One of the most unusual and vibrant sports is squash. This unique sports training takes place indoors and is carried out using special racquets and an ultra-light ball. The area where all the action takes place is called a squash court. We will tell you more about it and the features of the game in this article.
A bit of squash
The name of this game is directly related to the use of a light and almost hollow ball with a diameter of 40 mm. According to experienced athletes, this game skillfully combines the elements of badminton, tennis and tennis. It is noteworthy that the first competition was carried out on a primitive squash court using a tougher ball, and the game itself was called "racket".
What is the essence of the game?
The essence of the squash is as follows: one player or a pair of lovers must use the racket to direct the ball to the appropriate place. The feed is in progress. In this case, he must hit the wall in a certain place. Then the ball should again be caught on the racket and sent again, but to the other side of the squash court.
If the player does everything right, his opponent simply does not have time to get the ball and earn a point in his favor. Accordingly, with improper action, the opponent receives an advantage in the form of an incentive point, and you lose it.
The difficulty is that you should act quickly. Moreover, at the moment of impact, the ball can bounce not only from the walls, but even from the floor. Moreover, you do not have the right to make a mistake, since an out and a wrong shot will immediately bring a point to your opponent. For the same reasons, only the most hardy squash court player who performs the most accurate shots can win.
A few words from the story
It is believed that the first squash players appeared in aristocratic England. However, the exact time of creation of this game is reliably unknown. So, for the first time about this sport was mentioned in a book dated 1807. It was about the morals of the inhabitants of foggy Albion, and the pictures showed prisoners playing fancy racquets and a ball. At the same time, judging by the image, the size of the squash court was small, and the walls were conditional.
While the game has turned into the sport that is known to us, more than one millennium has passed. During this time, the squash has changed not only the name. The court itself underwent changes, where the games were held. So, in addition to the main ones, additional side walls began to appear on it. Later, new squash courts acquired a front, back and two side walls.
After 1970, squash moved to America. After some time, he reached the countries of the Near and Middle East, came to Asia. Closer to the 90s, the inhabitants of Germany, Austria, and Russia already played this game. According to preliminary information, people from 100 foreign countries are addicted to this unusually exciting sport. According to the results of research by Forbes experts, squash was recognized as one of the most healthy and healthy sports in early 2003. The study was based on indicators for the following parameters:
- Cardiorespiratory loads.
- Level of muscle strength.
- Indicators of flexibility and endurance.
- The likelihood of injury.
- The number of calories consumed.
What are the requirements for the court?
Modern construction of squash courts is associated with certain rules. It is noteworthy that the dimensions of this field for competitions were approved back in 1920. These are international standards that should be followed when building such sports facilities. So, the length of the court itself should not exceed 9750 mm. Its width must correspond to 6400 mm.
Further, the field of walls and floor should be delineated in accordance with the established rules for marking. For example, the line of the top out should be drawn at a height of 4570 mm, and the bottom - 430 mm (it is usually bordered by an additional drawn side with a width of 50 mm). The feed line must be drawn, after measuring the height of 1830 mm. And from the floor to the top of the wall, you should draw another out line. Moreover, the distance to it will be 2130 mm. And finally, thick oblique lines are usually drawn on the side panels. They are the connecting element between the strikeouts and the front wall.
What materials is the court made of?
The court flooring is parquet grated to shine. According to experienced players, it is the tree that allows you to achieve the maximum cushioning effect and reduce pressure on your joints.
The walls of the room are made of special, shockproof glass. Firstly, breaking it is almost impossible, even if you make an effort. And secondly, through them it is convenient to watch the game of professionals from the outside. Thirdly, glass is processed in a special way, which allows to increase its resistance to ball impacts. Moreover, if it does break, it will simply crumble into small parts, which reduces the risk of crippling to a minimum. It is these features that squash courts in Moscow have. We will tell you more about them later.
Where to find courts in Moscow?
All residents of the capital can play and stretch themselves. For this, you can, for example, visit one of the clubs in the Squash Factory network. You can find him really on Luzhnetskaya embankment, house 2/4, building 23. Her representative offices are on 5th Cable Street, house 2 and on Olympic Avenue, 16, building 4.
It is here that you can play squash from the heart. Court rental in this club is hourly. The price also includes renting the ball and rackets. Interestingly, the network’s representative offices open very early, at 7 a.m., and close no earlier than midnight. Therefore, you should come here at any time convenient for you.
Courts at the "Factory" are very spacious and bright, designed for two and four people. All of them are equipped with a glass back wall, which opens up an excellent overview for the audience. The court can be booked by telephone or on site.
Squash Academy and Multisport Addresses
Squash Academy located on Krylatskaya Street 10 also awaits lovers of an active lifestyle. It is noteworthy that in the daytime you can safely bring children here, starting from 6 years old. Classes are performed with experienced trainers in an individual program or in groups. In the evening, the courts are free for adults. For training, wear loose sportswear and non-slip shoes. If you do not have special equipment, it does not matter. It is available at the club.
Few people know that the very first court appeared in the Multisport fitness club. This institution is located on Luzhniki Street 24, building 10. There are three courts here, which can be rented hourly. At the same time, ordering time and equipment will cost three times cheaper for those visitors who have a paid annual subscription.
Club City Squash and its professional courts
This club is located almost in the very center of the capital, at 5th Donskoy proezd, 15, building 7. If you decide to come here, as a guide, pay attention to the nearest metro station called Leninsky Prospekt. This club has three professional courts at once, working from 7 am to 11 pm.
Interestingly, this club has a Night Squash. It is designed for fans of extreme sports. As fans of this sport say, practicing at night is fun and unusual. At this time, ultraviolet rays are turned on and all important lines are highlighted.
Hotels in Greece with squash courts
Due to the growing popularity of squash, specially equipped halls have appeared not only in Russia, but also around the world. For example, they are in Greece. Therefore, going to rest in the homeland of the Greek gods, first find out about hotels that have similar courts. So, on the north coast of Crete there is a five-star hotel Aldemar Hotels. It is a couple of kilometers from the center of Hersonissos and 20-25 km from the main airport. His address is 262 Kifissias Avenue, Kifissia, 145 62, Athens.
This hotel has tennis and tennis courts, a minigolf and volleyball court. A large gym is equipped on site. There is one squash room. The services of an instructor and rental of sports equipment are paid separately.
In the area of the picturesque and beautiful bay under the romantic name Mirabello, the five-star Elounda Beach Hotel is located. From it to Heraklion International Airport is approximately 65-70 km. The complex has equipped football and basketball courts. There is a place for minigolf. Children can have fun moving huge chess on a large board. The hotel has animators, and you can play squash, tennis and badminton. Two small areas are reserved for squash. Equipment rental is provided.
In a word, wherever you are, this is not a reason to abandon your favorite sport. In any place and even a hotel it is quite possible to find squash courts.