Squash and racquetball are two sports that may appear similar to the untrained eye. Sure enough, there’s a ton of similarities between them as both are played on enclosed courts using rackets. Moreover, the two sports are dynamic to play and call for a high level of fitness.
Be that as it may, there are a couple of differences between the squash vs. racquetball. More often than not, their differences can seem minimal, but it is worth distinguishing them to avoid the likelihood of confusion. Here’s a detailed layout of the difference between the squash vs. racquetball.
Squash Vs Racquetball
Squash vs. racquetball: Court Dimensions
Both squash and racquetball courts are enclosed spaces. However, the racquetball courts are wider, with exact dimensions being 40 x 20 x 20 feet. The squash courts—on the other hand—are smaller with 32 x 21 x 18.5 feet dimensions. In racquetball, every surface comes into play and the ball cannot be restricted from touching the ceiling. In squash, there are out-of-bounds zones where the ball must not touch, with the ceiling being one of them.
Squash or racquetball: Ball size & material
There’s also a conspicuous difference between the two games when it comes to ball size. In squash, the ball size is smaller at only 4 cm. in diameter. In racquetball, the ball is bigger with a diameter of 22.25 inches or 6 cm. The balls used in squash are made from non-elastic rubber and players spend much more energy during impact and the speed decreases as a rally progresses. The balls used in racquetball are made from elastic rubber which tends to be more bouncy.
Squash & racquetball: Racket size
Admittedly, players use rackets (or racquets) in both games but what sets them apart is the size of the racquet. While the racquetballs are larger, the actual racquet is smaller, with approximately 22 inches maximum length. On the other hand, squash rackets are larger at approximately 27 inches maximum length. Although both used to have a circular head like the one used in badminton, they currently boast a teardrop-shaped head. Nevertheless, rackets used in racquetball are wider than those used in squash, apparently to hold up to the larger size of the ball.
Serving
In squash, a player is allowed only one service per point and must have at least one foot in a designated service box. The ball is hit into one of two alternating service boxes on the front wall, and the ball has to land above the tin line but below the service line. Also, bouncing the ball before hitting it is not permitted. You are allowed to only hit the ball while it’s airborne, not letting it bounce before serving.
In racquetball, a player is allowed up to two service points just like in tennis. You are also allowed to stand anywhere behind the service line before serving the ball. Also in racquetball, a player is allowed to bounce the ball once before striking it into anywhere on the front wall. The ball must land behind the short line to be considered as a point.
Scoring & Winning
You can score a point in squash whether you are serving or returning, just like in tennis. Squash games go up to 11 points in tournaments and championships or 9 points in regular matches. You can win a game with 2 clear points. In racquetball, you can only score points when it is your time to serve. Games go up to 15 points, and the first player to score 15 clear points wins a game. In case there is a tie, then a tie-breaking round of 11 points is played.