opponent can return it. The player who wins the rally scores a point.

If the ball hits the floor more than once before being hit by a player, it is considered a dead ball, and no point is awarded. Additionally, if the ball goes out of bounds, hits a player or referee, or bounces twice on the same side of the court, it is also considered a dead ball, and no point is awarded.

The point system in squash can be a bit more complicated than just winning rallies. Depending on where the ball lands on the court, different types of points can be scored.

For example, if the ball hits the front wall and then lands in the service box (between the red lines), it is considered a let, and no point is awarded. This often happens when players are serving, and the ball barely misses the out-of-bounds line.

If the ball hits the front wall and then lands in the out-of-bounds area (outside of the red lines), it is considered a stroke, and a point is awarded to the player who hit it. This is usually how most points are scored in squash.

If the ball hits the front wall and then hits your opponent before they can return it, it is considered a winner, and a point is awarded. This doesn’t happen often, but it’s a pretty exciting way to score points when it does.

Pickleball Point System

 The game’s object is to score more points than your opponent, and the first player to reach 11 points wins the match. To score a point, one player must serve the ball into play and then hit it over the net so their opponent cannot return it. If the serving player hits the ball into the net or their opponent can return it, then no point is scored. The pickleball point system is simple and easy to understand, making it a popular choice for recreational and competitive players alike.

The server will start with 0 points when serving, and their opponent will start with 1 point. If the server wins the point, they will add 1 point to their score, and their opponent will stay at 1 point. If the server loses the point, their opponent will add 1 point to their score, and the server will stay at 0 points. The first player to reach 11 points wins the game.

The pickleball point system is a simple way to keep track of scores in the game of pickleball. By understanding how the system works, players can easily keep track of their progress and see who is winning or losing at any given time. This makes the game more exciting and enjoyable for everyone involved.

Squash vs. Pickleball - Difficulty Level

Squash and pickleball both require a great deal of skill and athleticism. However, some key differences between the two sports can make one more complicated than the other.

The small, hard ball can be challenging to control when it comes to squash. It is also very fast-paced, making it tough to keep up with the game. In addition, the court is smaller than a tennis court, so there is less room for error.

On the other hand, pickleball is played with a larger, softer ball that is easier to control. The game is also not as fast-paced as squash, giving players more time to react. Additionally, the pickleball court is larger than a squash court, giving players more room to move around.

Overall, squash is generally considered the more difficult sport of the two. It requires quick reflexes and precise shots. Pickleball is less demanding, but it still requires good hand-eye coordination and strategic thinking.