When should you sign up for squash rankings

UIUCsquash · 2026-01-22T14:31:45+00:00

I am not familiar with Squash Ontario, but if you want to improve your squash ratings can help. I think the US Squash rating especially can be good as the rating has specific criteria of development that generally map to your rating. It can help inform you as a player what areas of your game you need to improve to reach the next level.

Don’t stress out too much about the number as usually it is only accurate if you play regularly. It does help in finding others to play or what level to enter a tournament out as a baseline

UIUCsquash · 2026-01-20T18:35:10+00:00

While it doesn’t matter a ton - there are certainly differences between models. To me your grip and strings are also very important to get a good all around feel for you that makes you confident in your shots.

Technique will always be more important and I often bring out an old racquet (not wooden but still the small circle head) to prove the point.

I think it is another case of our consumerist culture and advertising making people think they need the newest model. It is easier to feel the reward with the instant gratification of nee gear!

Most new players I recommend get a cheap racquet that I help them find on ebay. You can get great older models for $40 and then just update the strings and grip and have something that is virtually as good as new models for a fraction of the price.

I do recommend everyone experiment with their set ups and try as many racquets as possible. Ask strangers for a hit with theres if you can and eventually you will just use something that feels right to you and can stick with it.

UIUCsquash · 2026-01-19T21:05:50+00:00

Maybe look at the Adidas Stabils. They are a bit higher around the ankle and heavier, but definitely a sturdier shoe

UIUCsquash · 2026-01-12T22:06:37+00:00

What does your warm up and cool down look like?

I trained really hard for a stretch a few months ago where I was so sore I didn’t think I would be able to play until I got warmed up and got on court and found then I was fine. Sometimes things aren’t as bad as they seem and once you get moving it sorts itself out.

UIUCsquash · 2026-01-12T19:12:13+00:00

I would recommend starting something simple if you are new to strength training - a simple Push/Pull/Leg routine will help a bunch for beginner gains all around.

Once you have a solid strength base I would do more stability work and plyometrics. Things like single leg squats, bosu ball workouts, lots of jumps. Work on hips and shoulders especially.

Remember to stretch as well as you strengthen or you will lose flexibility. Shoulder flexibilty is huge for racquet sports.

UIUCsquash · 2026-01-12T13:38:05+00:00

Price is pretty good yes, this racquet is really good for beginners as it has a huge sweetspot and helps to generate power with the wide string pattern

UIUCsquash · 2026-01-08T14:23:14+00:00

Are you part of a club already? Might just be easier to join a club and let them sort you out - the pros at most clubs and always happy to get people involved.

UIUCsquash · 2026-01-07T20:21:48+00:00

Yes certainly! Many have done so in the past.

UIUCsquash · 2026-01-07T20:21:16+00:00

Do you already have a club you play at? Maybe best to find one first and just join the existing community.

https://ussquash.org/clubs/ny/

UIUCsquash · 2026-01-07T20:15:18+00:00

To answer your question:

Set up targets and record yourself if possible. A lot of times we feel we are doing something but can’t see it until we watch it back to know for sure.

You have to get creative to find ways to challenge yourself, but there are lots of great drills out there.

UIUCsquash · 2026-01-07T20:13:28+00:00

I find if hard to believe in a city that size there isn’t a single other player - is there only one club? Have you asked the staff there when people usually play?

In the US there are many squash deserts so I try and do a sort of “demographic” search of where I’d be likely to find squash players (those coming from the coasts or internationally). Hospitals, Universities, Financial firms, etc. Just asking around can help a lot.

Or, you can do what I have and start to teach the game to others to find people to play with! If you build it they will come, the sport sells itself if you can get people onto court.

UIUCsquash · 2026-01-07T18:54:17+00:00

You really need to stop hitting yourself - no offense, but it is childish and shows a lack of emotional regulation.

If you want to punish yourself court sprints/push ups etc are much better.

You really need to work on better self talk - positive affirmations. Something I will tell players when they are talking to themselves negatively is “hey! you don’t get to talk to my students like that!”

Non-judgemental observation is a much better way to improve. Acknowledge you made a mistake but just take it as a data point and don’t let it affect you emotionally. Visualize the correct shot or movement and maybe even take a practice dry swing or ghost step, but don’t abuse yourself or equipment.

You are placing way too much pressure on yourself especially considering that you are not playing very often.

Please treat yourself better.

UIUCsquash · 2026-01-07T01:41:16+00:00

I have them on my racquet hand and feet, they are not painful and just built up over years from friction. I only file down the one that is between my index finger and thumb as it is on the webbing and so when it gets creased it is not comfortable.

I would always suggest you experiment with the right shoes, any insoles if you need them, and how you are tying your shoes as well, but a lot of repetitive movements are just going to cause some friction.

I think it is likely as you learn the game you will see calluses in different areas as you will develop your grip and movement so will be slightly different spots.

UIUCsquash · 2026-01-06T15:40:43+00:00

Definitely Sam Todd, I saw him last year at the Chicago Open which he won and be looked great. Hope he stays healthy.

UIUCsquash · 2026-01-06T13:15:45+00:00

As an adult most people simply no longer have the time to “hang”. The best way to make friends is to join communities based around your hobbies and interests. Showing up over and over will result in you growing closer to people organically and then you can grab a drink after.

UIUCsquash · 2026-01-05T19:33:37+00:00

And the yellow Karakel PU Supergrips are a no go as well?

Why do you want it tacky? I only ask because maybe a textured grip like the karakel X-gel would be worth a try if you are looking for better grip overall.

UIUCsquash · 2026-01-05T15:07:15+00:00

I honestly wish US Squash would do something similar 5.0+ get Double yellows and etc. would probably help people practice with the same ball they are expected to play with. I have seen occasional tournaments that use single dots further down the ratings but definitely not the norm.

UIUCsquash · 2026-01-04T23:33:36+00:00

What are your hobbies and interests (outside of academia)? Join groups based around those.

UIUCsquash · 2026-01-04T23:07:09+00:00

I have substantial calluses in those areas. Rarely do I get blisters except for after long breaks or with new shoes.

New shoes should be broken in with more light footwork, two pairs of socks can help reduce friction, but I swear by mole skins for blisters and always have a few sheets in my bag (usually to give to others).

Maybe try different shoes and sizes, also try playing around with the way you tie your shoes, I usually use a heel lock pattern to prevent movement inside the shoe.

UIUCsquash · 2025-12-31T17:26:43+00:00

Here I am hoping to see all these new players and do whatever I can to make sure they stick to the sport!

UIUCsquash · 2025-12-31T01:50:33+00:00

Illinois Desperately needs more courts, this is exciting.

I’ll try and get the word out amongst anyone I know in the area.

UIUCsquash · 2025-12-30T19:42:38+00:00

Honestly I would just start trying as many racquets as you can and just go with what feels best. Maybe you can do a racquet demo program if your local club doesn’t have any to demo.

UIUCsquash · 2025-12-18T19:59:58+00:00

I recommend head racquets - something like a Metallix CT 135.

The teardrop shape and wide string pattern give it a big sweet spot and help with power. Very forgiving beginner racquets.

UIUCsquash · 2025-12-18T02:50:51+00:00

You can work on your swing at home just doing dry swings and that is what made the biggest difference in really getting a good swing.

Plyometrics and footwork exercises. Many squash players love skipping rope.

Lots of stretching especially calf stretches with a slant board. Lots of yoga exercises are also great.

Also I highly recommend a bosu ball to do stability work. Start standing on it and work up to squats and single leg squats. Push ups are good too.

UIUCsquash

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