Learn to play squash
A friend has invited you to do this with them.
Squash needs only a court, two rackets and a ball, and a 40-minute booking at a leisure centre costs under £10 on average, says England Squash. If the small ball feels too fast, Squash 57 uses a bigger racket and a bouncier ball on the same court, which England Squash says gives you time to get to the ball.
DemandingUnder £100 / $130A few weeksIndoorsWith othersUK and US
Where beginners start
England Squash says leisure centres suit new players, because you only pay each time you book a court. Clubs offer group sessions, coaching and local leagues. It counts more than 4,200 courts and more than 700 registered clubs in England.
US Squash suggests starting with a lesson from the professional at your local club, who can give technical advice and a plan for development. Its "Find a Facility" page lists places to play.
Squash 57, formerly racketball, is played on a standard squash court with a bigger racket and a bigger, bouncier ball. England Squash describes it as an introduction to squash and a way to keep playing for longer. Blue balls are the bouncier ones for beginners.
Ways in compared
| Way in | Where | What you get | Cost (as last listed) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pay-and-play court hire | Leisure centres in England | A court for about 40 minutes; bring a partner | Under £10 on average, says England Squash |
| Club membership | Registered clubs in England | Group sessions, coaching and leagues | From as little as £10 a month, says England Squash |
| Coached beginner session (women only) | Glasgow Club Scotstoun | One hour, led by qualified coaches, Mondays | £4 non-members; free for Glasgow Club members |
| Social squash, beginner/intermediate | Glasgow Club Scotstoun | Two hours of games against other players, Tuesdays | £6 non-members; free for Glasgow Club members |
| Squash 101 (beginner class) | Nicol NYC, Hell's Kitchen, New York | 45-minute coached class; racket, goggles and ball provided | $40 non-members, $30 members, per class |
Glasgow Club Scotstoun also hires courts by the hour at £10 for non-members (£7 concession). The New York class is for people with no racket-sports experience and asks for non-marking shoes.
How to start
- Find a court near you through your national body's court or club finder, and look for a beginners' session or a coached introduction rather than booking a court cold.
- Ask whether the session lends rackets and goggles, and wear indoor shoes with non-marking soles.
- If rallies keep ending after one shot, ask about Squash 57 (once called racketball), which uses a bigger, bouncier ball.
Where to go
- England Squash: where to play UK
- England Squash: Squash 57 UK
- Glasgow Life: adult squash at Glasgow Club Scotstoun UK
- US Squash: starting as an adult US
We opened these links on 9 November 2026 and found them to be what we say. Dates, places and prices are on the official page, where they stay up to date.
Plan this
Pick a day, or a month, and we will set out how to get ready, step by step, with a date and a reason for each. Courses and classes have start dates and can fill up, so the plan begins with finding and booking one. Kit comes after the first session, once you know what you need.
Questions people ask
Is squash hard to learn for beginners?
The standard ball is small and fast, so England Squash suggests the larger, bouncier "Max" ball for beginners, or Squash 57, whose blue ball gives you more time to reach it.
What is the difference between squash and racketball?
Racketball is now called Squash 57 in England. It is played on a squash court with a bigger racket and a bigger, bouncier ball.
How much does it cost to play squash?
England Squash says court hire at a leisure centre averages under £10 for 40 minutes, and club membership can be as little as £10 a month. A coached class at Nicol NYC in New York is listed at $40 for non-members.
Do you need goggles for squash?
England Squash strongly recommends eye protection for all players, adults included, and requires it for under-19s in competition and for all ages in doubles competitions.
Where this comes from: England Squash, Where to play; England Squash, Squash 57; England Squash, Equipment; Glasgow Life, Adult squash; US Squash, Starting as an adult; Nicol NYC, Hell's Kitchen Squash 101 (Beginner). Opened 9 November 2026.
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