The Rich History of Squash: From Harrow School to Global Sport

Squash, a fast-paced racquet sport played on an enclosed court, has a fascinating history that spans over 150 years. From its humble beginnings in an English public school to its current status as a global sport, squash has evolved significantly while maintaining its core appeal.

Origins at Harrow School

The origins of squash can be traced back to Harrow School in England around the mid-1800s. It evolved as a practice game for rackets players, utilizing a softer ball to prevent damage to expensive rackets balls and school windows. The name "squash" is believed to have originated from the sound made when the soft rubber ball hit the wall.

Initially, the game was played in three different yards of the school boarding houses where three walls occurred in a suitable position. Some rugby fives courts were also used in the 1860s as the game gained popularity and developed its own rules.

The First Purpose-Built Court

The first known purpose-built squash court was constructed by Vernon Harcourt, a former Harrovian, at his home in Oxford in 1883. This court was almost 2 meters longer than the present standard of 9.75 meters but had the same width at 6.40 meters. The 'tin' on the front wall was 0.76 meters high, compared with 0.48 meters of the modern court.

Standardization and Early Competitions

Although the Squash Rackets Association was not formed until 1928, standard court measurements were laid down in England in 1911 by a sub-committee of the Tennis (Real Tennis) & Rackets Association. The measurements chosen were those of the Bath Club court, as this happened to be the club used by many of the top officials of that time.

The first major championships were held in England for women in 1922 and men in 1923. In 1934, women set up a separate association to manage their affairs, which continued until being reunited with the SRA in September 1989.

Global Expansion

Squash experienced significant growth in the early 1900s, with courts being built in the United Kingdom and the United States. The US held its first National Championships and adopted its own court measurements and rules in 1907, which differed from those later standardized by most other countries.

The sport has seen periods of dominance by players from specific countries. Notably, Pakistani players dominated the men's game in the 1950s and since 1980, despite having relatively few courts and players in the country.

The Open Era

The difficulty of defining amateur status led to the women's game becoming open in 1976 and the men's game in 1980. Until these dates, amateur and professional players competed in separate competitions.

Technological Advancements

In recent years, squash has embraced technological advancements to enhance its appeal. The introduction of glass-back and all-glass courts, along with the development of fluorescent balls, has improved visibility for spectators and television audiences.

Current Status

Today, squash is played in more than 185 countries, with over 50,000 courts worldwide. The sport continues to evolve, with recent changes including experiments with different scoring systems and court markings to make the game more exciting for viewers.

While squash has yet to be included in the Olympic Games, it has been part of the Commonwealth Games since 1998. The World Squash Federation continues to work towards Olympic recognition, which would bring increased publicity and funding to the sport.

Conclusion

Squash has come a long way from its origins as a schoolboy's practice game to a globally recognized sport. Its rich history, coupled with ongoing efforts to modernize and expand, ensures that squash will continue to captivate players and audiences worldwide for years to come.