[Updated on 1 January 2024] Squash Balls. Humble, Squashable, Warmable, Smackable, Cheap!

Squash was originally called Squash Racquets… The name was based on the “Squashability” of the ball!

We’ll give you the information you need to pick out the right squash ball for your level of playing! It’s easy, don’t sweat it!

What Squash Ball Should I use?

The four squash balls most commonly used in the game are single yellow, double yellow, blue and red. For the first time squash player, it is typically best to start playing with the red or blue balls. However, as mentioned, the mini-squash balls like the orange ball is the right option for the very young player. The starter balls make it easier to learn hand-eye-coordination and game techniques before moving on to the professional grade balls.

Also, there is the option to use a slightly larger ball for the complete beginner. For instance, the Dunlop Intro Ball is about 12 percent larger than normal to make the slower moving ball.

The balls differ in material to provide different playing characteristics. It is the rubber composition that provides the vast changes. The balls are altered to adjust for 1) player skill and 2) temperature and atmospheric conditions.

Experienced players will play with SLOWER balls with LESS bounce compared to newer players who play with FAST balls with MORE bounce.

Remember that:

EXPERIENCED = SLOW BALLS, LOW BOUNCE

INEXPERIENCED = FAST BALLS, HIGH BOUNCE

The high bounce ensures that shots that would typically die in the corners are propped up making returns a lot easier. It will make your game more fun and you will improve much quicker as you will get more time to get your technique right. Don’t let your ego get in the way! The learning curve can be steep, lighten the load!

Types of Squash Balls

There are a number of different squash balls available. 6 in total. However, typically you will only see 3 of them. Eventually, you will find that you will only ever play with one of the types as well. But build up to that!

The balls are distinguished between each other by small colored dots which indicate the dynamic level of each ball.

The standard competition ball is the 2 Dot Yellow ball. The Orange ball (which I’ve never seen yet) is for playing at higher altitudes – though I think I’d rather be skiing if I was up in Colorado or Whistler! 🙂

Choosing what squash ball to play with can be confusing given the variety of choices. There are six available varieties with a slight difference in the ‘bounce’ levels. It is easy to tell the difference because of the colored dots marked on the ball. For the very young players just starting out, there are several types of mini-squash balls which makes the  game easier with its prolonged and very high bounce.

Beginner players should start with the Blue dot ball. Don’t be in a rush to build up to the next level, but don’t be afraid of challenging yourself! My friends and I typically play with single yellow for casual matches. It requires less time to warm up the ball and it can be more fun!

Squash balls do need to be warmed up before you play to get the true play of the ball. Spend at least 3 minutes on each side of the court hitting the ball with your opponent. The warmer the ball the more it bounces and the slower it moves. Cold balls are dead balls and are no fun to play with. Other techniques to warm the ball up are to rub it against the floor with your shoe really quick. That can split the ball so I prefer to just have a hit!

The most common squash ball in professional tournaments is the ball marked with the double yellow dots. Plus, the bounce of the squash ball will vary in relation with its temperature. For this reason, it is worth spending a few moments to warm up the squash ball before use.

Squash Ball Recommendations

Squash Ball for Singles Squash – Dunlop Sports Pro XX Squash Ball

Squash Ball for Doubles Squash –Dunlop Elite Doubles Hard Squash Ball

Squash Ball for Beginners – Dunlop Intro Beginner Squash Ball

Squash Ball for Training – FANGCAN Blue Dot Training Ball

Squash Ball for High Altitude – Dunlop Pro High Altitude (Green Dot) Squash Balls

Squash Ball Progression

Unless you are a skilled player it is generally best to play with a red or blue ball until the skill level improves because the pro-level balls depend on regular hard hitting and long rallies to stay at a sufficiently warm temperature.

Once you get a better all-around squash game you can progress to the yellow ball with the single dot. Use the squash balls in the right order, so don’t go directly to the yellow ball with double balls until the skill-level matches.

Playing with an advance ball before ready is more likely to hinder your performance. For instance, it is easier to strike a boast shot with the single dot ball because it bounces slightly higher. Only think about using the yellow balls with double dots when reaching an advanced stage. Also, if you intend to play an opponent at a lower level than your existing skill-level, you really want to play with a squash ball that matches their skill level.

Squash Ball Conclusion