By Lim Tze Shaun (21S06P), Boys’ Captain and Alicia Lim (21S07A), Girls’ Captain
Squash. The popularity of which pales in comparison to other well-known racket sports like badminton and tennis. However, that certainly doesn’t make it any less intense, engaging and exciting than the racket sports most of you are familiar with.
So what exactly is squash? Simply put, squash is a racket sport where 2 players take turns hitting a ball against a wall. Imagine a game of tennis, but replace the net with a wall, and both players standing on the same side of the court. Now erect 4 walls around the players, add in a ceiling, paint the floor brown and voila, you now have a squash court!
Squash is a fast-paced, physically demanding game which requires not only brawn, but fast reflexes and a strong mind. In a typical game of squash the ball may be moving so fast that your eyes won’t be able to catch sight of it, and the player would have to rely on their reflexes to receive it. If that doesn’t sound exciting enough, squash allows the players to use all 4 walls—yes, including the back wall—to play. This allows players to pull off various impressive plays, such as ricocheting the ball off the side and back walls, which adds variety to one’s arsenal of shots and the fluidity of the game. For both players and spectators, how can this sport not be exciting?
Having said that, squash is also extremely beginner-friendly. It’s a sport that can be picked up quickly, and some people are able to play competitively with just a year’s experience. As long as one has the strength to wield and swing a racket, they can confidently claim that they are halfway to being able to play squash. Unlike other racket sports, there is no net to worry about in squash, and even if you can’t control the ball well, the walls restrict the ball’s movements, making for easier control. The most important part about squash is that it is an indoor sport, making it perfect for those who want to exercise without getting a tan.
Squash training is held twice a week during non-peak periods, and thrice a week during peak periods. Training sessions are usually on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and they are held at Serangoon Gardens Country Club or at RI squash courts. Monday physical training sessions are held at New Stadium Track. Do not be daunted if you have no prior experience in the sport; our friendly Coach Allen and enthusiastic CCA mates will be more than willing to help you. Training sessions have a wide variety of drills, exercises and matchplay to cater to both new and experienced players. After the National School Games, training sessions will be reduced to twice a week for the Year 5s. Year 6s will then step down from the CCA as they prepare for their upcoming ‘A’ Levels.
Many might say that squash is an individual sport, but here at Raffles Squash, we believe that squash is a team sport. We may be playing alone on court but we fight as a team, suffer as a team and celebrate as a team. Our CCA may be small, but that allows for closer and more intimate bonding, ensuring that every member gets sufficient attention and resources to improve on their skills. If you are looking for a CCA that is tight-knit and supportive, with friendly and passionate members, do not hesitate to come down for trials. Don’t worry if you’re a beginner; all we ask of you is that you bring your passion for the sport along. We hope to see you at CCA trials :)
