Pickleball Vs. Squash: The Key Differences

Pickleball and squash are both engaging racket sports, but they differ in gameplay, equipment, and court setup. Pickleball, played on a smaller court akin to badminton, uses a perforated plastic ball and solid paddles, emphasizing strategic placement and teamwork in doubles play. Squash is played in an enclosed court with a small, rubber ball and stringed rackets, focusing on speed, agility, and powerful strokes. 

While pickleball encourages a blend of finesse and tactical play, squash demands intense physical exertion and quick reflexes.

Both sports offer great exercise and social opportunities, but cater to different preferences in terms of pace and style.

5 Key Differences Between Pickleball and Squash

Pickleball Paddles Vs. Squash Racquets

Pickleball paddles are solid, usually made from composite materials like graphite or fiberglass, and are larger than table tennis paddles but smaller than tennis racquets. They are designed for control and precision, allowing players to deftly maneuver the lightweight plastic ball used in pickleball.

Squash racquets feature a stringed surface similar to tennis racquets but are smaller and lighter. They are designed for power and agility, enabling players to hit a small, rubber ball with speed and accuracy on the squash court. The long handle and teardrop shape of squash racquets aid in generating swift, powerful swings.

Pickleball paddles are solid and geared towards strategic, controlled play, while squash racquets are stringed and optimized for speed and power in a fast-paced game.

Pickleball Balls Vs. Squash Balls

A pickleball ball is larger, resembling a wiffle ball, made of durable plastic with evenly distributed holes. These holes help in the ball’s flight and reduce wind resistance, allowing for precision and control during outdoor or indoor play. The ball’s light weight and construction make it great for the game’s mix of volleys and groundstrokes, played on a court similar to badminton.

A squash ball is significantly smaller and made of rubber. It’s denser and has no holes, which contributes to its high-speed, low-bounce nature. Squash balls are designed to warm up during play, changing their bounce characteristics as the game progresses.

In summary, pickleball balls are lightweight, perforated, and suited for strategic play, while squash balls are compact, rubber, and tailored for high-speed rallies.

Pickleball Courts Vs. Squash Courts

A pickleball court is similar in dimensions to a badminton court, measuring 20 feet wide by 44 feet long. It features a low net in the center, similar to tennis, but with a unique non-volley zone (or “kitchen”) near the net, preventing volley shots from within this area. The court’s surface is usually hard, like that of a tennis court, and is marked for both singles and doubles play, offering a blend of strategic positioning and movement.

A squash court is a completely enclosed area with four walls. The standard size is 32 feet long and 21 feet wide, with a front wall that players must hit the ball against. The back and side walls are also playable, creating a dynamic and fast-paced game. The floor is marked with service boxes and a central “T,” indicating player positions during serve and play.

Overall, pickleball courts are open and marked for specific zones of play, focusing on strategic shot placement, while squash courts are enclosed, fostering a high-energy, fast-moving game.

Pickleball Rules Vs. Squash Rules

Pickleball emphasizes strategic serving and volleying with specific zone restrictions, while squash focuses on endurance and skill in ball placement, with unique rules for serving and scoring.

Both games require skillful play but in very different ways.

Pickleball Rules:

1. Scoring: Games are typically played to 11 points, win by 2. Points can only be scored by the serving side.
2. Serving: The serve must be underhand, and the ball must be hit in the air without bouncing. The serve is diagonal, starting from the right-hand service court.
3. Double Bounce Rule: After the serve, each side must let the ball bounce once before volleys are allowed.
4. Non-Volley Zone: Players cannot volley the ball (hit it in the air) while standing in the non-volley zone (the “kitchen”), a 7-foot area adjacent to the net.
5. Faults: A point is lost if the ball is hit out of bounds, doesn’t clear the net, is volleyed from the non-volley zone, or is volleyed before a bounce on each side.

Squash Rules:

1. Scoring: Matches are usually best of 5 games, with each game played to 11 points. If the score reaches 10-10, a player must win by two clear points.
2. Serving: The server can choose to serve from either service box and must alternate after each point. The ball must hit the front wall above the service line and below the out line and land in the opposite back quarter court.
3. Rally Scoring: Points can be scored by both the server and the receiver, unlike pickleball where only the server scores.
4. Ball in Play: The ball may hit any number of walls (side or back) but must eventually hit the front wall before touching the ground.
5. Interference and Lets: If a player obstructs their opponent, a ‘let’ may be called, meaning the point is replayed. Continuous obstruction or dangerous play can lead to point penalties.

10 Tips for Squash Players Transitioning to Pickleball

For squash players transitioning to pickleball, the shift can be exciting but also requires some adjustments.

Here are some effective tips to ease the transition and leverage your squash skills:

1. Adjust to the Paddle and Ball: Unlike the stringed racquet and rubber ball in squash, pickleball uses a solid paddle and a plastic ball with holes. Practice to get a feel for the paddle’s weight and the ball’s flight dynamics, which are influenced by the holes.
2. Master the Serve and Return: Pickleball serves are underhand and diagonal, unlike the overhead serves in squash. Practice serving low and deep, and anticipate the ball’s bounce on returns, as it behaves differently from a squash ball.
3. Learn the Kitchen Rules: The non-volley zone, or ‘kitchen,’ is a unique aspect of pickleball. Avoid volleys in this zone and develop a strategy to capitalize on shots that land here.
4. Focus on Placement Over Power: Squash emphasizes power and speed, but pickleball is more about placement and strategy. Work on precise shot placement, especially dinks (soft shots over the net) and third shot drops (transition shots from the baseline into the kitchen).
5. Develop Soft Hands: Soft hands are essential in pickleball for dinking and handling volleys at the net. Practice softening your grip and touch, which is quite different from the firm strokes in squash.
6. Utilize Squash Footwork: Your squash footwork is an asset in pickleball. Use your agility and quick movements to cover the court effectively, especially in doubles play.
7. Adapt to the Court Size: Pickleball courts are smaller than squash courts, so position yourself strategically to cover the court without overrunning.
8. Practice Patience: Rallies in pickleball can last longer due to the slower ball speed and specific rules. Develop patience and wait for the right opportunity to attack.
9. Understand the Scoring System: Familiarize yourself with pickleball’s unique scoring system, which differs from squash. Only the serving side can score points.
10. Enjoy the Social Aspect: Pickleball is known for its community aspect. Embrace the opportunity to meet new players and engage in friendly competition.

Remember, transitioning to a new sport takes time. Be patient with your progress and enjoy the learning experience.