Why Playing Squash Is Great—Especially for Children

While football and baseball might dominate the airwaves and sports talk radio, there’s another game US kids should know about: squash. Are there benefits of playing squash for kids? In a single word, absolutely! Here’s a breakdown of exactly what:

1. Squash Can Be Played Year-Round

Unlike soccer, baseball, football, or other sports that are typically played outdoors, squash is an indoor sport. Even when the weather turns cold and blustery, squash can still be enjoyed.

Squash lessons give children the opportunity to continue playing sports year round, which means they don’t have to stop benefitting from the social, physical, and mental advantages just because of the time of year.

2. Squash Is a Small, Supportive Community

“Squash is like a village, in that your circle of acquaintances is quite large,” explains Hunt Richardson, the head pro at Play Squash Academy.

In a more widespread sport, such as tennis, it’s highly unlikely for a nonprofessional player to know the likes of Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, or Novak Djokovic. In squash, the distance between players is far less.

“Once you reach the national level, it’s not unheard of to train or work with a coach who then knows the best squash player in the world,” says Richardson. “Squash has this kind of community feel. It’s a social game.”

As a junior player, that community aspect can keep children engaged and benefiting from the sport’s social advantages.

3. Playing Squash Provides Amazing Health Benefits

Squash is consistently ranked one of the healthiest sports around. The factors that contribute to that assessment include…

• Calorie burn
• Cardiovascular endurance
• Muscle strength and endurance
• Weight management
• Back strength
• Improved coordination
• Flexibility
• Agility

Healthy, active children become healthy, active adults. Playing a sport with these fitness benefits lays the foundation for a balanced, healthy future.

4. Squash Can Be a Lifelong Sport

Squash is easy to learn but difficult to master. Before starting, not many realize just how difficult it is to play the game well.

This is actually one of the biggest advantages of squash, though. It’s easily adaptable to all ages and skill levels. With squash, you can start early and play for an entire lifetime. It’s up to you to dictate the intensity and level you want to play.

If you’re looking for something high intensity and challenging, squash can be that game. If you’re looking for something low impact, laid back, and fun, squash can be that game too.

Whatever your age or athletic ability, you can adapt squash to suit your goals.

For the youngest players, there are even modified equipment options. This includes smaller mini racquets that are more suitable for children.

5. Squash Provides Benefits Off the Court

Squash can help children develop…

• Confidence
• Self-esteem
• Social skills
• Stress management skills
• Improved psychological well-being

Playing sports contributes to being a more well-rounded person, and like many sports, squash has concrete benefits that can be seen and felt in other arenas of life.

6. Squash Promotes Sportsmanship

Squash is typically played either with two or four people. This means it has elements of both individual and team sports.

While you can utilize and develop your personal tactics, technique, and fitness while playing, you also get the added benefit of developing sportsmanship.

This includes learning how to have grace in losing and humility in winning.

Developing these skills early serves children well throughout life—not just on the court.

7. Squash Can Pave the Way to a Good School

As college and universities become more competitive, students are always looking for ways to make their applications stand out. When so many can offer outstanding grades and stellar test scores, playing squash competitively at a high level could be the factor that catches a school’s eye.

Squash is particularly popular and established at Ivy League schools, so these places would be natural fits for high-performing squash players.

If a student has an eye on a public university with a squash team, playing squash at a high level could even result in an athletic scholarship.

Interested in Junior Squash Lessons?

Any child can play squash. Achieving positive results, though, requires the guidance and support of a coach or a mentor.

If you’re interested in your child participating in this dynamic sport, learn more about our junior squash training programs today.