on January 31, 2026
If your New Year’s resolution for 2026 is to stay active, move more, and try something new, squash deserves a spot at the top of your list. Fast-paced, strategic, and incredibly effective for full-body fitness, squash is one of the most demanding indoor sports you can play, and it’s about to step onto the world’s biggest stage.
With squash officially confirmed for the 2028 Olympic Games, interest in the sport continues to grow across Canada. Whether you’re coming from tennis, badminton, or pickleball, squash offers a fresh challenge that keeps workouts exciting and competitive.
At Racquet Vault, we’ve seen more players discovering squash as a fun and rewarding way to stay active year-round, and we carry the essential gear to help you get started confidently.
Squash Is Heading to the Olympic Games
Squash’s inclusion in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics marks a major milestone for the sport. After decades of global participation and professional competition, squash is finally receiving Olympic recognition.
Clubs are growing, recreational leagues are expanding, and new players are picking up a racquet for the first time. Trying squash now means learning a sport that’s gaining international attention while enjoying one of the most intense cardio workouts available.
What Is Squash?
Squash is an indoor racquet sport played in a four-walled court, either in singles or doubles. Players take turns striking a small rubber ball against the front wall, aiming to make it difficult for their opponent to return before the ball bounces twice.
If you already play tennis, badminton, or pickleball, squash will feel familiar, but faster. The enclosed court creates rapid rallies, demanding quick reflexes, smart positioning, and precise shot selection.
A typical squash match is played to 11 points, with players needing a two-point lead to win a game. Every rally counts, which keeps matches competitive and engaging from start to finish.
How to Play Squash: The Basics
To play squash, you’ll need:
- A squash racquet
- A squash ball
- Protective eyewear
- Proper indoor court shoes
The objective is simple: hit the ball against the front wall so your opponent can’t return it legally. Shots may contact the side or back walls, as long as the ball hits the front wall first and stays within the out-of-bounds lines.
Common rules include:
- The ball is out if it hits the tin or above the out line
- The ball must be returned before it bounces twice
- Players must give each other space to swing
- Interference may result in a stroke or a let, depending on the situation
Most recreational and competitive play today uses point-a-rally scoring, where every rally earns a point regardless of who serves.
Why Squash Is a Great Sport for Staying Active in 2026
Squash consistently ranks among the top sports for overall fitness. A single session can deliver:
- High-intensity cardio
- Improved agility and balance
- Core and lower-body strength
- Mental focus and tactical thinking
Because squash is played indoors, it’s also a perfect year-round sport, ideal for Canadian winters and busy schedules.
If your goal is to stay consistent with fitness in 2026, squash offers short, intense sessions that burn calories while staying fun and competitive.
Essential Squash Gear for Beginners
Getting started doesn’t require complicated equipment, but using the right gear makes learning more comfortable and enjoyable.
At Racquet Vault, we carry squash essentials designed to help beginners and developing players.
Squash Racquets
Beginner-friendly squash racquets are typically more forgiving, offering a larger sweet spot and easier power to help players build confidence and consistency.
→ Dunlop TRISTORM Elite Squash Racquet – A great beginner to intermediate racquet built for control and easy maneuverability.
Squash Balls
Different squash balls vary in bounce and speed. New players benefit from balls that stay warmer and bounce more easily, allowing longer rallies and better learning opportunities.
→ Dunlop Pro Double Yellow Dot Squash Balls (3 Tube) – Tournament-standard balls best suited for advanced players.
Protective Eyewear
Eye protection is strongly recommended in squash due to the close quarters and fast-moving ball.
Indoor Court Shoes
Proper indoor shoes provide grip, stability, and support for quick directional changes, essential for squash movement and injury prevention.
→ Yonex Power Cushion Aerus Z2 Men’s Indoor Court Shoe – Lightweight, high-performance indoor court shoe built for quick movement, stability, and responsive cushioning.
→ Yonex Power Cushion Aerus Z2 Women’s Indoor Court Shoe – Lightweight, fast, and responsive, ideal for players who rely on explosive movement and rapid direction changes.
Start Your Squash Journey with Racquet Vault
With squash’s Olympic future approaching and interest growing rapidly, 2026 is the perfect time to get started. Whether you’re picking up a racquet for the first time or transitioning from another racquet sport, squash delivers fitness, strategy, and excitement in every session.
Stop by Racquet Vault in-store or reach out to our team for expert guidance on squash equipment. We’ll help you find the right gear so you can enjoy the game, stay active, and maybe even start your own Olympic-inspired journey on the court.
