Selecting the ideal squash ball can be a complex endeavor, and selecting one with care can increase enjoyment during matches and practice sessions.
Dunlop is the leading squash ball manufacturer and produces four distinct balls to meet various levels of play, each representing different playing levels with its coloured dots on the ball.
Size
Squash balls generally range between 40 and 50mm in diameter, and their size determines their bounce. Smaller diameter balls tend to be lighter and bourier while those with larger diameters may be heavier and less responsive to being hit around – the type you choose will depend on both your level of play and weather conditions.
Squash balls come in various colours and levels of bounce. Bounciness levels can be determined by coloured dots on the ball; for instance, blue dot balls are typically the most bouncy while yellow dot balls offer less bounce. Understanding these variations helps players maximize their time on court.
A squash ball’s bounce depends on its size and type of rubber material used in its manufacturing. This material also determines its speed of travel, height of bounce and whether or not it lands properly when dropped from 10 metres away. An ideal squash ball would travel at 105 metres per second while reaching 10 centimetres upon impact with a surface from ten metres distance.
A bouncy squash ball is easier to hit and helps conserve energy since the player doesn’t need to exert as much force to make the ball travel far. Furthermore, its bounce depends on the temperature of the court: colder courts typically produce shorter-bounce squash balls.
Choose a squash ball suitable to your level to ensure a fun game and keep up with your opponent. Bring an extra ball so that it can be changed out when necessary and bring an extra ball just in case something breaks or wears down too soon.
Beginners may prefer using either a ball with one blue dot, or the Dunlop Intro squash ball – an 12% larger competition ball and boasting 40% longer hang time – which gives more time for learning techniques and developing your game.
Bounce
Are You a Squash Player? Choosing the Right Ball
Different kinds of squash balls possess differing levels of bounce. Some balls may possess more bounce than others, and some can change when heated because their internal pressure changes as it heats up; as temperature rises so does internal pressure resulting in greater bounce potential when heated up further.
Beginners require a high level of bounce in their balls for rallies to continue without interruption and technique development, as well as quickly progress through ranks to become competent players. Furthermore, it adds fun factor; playing with a lively squash ball is more enjoyable.
Squash balls are composed of two rubber halves glued together. Squash balls have an intended lifespan, and once their resilience starts waning it’s time to replace them. As it’s common to lose one after playing several matches it is wise to purchase replacement balls regularly.
The Dunlop Pro Yellow Double Dot squash ball is the official tournament ball of WSF and PSA tournaments and used extensively at professional international competitions. Offering the lowest bounce among all four balls available, it makes an excellent choice for advanced or experienced club players.
The Black Knight Tru-Bounce ball was developed to deliver more consistent performance and enhanced durability than standard tournament balls. After extensive research and testing by top professionals, this ball is available online in various sizes – you can even buy multiple balls to save money and ensure enough balls for future matches!
Durability
As players use squash balls, they experience frequent deformation, which can alter their bounce. The amount of energy a ball absorbs during deformation is known as resilience while after deformation it stores is known as storage capacity. A higher resilience indicates faster rebound following deformation; so choosing an impact resistant ball for regular play is advised.
On the market are various squash balls, but not all are created equally. The highest-performing balls are constructed with durable materials for consistent performance and designed to be visible on court for easier tracking during fast-paced matches.
Squash balls come in various sizes and speed ratings to tailor matches according to difficulty. Most professional events use Dunlop balls; however, other manufacturers such as Karakal, Pointfore, Viktor Oliver Wilson make similar products and each brand offers specific specifications and quality levels that should match up well with your level of play.
HEAD Prime double yellow dot squash balls are an ideal choice for high-level players, boasting exceptional durability and performance. Conveniently available as a dozen-pack, they make for ideal practice sessions.
Durability is of utmost importance when selecting a squash ball, so it is wise to purchase one made from durable materials which can withstand rigorous gameplay. HEAD Prime’s durable ball is constructed using only premium materials for optimal durability and reliable bounce properties.
The Dunlop Pro Squash ball is the official ball of PSA tournaments and recommended by top-tier players. Constructed to endure competitive play and designed with all players in mind, its design provides optimal comfort during game play – an excellent option for all. Available in various colors for easy selection by beginners with high bounce control levels (blue dot), advanced players may switch over to red dot balls with lower rebound.
Cost
In order to maximize the effectiveness of their squash balls, players should regularly replace them as they become less effective over time. Furthermore, different surfaces may disperse energy differently, altering how energy dissipates into bounciness of balls. One effective method for testing bounce is dropping it on an even surface.
Squash balls can be purchased from any sports store or online. Constructed of rubber, these colorful rubber balls come in various hues. Their colored dots represent different levels of bounciness; novice players typically use blue-dotted balls while intermediate and advanced players typically opt for red-dotted ones or the official competition ball with double yellow dots – such as when competing at tournaments.
As it can save money and remain consistent over the course of play, purchasing multiple sets of squash balls at once is recommended. Not only will this allow players to hone their skills and build proper technique; HEAD Prime’s Deluxe Practice Ball provides the ideal way to practice. With its sleek design and durable construction it makes for ideal practice sessions.
Interference and obstruction are unavoidable realities of two players sharing a small space. Generally speaking, rules allow direct straight-line access to the ball for reasonable swinging; if players cannot get to it without interference from walls they can appeal for a “let” and the referee will judge how severe that interference was.
Beginners to squash often struggle to keep the ball moving because they are using a ball that exceeds their skill level, which is unfortunate as this would allow them to enjoy it much more if it matched up more closely with them. Before purchasing one of these balls, try different options available so you can find one which best meets your needs and budget.