Quality equipment is integral to developing your squash game, but even the finest equipment must be regularly maintained.
Players often assume their racquet strings need replacing only when they break, however it’s advisable to restring your racquet at least three times annually as its elasticity decreases over time.
String Gauge
Thickness of string determines its power, control and touch capabilities. A general guideline suggests using thinner strings for greater power while thicker ones provide increased control. Most squash rackets are strung at 17 gauge, offering an ideal combination of durability, playability and performance for most players.
Thicker strings may cause the ball to “skid” across the face of your racket and result in less control, wearing down more quickly, and needing frequent restrings. In comparison, thinner strings offer greater power by “bouncing” it off them for increased energy production – similar to how tennis and racquetball rackets function with thinner strings.
Most new rackets come pre-strung with monofilament string which is less susceptible to tension loss and more cost effective. While this type of string offers good feel and control, many experienced players often choose synthetic multi-filament which offers increased power while remaining durable.
Natural gut strings offer superior control and feel while remaining cost-effective for professional players, although some opt to combine multiple string types and gauges in their rackets for added versatility.
Restring your racquet at least three times each year, depending on how often you play. Failing to do this could result in gradual loss of elasticity over time and cause premature wear of grommets which could damage its frame.
As part of your regular stringing schedule, it is a good idea to inspect your racket for cracks or other signs of wear or damage. A crack should be repaired professionally as its frame could become compromised; crack-free frames must remain undamaged when being strung.
As part of any restring process, it is a good idea to regularly clean the clamping surfaces on your stringing machine in order to avoid oil build-up, which could potentially ruin its coating on the string. This step is especially essential when sharing one stringing machine among multiple players; regular inspection of clamps ensures that appropriate pressure is being applied during stringing for maximum effectiveness and protect your new racket against damage!
String Pattern
String patterns of squash racquets play an integral role in their performance, as the strings’ shape and position in their frame alter how rebounds off of them and how much power can be generated from hitting with them.
Each type of squash racket string offers distinct advantages and disadvantages. Thinner strings may offer greater control, yet can wear out faster and require restringing more frequently; thicker ones provide greater power but require more control to manage; the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference as well as meeting player-specific requirements.
Most squash racquets use synthetic strings made from either polyethylene or polyester, and consist of two layers of nylon; with the outer layer braided and the inner twisted. Twisted strings offer smooth surfaces for easier ball gripping while unravelling more frequently during play; braided versions, however, offer superior durability with soft resilient gripping qualities and provide soft resilience feel.
No matter the type of string used, it is crucial that it is regularly restrung to avoid complete breakage as all strings lose elasticity over time and use. A squash player should aim to restring their racket at least three times annually and more often if playing regularly.
When selecting a squash string, it is essential that a quality brand like Tecnifibre or Ashaway be selected. Although factory strings included with some squash racquets are sufficient, most independent stringers will offer top quality strings from PS18-26 which provide more power and feel compared with stock strings.
Grommets
A squash racquet frame may experience impact damage in two ways. Either the frame may crack (typically at its point of contact with the floor or wall during play) or its grommet strip may deform and become misalign.
Epoxy (the same substance you find at drug stores) can be applied with ease by most racquet services and should be injected directly into each stringing hole around a crack to progressively fill and compress it, thus protecting both structurally and from further cracking. This solution should help avoid structural collapse of your racquet as well as further cracks developing over time.
Keep stringing holes clean to avoid dirt accumulating in them and abrading strings during play. It is also essential that the racquet be stored away from heat when not being used; leaving it sitting in your car trunk or on an outdoor table for just an afternoon is enough for its strings to relax, lose tension and lose tension over time; heat can warp grommets on squash rackets too!
Standard squash strings typically measure 17 gauge. Thicker options may also be available, though these tend to be designed more for tennis or racquetball than squash racquets and cannot deliver enough power when strung on them. Thinner strings tend to provide greater control and feel, yet may be less durable over time.
Selecting the ideal string tension for your racquet is essential to its performance. Each racket comes equipped with its own recommended string tension recommendations printed on its throat; tighter or higher tension strings may generate more power but reduce control, therefore we advise restringing at 24-30 lbs depending on your playing style.
An effective grip is vital to your game and one of the easiest parts to maintain. We are often amazed at how worn some racquet grips look when they come in for restringing; at Restring Central we offer an extensive range of grips in different materials to meet every racquet and help find just the right one. Professional cleaning of grips periodically may also be beneficial, removing build up of dirt that affects their tackiness.
Grip
When playing squash, the grip is an essential aspect of the racquet that can have an immense effect on your game. Designed to ensure a secure hold and reduce hand fatigue, grips also have an influence over stroking style; players with thicker grips often hit harder while this might be detrimental for those relying on control and speed.
Size matters when selecting a grip; too small can lead to discomfort while too large could result in mishits. There is a variety of grip shapes and sizes designed to meet different playing styles; over time you will discover which fits you perfectly for precision playing.
The throat shape of a racket can also have an effect on its feel and power, with teardrop shapes offering greater power whereas traditional shapes provide more control. Furthermore, head balance determines weight distribution in its head which impacts power, accuracy and control – more power being delivered with heavy rackets while lighter ones may respond quicker to string tension adjustments.
Rallies in squash typically consist of up to 30 shots depending on the skill levels of those competing, making each rally crucially important for performance and safety. An improperly strung racket can severely hamper performance and even lead to injury; to get maximum benefit out of every rally it is essential that your racquet be in top condition; improper strumming may adversely impact performance and even cause injury; professional stringers have extensive knowledge in how best to string rackets so as to provide even tension between strings for optimal stroking and power output from every rally!
Regripping your racquet regularly to improve performance is advised for optimal performance. To do this, simply remove and clean out the old grip before replacing with the new one – firm but not stiff grips should be preferred; any sweat-filled grip should be changed sooner rather than later to prevent hand irritation and keep playing at its highest levels.