Rustenburg Squash
The sport of squash has been played around the world for several centuries. Squash is played daily in Rustenburg by several recreational and league players. To get your daily dose of squash, visit the Rustenburg Squash Club or any of the other health clubs like the local Virgin Active.
You might wonder what makes squash such a popular sport that it stood the test of time. It isn’t a spectator sport and isn’t widely broadcast on television, yet there are several players that rant and rave about it.
Squash is so popular because a match between two players can be concluded within +/- 40 minutes. It is an intense exercise over a short period of time and will help you with your personal fitness. It doesn’t only tests a player’s speed, endurance, agility and coordination but is very fast paced and competitive. Squash is more engaging and entertaining than jogging on a treadmill in your local gym and watching people’s movement in the parking area outside.
There is also no age limit on squash and men and women can play against each other – although men are not too fond of losing to their female counterparts.
Squash is normally played by two players on a squash court that is 9.75 meter long and 6.4 meter wide. Yes, a vast area to chase a rubber ball, bouncing of walls in all directions of the court. A player will start play by serving the ball above the serve line on the front wall and into the opponent’s section of the back court area. Play will continue until the rally ends.
A player will win a rally when his opponent either:
- Hits the ball into the tin (a metal strip 48 centimetre high at the bottom of the front wall); or
- Hits above the out-of-court lines; or
- Doesn’t reach the ball before it bounces twice.
Squash is scored in different ways but the most widely used method is point-per-rally scoring. The winner of a rally scores a point regardless of who has served at the start of the rally. The first player that reaches eleven points wins the game. A match is won where a player wins at least three out of five games.
This all might sound foreign to non-squash players but the rules are quickly picked up once you start playing at a club.
What you may need for a match of squash:
- An worthy opponent – friend, colleague, family member or club member;
- Squash court (booking essential) – Rustenburg Squash Club at Olympia Park (014 594 0004) or Virgin Active Waterfall Mall (014 537 3636 )
- Squash Racquet – prices range from R190 to over a R1,000 . For the beginner start with a cheaper racquet and work your way up to the more expensive ones as your game improves;
- Non-marking squash shoes – prices range from R199 to over R1000. Same principle than for squash racquet;
- Squash balls;
- Towel – you’re going to sweat…a lot!
- Water – you will become thirsty
Conclusion
Squash is a game that can be enjoyed by every one of all ages. When you are short of time and want to exercise intensely, squash is the game for you. It is also very social as you meet friends and other squash players regularly at the squash club. Fitness through squash is fun!
For further reading we found the eBook “Squash – Steps to Success by Philip Yarrow and Aidan Harrison” very informative and well written with illustration and exercises to help improve your game.