SQUASH TENNIS

by Richard C. Squires (1931-2003)

$1. 00

[March 1968]

CONTENTS

Who Can Play?StrategyFundamental StrokesShot-MakingHistory of Squash TennisCourt Specifications and EquipmentOfficial Playing Rules[National Champions]

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dick Squires is certainly qualified to produce this manual on "InstantSquash Tennis. "

Added to an articulateness which equips him to put his experience andknowledge into words, his background in racquet games is broad, longstanding and at a level sufficiently upper echelon to have garnerednational championships in three separate bat and ball sports. 

Starting early, in Bronxville, N. Y. , he was a member of the NationalJunior Davis Cup Tennis team at 17. Emerging from The Hill School in1949 and fitted with the National Junior Tennis Doubles crown, he wentthrough Williams College with the class of 1953. 

In 1954, he was 50 percent of the title winning team in the NationalSquash Racquets men's Doubles Championships, and was ranked seventhnationally in singles. Twice a finalist in the National IntercollegiateSquash Racquets Championship, he was elected President of the NationalIntercollegiate Association in 1952. 

Less active in formal competition for some years, he latterly becameinterested in a newly burgeoning racquet sport, and attained the pinnaclein the 1966 National Platform Paddle Tennis Doubles Championships. 

Meanwhile, he had become fascinated with the venerable game of SquashTennis. Attacking it with his usual enthusiasm and natural aptitudes, intwo years he mastered this relatively difficult game sufficiently to berunner-up in the Nationals Singles (1966). Concurrently, he devoted theaforementioned enthusiasm to heading a program to revitalize the game;with significant results. Finally, also in 1967, he was electedPresident of the 57 year old National Squash Tennis Association. 

A word about the various illustrations showing the squash tennis courtand various shots: The solid * is you and your position and the O isyour opponent's. The direction of flight of the ball is indicated byarrows and the "x" indicates when and where the ball bounces on thefloor. "F" indicates forehand, "B" backhand, and the "S" is the service. In all descriptions it is assumed the player is right-handed. 

(Illustrated by Richard Kaiser)

[Transcriber's Note: See the HTML version of this e-book forillustrations. Figure captions have been transferred to the text inbrackets. ]

WHO CAN PLAY?

Anyone who enjoys playing Tennis, Squash Racquets, Platform Tennis, orany racquet game and has good reflexes will love Squash Tennis. 

Where it lacks the endurance and subtlety that Squash Racquets callsfor, it offers the exhilaration inherent in powerfully hit strokes, split-second racquet work, and graceful, seemingly unhurried footwork. The ball "comes to you" more often, but the challenge is to figure outthe wider angles and exactly where the lightning fast green ball willeventually end up after rebounding off of as many as five walls. 

The game of Squash Tennis has something to offer players of all ages. The demands for fast reflexes, agile racquet work and speed of foot areintriguing challenges for the youngsters. On the other hand, placement, guile, patience, and the faster ball that actually provides more time forretrieval make Squash Tennis the ideal sport for the "older" athlete whowants to preserve that straight waistline all of his life. The averageage of the ranking players today is around 43!

In addition, the promising, young (10 to 13 year old) Lawn Tennis"comer, " who cannot play Tennis during the winter months and still doesnot have the strength or coordination to hit the Squash Racquets ballhard and often enough to heat it up and realize some prolonged, interesting rallies, is an excellent prospect for Squash Tennis. 

The ball is not affected by temperature change and requires no "warmingup. " The youngster will improve his racquet work, hone his reflexes(especially on volleys and half volleys), and keep his legs in shapeduring the off winter months. Also, the racquet and ball are akin toLawn Tennis equipment. 

Finally, everyone and/or any club that presently possesses Squash courtscan introduce the additional indoor bat and ball game of Squash Tennis. All that is required is a 4 feet 6 inches backwall "out" line in additionto the 6 feet 6 inches Squash Racquets line and, ideally, the extensionof the service dividing line up to the tell tale (see fig. 1 [Noteextension of service line to front wall. ]). 

Because the ball is not affected by temperature, many people play SquashTennis all year round, and not only in the cold, winter months. Thisgame could, therefore, be played widely in the South. 

So, we invite all racquets men, young and old alike, to accept thechallenges of the fastest indoor racquet and ball game in the world. Asa matter of fact, because of the speed of the ball and, consequently, theless running involved, Squash Tennis would be an excellent game for themore active distaffers. 

If you are looking for a sport that you can "master" in one or twoseasons then don't take up Squash Tennis. But if you are looking for anintriguing and invigorating game which you can play practically all yourlife, we strongly urge you to try Squash Tennis. You, your waistline, legs, lungs and reflexes will never regret it. 

STRATEGY

The strategy in Squash Tennis is basically the same as Squash Racquets;i. E. , to control the so-called "T" or the intersection of the servicecourt lines, by keeping your opponent up front, off to the sides, orbehind you, the majority of the time (see fig. 2 [Desired courtposition. ]). 

The fundamental stratagem can only be carried out by your learning a wideassortment of Squash Tennis shots and perfecting your repertoire withpractice and experience against many different types of opponents undercompetitive situations. 

You will have to fight and play hard for this position. Always head forthe "T" immediately after hitting the ball, but taking care not tointerfere with your opponent's stroke. 

All of your shots should be hit with a purpose, which is to keep youropponent off balance, away from the "T, " and of course, eventually todefeat him. Change of pace, therefore, is of utmost importance. Breakup your opponent's rhythm, never allow him to get grooved, frequently dothe unexpected, so that he loses confidence in his anticipation and, subsequently, goes on the defensive. 

At all times be offensive. The game of Squash Tennis has known manyso-called "great getters, " but they invariably have succumbed to"purposeful power" and the aggressively angled shots of players with theburning desire to win, "the killer instinct" that spurs the great playersto go all out for every point. 

Play each point like an individual match. Don't let up or intentionally"throw" a game. Squash Tennis, as with all racquet games, is a sport ofmomentum. Many a tide has changed, many a match won when seemingly ithas been hopelessly lost. Go after every point as though you were downMatch Point and had to win it. "Coasting" shatters your concentration, and lost concentration can well mean a lost match. Play to win asquickly as you can. 

Finally, assume your opponent will retrieve even your best shots. Don'tunderestimate his ability or overestimate your shot-making prowess. Remember the speed of the ball actually gives your opponent more time toget to it. Always be ready for anything until the ball is actually ruleddead and the rally has ended. 

FUNDAMENTAL STROKES

The Squash Tennis stroke is more closely allied to the Squash Racquetsswing than to the Tennis swing. 

Ground Strokes: The wrist and grip should be kept loose at all times. The grip will automatically be tightened at the moment of contact withthe ball. 

The forehand and backhand ground strokes should be hit with a short, snapof the wrist--as though you were cracking a whip. There is no time andno reason to employ a long, high follow-through. 

The head of the racquet at the moment of impact with the ball should beslightly "open" and you should feel the gut "biting" the side of theball. This slight side-spin cut, with the racquet head tilting back andhit like a short, chip shot, will tend to keep the ball low andinexorably "grabbing" for the floor. The spin will produce many "nicks, "which are shots that hit a side wall and floor practically simultaneouslyand die. (See fig. 3 [Racquet open when contacting ball. ] for positionof racquet at the moment of contact with ball. )

The follow-through is low and abbreviated. The racquet head should gostraight out or up the court rather than be wrapped around your body. The best way to "groove your strokes" and to keep the ball low is toconsciously aim your racquet head on your follow-through at the very, topof the "telltale. "

As in all racquet sports, the racquet should do the work. The ballwillingly goes where the racquet head directs it. Do not flail orattempt to push your shots. Hit them crisply with the snap of yourcocked wrist, and at all times attempt to regiment your swing. 

Ideally your body should be out of the way, which means whenever possibleon your ground strokes you should turn sideways. Your weight shouldshift toward the direction in which you are hitting at the moment ofimpact, and you should have your feet planted firmly. Because of thehigh velocity of the ball, however, you frequently will not have thetime to turn sideways and will be required to stroke in awkward andoff-balance positions. Your aim, however, is always to be in the correctposition of play before the ball gets there, thus allowing time foradjustment and proper stroking. Move to your position with short, quicksteps rather than long, tiring strides. Consciously maintain your weighton your toes, with the knees slightly bent. This will help you to movein any direction necessary as quickly as possible. 

In following the ball around the corners, do not stand still and pivot. Go after it, again with a series of short steps with your racquet head upand cocked, and your body in proper position so that you are ready tomake a quick and meaningful stroke. 

Volleying or cutting off the ball before it hits the floor is similar tothe tennis stroke. It calls for lightning-like reflexes and the abilityto move the racquet head practically in any given direction in a fractionof a second. 

The volley is a short "jab, " with the racquet head traveling forward nomore than, say, 24 inches. Once again, your aim should be in thedirection of where you want the ball to go, and low. 

The main purpose of the volley is to keep your opponent constantly on therun, moving him about, and preferably up and back, by cutting off theflight of the ball. Most players can run all day sideways, but willeventually tire if you make them run up and back. Like body punches inboxing, forcing your opponent up to the front wall with deftly placedvolleys will eventually take its toll. 

Miscellaneous: Generally all Squash Tennis strokes should be hit as lowas possible--within a few inches of the front "telltale. " This will taketime and practice, but pays high dividends. A low ball invites theaforementioned nicks and keeps your opponent hurrying and scurrying. Thechances are better that, when hit with the proper amount of pace, a lowball will die before it gets to the back wall. 

When a ball is hugging the side wall, don't attempt to "pick" it off. Itis far easier, and your percentage of success is far greater, to "scrape"the ball off with a very loose wrist. Your other alternative is to hitthe ball right into the wall and hope it will angle off and travel to thefront wall (see fig. 4 [To retrieve wall hugger, hit ball right intowall. ]). 

Service: The proper position prior to serving is with the feet as closeto the "T" as possible. This location will help you to put your servicein the desired place, which is parallel to the side wall. In otherwords, you reduce the angle. In addition, the "center" of the court isthe ideal position from which to cover your opponent's return (see fig. 5[Forehand and backhand service positions. ]). 

Since the ball must land short of the service line, it is obviously notpossible to overpower your opponent for a service ace--as contrasted tothe services in Squash Racquets or Lawn Tennis. 

The most effective service, therefore, is hit as high as possible on thefront wall to a "spot" that will place the ball after bouncing (and youropponent must wait for your service to bounce on the floor--he cannotvolley it) as high and also as close to the side wall as possible. Youropponent will have a difficult time hitting the ball well because of itsheight and its closeness to the side wall. A great deal of practice andexperimentation will be required before you discover exactly where that"spot" is, and with what degree of effort you should hit the ball. 

The service is hit with a slight cut, which will usually make the ballgrab the wall and hug closer. A semi-overhand, side-spin service is bestemployed from the right court, and a sliced underhand shot is used fromthe left side (see fig. 6 [Forehand and backhand lob services. ]). 

For an occasional "surprise" or change of pace, you can vary the serviceby hitting the ball somewhat harder right at your opponent. This can bedone either as a straight shot right down the middle (fig. 7 [Servicestraight down the middle. ]) or at a sharp angle that breaks off the sidewall and lands right at his feet (fig. 8 [In and out service angling intoopponent. ]). 

In addition, reversed cuts can also throw your opponent off, since youcan make the ball bounce off the floor in the opposite direction thanexpected. 

Finally, the service is practically the only stroke in the game of SquashTennis which permits you the luxury of time prior to hitting. Youshould, therefore, take advantage of this time to get settled, anchoryour feet comfortably, pause, even take a deep breath, and concentrate onhow you are going to hit the ball toward your "spot" in order to make asgood a service as possible. Don't aimlessly just put the ball in play. A careless server loses many points by allowing his opponent to make anoffensive return. A deliberate, concentrating, purposeful player, on theother hand, will actually win many important points with well placedserves. 

SHOT-MAKING

Most uninitiates, especially Squash Racquets players who are adroit atand/or addicted to that game, believe Squash Tennis offers nothing butprolonged "slam bang" rallies and a boring "sameness. " Because of thetremendous liveliness of the ball and the apparent absence of deftlyplaced straight "drops" that die in a corner, these potential playersscorn and speak disparagingly of the wonderful game of Squash Tenniswhich, like all racquet games, has its own shots and ways of putting theball away. 

It is very true that overwhelming power is a key to hitting winningshots, but this is also true of Lawn Tennis. Employing the so-called"Big Game of Tennis" is an absolute must if a circuit player today isgoing to be a winner. No longer do you see any classic baseline duelswhere the premium is on guile and steadiness. The Big Service, thepowerful rapier-like follow-up volley or overhead smash are the standardweapons that pay off in today's Tennis game. 

Squash Tennis, although played in a regular Squash court, is indeed"different" from Squash Racquets. It possesses its own distinctivevariety of shots, subtleties and ways of defeating your opponent. 

One of the most difficult and frustrating tasks we in the National SquashTennis Association have in our attempts to expose the game to potentialplayers is to somehow get a prospect out on the court more than once. Squash Tennis is a game calling for such speed of racquet andcomprehensive understanding of much longer or wider angles (than SquashRacquets) that no one can really feel "comfortable" until he has been outon the court playing at least a half dozen times. It is a rare player, indeed, who does not quickly become discouraged the first few times anddecides the game just isn't for him after all. And what a pity it is!For he is missing out on playing a sport that offers him many years ofwonderful, exhilarating exercise, good camaraderie, and a beautiful, matchless rhythm displayed in harmonious coordination of racquet andgraceful footwork. 

The following are some of the fundamental shots you should attempt toinclude in your repertoire:

Rails: Your "bread and butter" shots, similar to Squash Racquets, arethe "rails" or shots hit straight up and down, parallel to the side wall. These rails keep your opponents "scrambling" and allow you to hold thatimportant "T" position. 

The rail shot is hit more effectually when you are fairly close, withinthree feet, of the side wall. The closer your position to the side wall, the easier it is to hit a shot that stays right next to the wall duringthe entire flight of the shot (see fig. 9 [Straight up and down backhandand forehand rail shots. ]). 

Many winners are made off of these rail shots in the following manner:

1. Frequently the ball hits straight into a rear corner and dies; or2. It pops unexpectedly out of the corner and right into your opponent;3. When hit with the proper pace, and low, the ball will die before itcomes off the back wall;4. When hit with sheer power and relatively high, your opponent will beunable to catch up with it;5. If the ball is hit in such a manner as to make it cling to the sidewall all the way back, your opponent will err in attempting to pick itoff the side wall. 

Crosscourts: To be mixed in with your straight up and down strokes arethe crosscourt forehand and backhand shots. Here again, these areemployed to keep the ball out of the middle and keep your opponentdefensive and on the move. They can be hit either straight toward theopposite back wall corner (see fig. 10 [Cross court to opponent'sbackhand. ]) frequently for a winner, or more sharply cross court, so thatthe ball either breaks into or behind your opponent's position (see fig. 11 [Cross court that breaks into or behind opponent. ]). 

Three-wall Fadeaway: This shot can only be executed when you are a fewfeet in front of the service line and off to one side of the court or theother, nearer to the side wall than the center. Otherwise it ispractically impossible to obtain the necessary angle to pull of thethree-wall fadeaway successfully. 

The ball is hit as sharply as possible into the opposite corner, at aposition approximately midway between the floor and the ceiling, strikingthe front wall first and then the side wall. This particular stroke ishit higher than most of the other Squash Tennis shots since the ball hasso far to travel. It will shoot off the side wall at great velocity andtraverse cross court, bounce, and hit the other side wall deep--ideallywithin two feet of the back wall. Then, instead of coming off at thesame angle as it hits, the ball rebounds practically parallel to the backwall (see fig. 12 [3-wall fadeaway. ]). A well hit three-way fadeaway, which can be made either off the backhand or the forehand, is practicallyirretrievable since your opponent, even when he comes to realize how theball is going to skid out straight at him, will still have greatdifficulty in getting his racquet head behind the ball (and in front ofthe back wall) to make a return. 

Double Boast: This shot, while not as effective as in Squash Racquets, can, nonetheless, result in many winning points or, if not producing awinner, it will force your opponent to the front of the court in order tomake his retrieval. The double boast is hit almost straight into theside wall and fairly low (three to four feet above the floor) and can behit either off the forehand or backhand side. The ball rebounds off theside wall, goes cross court and hits the opposite side wall just inchesaway from the front wall. It bounces out and practically parallel to thefront, barely touching or "kissing" the front wall for a winner, or atleast a very difficult "get" for your opponent (see figs. 13 [Forehandboast. ] & 14 [Forehand boast. ]). The only prerequisite for hitting thisshot properly is that you should be fairly far back in the court andclose to one of the side walls prior to the execution of your shot. 

Four-Wall Boast: This particular shot is much more difficult to masterthan the double boast or three-wall fadeaway but, at the same time, farmore effective and unexpected. It has to be hit with a good deal ofpower and quite high in order to carry to the front wall. Your chancesof success are, therefore, far greater if attempted off the forehandside. 

The ball travels off your racquet high into the backhand or left wall, rebounds sharply to the opposite or forehand wall heading toward thefront of the court. There should still be enough momentum and heightremaining to permit the ball to again go cross court to the left wallwhere it hits within a few inches of the front wall and drops straightdown barely, touching or "kissing" the front wall (see fig. 15 [Fourwallboast. ]). The four-wall boast is presently only hit by a handful of thebetter Squash Tennis players and should be a shot you attempt only afterbecoming skillful in the other more standard winning shots. 

Straight Up and Down and Cross Court Drops: These soft or "touch" shotsare employed primarily to move your opponent up and back, although anoccasional winner will result when a low ball, hit with the right amountof pace and spin, dies before your opponent can get to it. Too fewSquash Tennis players today, including many of the ranking competitors, employ this change of pace shot. Of all the shots, this one must be hitwith a short, low follow-through in order to work successfully. Yourprimary goal to accomplish these shots is to make certain you hit thefront wall first and, ideally, not allow the ball to angle into the sidewalls (see figs. 16 [Straight backhand drop shot. ] & 17 [Cross courtforehand drop shot. ]). 

Corner Shots: Again, unlike Squash Racquets, the Squash Tennis cornershots rarely result in an outright winner. The ball is just too lively. These shots are worth employing occasionally, however, to keep youropponent cross-legged, off balance, and on the run. 

The most effective corner shots are hit with fairly good pace. Your aimshould be low and into the side wall to a point much closer to the frontwall than the spot a Squash Racquets player employs. The reason forhitting a corner shot in this "in and out" manner is to keep the livelierball out of the center of the court (see figs. 18 [How not to hit cornershot. ] & 19 [How to hit corner shot. ]). 

Miscellaneous: Generally it is best when hitting any Squash Tennis shotto "hold" your shot as long as you can, thus reducing the chances thatyour opponent can anticipate where you are going to put the ball andstart moving to position even prior to your actually hitting. 

Whenever possible, shield the ball with your body so that your opponentcannot see the direction you have hit until the very last possibleinstant. There is nothing in the Playing Rules against blocking youropponent's view, as long as you do not interfere with his swing or withhis getting into the proper position. 

Remember that the key to your shot making is mixing up your strokes andkeeping the ball angled away from the middle of the court. A ball thatends up in the center will probably result in your losing the point or, at best, having to leave the "T" and go on the defensive. The exception, of course, is the widely employed "gut ball" that you hit into the frontwall with great speed and at such a height that it rebounds right intoyour opponent's body (see fig. 20 [Ball aimed to rebound off front walland into opponent. ]). 

Employ the side walls as much as possible to keep the ball ricochetingand rocketing about the court so your opponent becomes frustrated andalmost dizzy from following the flight of your angled shots. 

Turning: A word on "turning" or "coming around" is in order. UnlikeSquash Racquets where turning is quite rarely necessary, in Squash Tennisit is both required and desirable to come around as frequently aspossible. The Squash Tennis ball is so lively and the angles so widethat trying to back up usually results in the ball chasing you and atbest, a defensive, awkward shot will be all you can hit. Turning, however, and moving constantly after or toward the ball will "open up thecourt" as well as place you in a solid, firm position to stroke the ballfreely and comfortably. (See figures 21 [Don't back up and take ball onbackhand. ] and 22 [Usually best to turn and take ball on forehand. ]showing a player backing up versus a player who is properly turning. )

Learning to "come around" is another one of those frustrations you willnot find easy to master at first. The ball, being so fast, will seem torun away from you. Just remember two things: 1) hustle after the ballwith short, speedy steps, keeping in mind that the angle is much greaterthan in Squash Racquets (see figs. 23 [Usual Squash Racquets angle andfinal bounce position. ] & 24 [Note wider, longer angle of Squash Tennisball's final bounce position. ]) and 2) your racquet must be back andcocked, ready to swing through when the ball arrives at the properhitting position, which is preferably out in front of you. 

Finally, another aspect of the game of Squash Tennis that a beginner or aconverted Squash Racquets player will find "unnatural" is the necessityof immediately moving forward when you see or sense your opponent goingfor a sharply hit up-and-down shot, either cross court or "rail, " thatdoes not hit any of the side walls. The Squash Racquets black ball is somuch "deader" that the player usually has to go back first and thenforward somewhat in order to be in the proper position to hit the ball asit rebounds off the back wall. 

The tremendous speed of the Squash Tennis ball, however, does not requirethat you go toward the back wall first. To the contrary, you must chargeforward instantly (even when your opponent's shot is heading toward theback wall) or else you will never be able to catch up to it as it comesrebounding off the back wall. Many a shot off the back wall is playedfrom a position closer to the front wall than to the back. 

HISTORY OF SQUASH TENNIS

Squash Tennis is one of the few racquet and ball indoor sports that canbe termed honestly and strictly "American" in origin, whereas SquashRacquets has its roots in England going as far back as the 1850s. Thegame spread to America in the 1880s and the first real organized SquashRacquets play was in 1882 at St. Paul's Prep School, in Concord, NewHampshire. 

Eventually some of the boys there experimented with a Lawn Tennis balland liked the fast rallies and liveliness of the action. Consequently anexciting offspring was born, Squash Tennis. 

Toward the turn of the century, Stephan J. Feron, of New York becamefascinated with the possibility of the speeded up version of Squash andhas been given the credit for creating the lighter Squash Tennis racquetand the famous (or infamous) inflated ball with the knitted webbingsurrounding the regular cover. 

The last decade of the 1800s saw, therefore, two Squash games beingplayed. Very quickly, however, Squash Tennis became more popular andwidely played than Squash Racquets because of the more exciting pace andaction of the play. Private courts were built on estates owned by suchmillionaires as William C. Whitney and J. P. Morgan. The famous TuxedoClub, Tuxedo Park, New York, installed the first formal Club court in1898. By 1905, the Racquet and Tennis Club, Harvard, Princeton, andColumbia Clubs in Manhattan had courts, as did Brooklyn's Crescent A. C. And the Heights Casino. 

In 1911 the National Squash Tennis Association was founded and organizedby the banker, John W. Prentiss, Harvard Club of New York. The followingyear inter-club league competition was started in New York City--56 yearsago! The sport also gained popularity and some limited play in othercities such as Buffalo, Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia, but the realnucleus of activity was pretty much confined to "The Big City. "

The halcyon days of Squash Tennis were the 1920s and 1930s. Such namesas Fillmore Van S. Hyde, Rowland B. Haines, Thomas R. Coward, WilliamRand, Jr. , and R. Earl Fink dominated the amateur ranks during the GoldenTwenties. New York Athletic Club's Harry F. Wolf reigned alone andsupreme as the amateur champion during the ensuing decade. 

The professionals, however, "owned" the best of the amateurs. WalterKinsella, Robert L. Cahill, Tommy Iannicelli, Johnny Jacobs, FrankLafforgue, Rowland Dufton, were the outstanding "play for pay"performers. And, the unquestioned king of the Squash Tennis courts wasthe legendary Frank Ward, who never lost a match in tournamentcompetition. 

Because of the desire by the expert Squash Tennis players for more andmore speed and a higher pressurized ball, a novice quickly becamediscouraged with his initial efforts at playing the game. For manycrucial years, therefore, the game was not adopted by new players andthere was no broad base of tyros. Plainly and simply the avid duffers, which every sport must have if it is to survive and retain itspopularity, took up a less frustrating, easier to master sport for theirexercise. 

World War II saw the demise of this lightning fast webbed ball because ofthe shortage of rubber and the game all but died. Simultaneously SquashRacquets thrived during the War. Organized play and competition wereestablished at service bases, colleges, schools and YMCAs. A new breedof young, active Americans became enamored with Squash Racquets and thependulum swung away from Squash Tennis. After all, what is a racquetgame without an appropriate ball? The now aging professionals saw thewave of interest in Squash Racquets and climbed aboard. 

After the war Frank Lafforgue, of the Yale Club, attempted to renewinterest in Squash Tennis by utilizing a standard Lawn Tennis ball. While it was a far easier game for the novice to learn and a marvelousform of indoor exercise for the otherwise sedentary businessman, the "oldtimers, " remembering the Golden Age of the 1920s and 1930s, becamecompletely disenchanted with the slow, heavy, "make shift" orb. Theyleft their love and were contented to talk wistfully about the "good olddays. "

Competition, though comparatively limited, continued. Some of theoutstanding players who competed right after the War in a dwindlingnumber of tourneys were eight times national champion H. Robert Reeve, Barry Ryan, Frank Hanson, Joseph Sullivan, Howard Rose, (still veryactive in his sixties) J. Lennox Porter, and John Powers. 

Norman F. Torrance, Harvard Club, Secretary of the Association in1919-1934 and the NSTA's President up until 1954, despite his love forthe game and his efforts to rejuvenate it during the 1950s, was a voicein the wilderness. 

(The following was extracted from an article written by Robert H. Lehman, Editor of the 1966-7 edition of the NSTA Yearbook. )

"The present starts its story less than two years ago. For many years, well known, long known figures had tried to revive the game, revamp theball, attract new players. Still active in administration andcompetition were Willard Rice, Howard Rose, Larry Pratt, Rodney Fiske, Frank Wadelton, Dave Smith and others. 

"Suddenly after protracted doldrums dominated mostly by conversation, aspark was fired. Back to his old Eastern haunts came volatile, enthusiastic Dick Squires, a National Junior Davis Cupper while at schoolin Bronxville, a nationally ranked Squash Racquets player 10 years ago, now in mid-thirties and still a 'natural. ' Exposed to our game at theRye Squash Barn in early 1965, he went whole hog for his new love, roamedaround crying, 'How long has this been going on?' Mr. Torrance must haveknown something when, way back in 1951, he said the game would come back. 

"The ebullient red-head lit a fire under everyone. He talked a'Rejuvenation Committee' into existence, headed it, and started the ballrocketing. Fund-raising letters to Patrons, membership solicitations toclubs and individuals, colorful posters broadcasting the game's delightson squash bulletin boards all over, letters to pros outlining advantagesand opportunities, revision and updating of Official Rules andAssociation By-Laws, publicity releases to papers and magazines--all weredreamed up and implemented by Squires and his now famous 'NSTA-RC, ' adedicated, hard working bunch. 

"One of the most imaginative programs, instigated during the winter of1965-6, was the running of exhibitions (over 22!), which dramaticallyexposed the game to the uninitiated, attracted sizable galleries andconverts. Dick's buddy, Bill Moncrieff, conducted running commentaries, stopping play to explain fine points, while such as Dick, John Powers, Gavin Murphy, Dave Smith, Jim Prigoff and Henry Stanton roamed the Eastto such spots as Atlantic City, Philadelphia, Washington and Rochester tospread the word. 

"Mindful of the age-old cry, 'What about the ball?' a committee wasformed to pursue all possibilities with determination and with primaryview to drastic reduction of breakage--a long-time bugaboo. If theaction could be improved, so much the better. . . . 

"Great strides were made, and recently Norman Forster, after carrying onlengthy, exploratory discussions with the loyal Spalding outfit (whichhad been keeping the game going with the best they had been able toproduce for this specialized and heretofore limited field, developed anexcellent ball--one that can withstand the tremendous beating a SquashTennis ball takes as it rebounds about the walls. "

In 1966 as evidence that Squash Tennis was, indeed, on the "comebacktrail" the august governing body of the National Squash TennisAssociation elected five-time national champion, Jim Prigoff, as theirnew President. They pledged their support both verbally and financially. The most active season in over 25 years was instigated and many new faceswere seen chasing the fast green covered ball about the court. Innumerable converts came over from Squash Racquets and new life andvitality was breathed into the "grand old game. "

Momentum continues. A "new look" was adopted in 1967 with the completereorganization of the Association. Functioning committees were formed tocreate and implement workable plans in the various important areas ofactivity as Tournament and Ranking, Exhibitions and Clinics, Promotionsand Publicity, Finance, National Development, Membership, Referees andRules, etc. A broad base of energetic lovers of the game, with duerespect for tradition, began to think in the present what could be donenow to enhance the popularity of the sport, and to plan for the future. The day of the "one man show, " the one athlete-dominated sport was over. Squash Tennis can and should be played and enjoyed by everyone. And we, of the revitalized National Squash Tennis Association plan to doeverything necessary to provide you, the present or potential player, the"hacker" or expert, with the kind of organized programs that willencourage you to play Squash Tennis as long as you physically can. Keepin mind that the venerable Mr. Torrance won a tournament match at the ageof 82!

COURT SPECIFICATIONS AND EQUIPMENT

Court--Basically the Squash Tennis court is identical in specificationsto Squash Racquets; namely 18 1/2 feet wide, 32 feet long, and 16 feethigh at the front wall: The ceiling should be at least 18 feet 6 incheshigh in order to allow for lights. Running along the front wall, 17inches in height, is the "telltale" made of sheet metal. Hitting the"telltale" is tantamount to hitting a Lawn Tennis ball into the net. Thefront wall also has the front service line, which is 6 1/2 feet above thefloor. On the floor, 10 feet from the backwall, is the floor serviceline extending parallel to the backwall and across the entire width ofthe court. A line drawn from the floor service line to the backwalldivides the back court into two equal halves. Ideally (but not anabsolute necessity) the service line should also extend all the way up tothe front wall in order to divide the forecourt in two for serviceplacement. In other words, the service must land in the opponent's halfof the court in front of the floor service line and divided by theextension of the center line to the front wall. The service court inSquash Tennis, therefore, is actually 22 feet long, and bounded by thecenter line, floor service line, side wall and front wall (rather thanback wall). 

The backwall "out" line is 4 feet 6 inches above the floor, or 2 feetbelow the present Squash Racquets' backwall out line. 

Otherwise the rules in scoring are identical to Squash Racquets, eventhough the style of play is, as you have noted, quite different. (For aschematic drawing of a Squash Tennis court, see Figure 25 [Dimensionaldrawing of a Squash Tennis court. ]. )

Equipment--The green felt covered ball is approximately 2 3/8 inches indiameter, slightly smaller than a standard Lawn Tennis ball butcontaining higher pressure. It is, therefore, lighter and faster. TheseSquash Tennis balls are manufactured for the Association by A. G. Spalding & Bros. They can be bought from any Squash Professional ordirectly from the National Squash Tennis Association for $1. 25 each. Recent manufacturing improvements have extended the length of time youcan play with a ball without it wearing out or breaking. 

The racquet has the identical size head to a regulation Lawn Tennisframe, but the length, including the handle, should not exceed 26 inches, which is 1 inch shorter and, therefore, somewhat lighter and morewieldable than a standard Tennis racquet. Regular gut or nylon is usedfor the string. A strong Squash Tennis racquet sells at a competitiveprice to a Squash Racquet bat. 

OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES

1. COURTS The court dimensions, lines, telltale, material, construction, andlights shall be in accordance with the specifications approved by theExecutive Committee of the National Squash Tennis Association. Existing[American (hardball)] Squash Racquets courts are recognized by theNational Squash Tennis Association, but a court boundary line across theback wall, 4'6" [1372mm] from the floor, is essential, and a line fromthe center of the service line forward to the front wall is highlydesirable. 

2. RACQUET AND BALL The racquet or bat shall have a frame similar in shape to that of alawn tennis racquet, the length including the handle not to exceed 27inches [686mm]. The stringing shall be of gut, nylon or other kindredsubstance, but neither the frame nor the stringing may be of metal. The ball shall be in accordance with the specification approved bythe Executive Committee of the National Squash Tennis Association. 

3. GAME A game shall be fifteen points; that is, the player scoring fifteenpoints will win the game, except in the event both players tie (a) at"thirteen all, " the player who has first reached the score of thirteenwill elect one of the following before proceeding with the game:1) "set five"--making the game eighteen points, 2) "set three"--makingthe game sixteen points, 3) "no set"--making the game fifteen points--orb) at "fourteen all, " providing the score has not been "thirteen all, "the player who has first reached fourteen points will elect one of thefollowing before proceeding with the game: 1) "set three"--making thegame seventeen points, 2) "no set"--making the game fifteen points. 

4. MATCH Matches shall be the best three out of five games. 

5. SERVER Before a match begins, it shall be decided by a spin of a racquet bythe players as to which player shall serve first. Thereafter, when theserver loses a point, his opponent becomes the server. The winner of agame shall serve first at the beginning of the following game. 

6. SERVICE The server shall stand behind the service line with both feet on thefloor and not touching or straddling the line, and serve the ballagainst the front wall above the front-wall service line and below the16-ft. [4877mm] line before it touches any other part of the court, sothat it shall drop directly, or off the side wall, into his opponent'scourt in front of the floor service line without either touching thefloor service line or the center line. If the server does not so serve, it is a fault, and if it be thefirst fault, the server shall serve again from the same side. If theserver makes two consecutive faults, he loses that point. The server has the option of electing the side from which he shallcommence serving and thereafter, until he loses the service, he shallalternate between both sides of the court in serving. If the serverserves from the wrong side of court, there shall be no penalty and ifthe receiver makes no attempt to return the ball the point shall bereplayed from the proper court. When one service fault has been called and play for any reasonwhatsoever has stopped, when play is resumed the first fault does notstand and the server is entitled to two services. 

7. RETURN OF SERVICE AND SUBSEQUENT PLAY (a) To make a valid return of service the ball must be struck afterthe first bounce and before the second bounce, and reach the front wallon the fly above the telltale and below the 16-ft. Line; in so doing itmay touch any wall or walls within the court before or after reachingthe front wall, except as in (e), below. A service fault may not beplayed. If a fair service is not so returned, it shall count as a pointfor the server and he shall then serve from the other side of the court. (b) After a valid return of service, each player alternatelythereafter shall strike the ball in the same manner as on the return ofservice, except that it may be volleyed. The player failing to soreturn the ball shall lose the point. (c) A ball striking the ceiling or lights or on or above any courtboundary line on the fly shall be ruled out of court; if a ball shouldstrike the back wall on or above the 4'6" line after having bounced, itshall continue to be in play. If a ball having bounced should go intothe gallery or strike any construction which alters its course, a letshall be called. (d) If a ball before the second bounce hits the front wall abovethe telltale for the second time it is still in play. (e) In an effort to return the ball to the front wall by firsthitting to the back wall, the ball may not be played to the back wallunless it has first struck the back wall, and must be so struck as tohit the back wall below the 4'6" line. (f) A player may not hit a ball twice during a stroke, but, whilethe ball is still in play, it may be struck at any number of times. 

8. LET A "let" is the stopping of play and the playing over of the point. (a) In all cases, a player requesting a let must make his requestbefore or in the act of hitting the ball. If a let is requested afterthe ball has been hit, it shall not be granted. (b) If a player endeavoring to make his play in proper turn isinterfered with so as to prevent him from making such play as he wouldwithout such interference, or if the striker refrains from striking atthe ball because of fear of hitting his opponent, there shall be a letwhether the ball has been hit by him or not. (c) A player shall not be entitled to a let because his opponentprevents him from seeing the ball, provided his stroke is not interferedwith. (d) If the ball breaks in the course of a point, there shall be alet. If a player thinks the ball has broken while play is in progress, he must nevertheless complete the point and then request a let. Thereferee shall grant the let only if the ball proves in fact to bebroken. (e) If in the course of a point either player should be interferedwith by elements outside their control, there shall be a let. (f) It shall be the duty of the referee to call a let if, in hisopinion, the play warrants it. If a match be played without a referee, the question of a let shall be left to the sportsmanship of the players. (g) A player hit by a ball still in play loses the point, exceptthat if he be hit by a ball played by his opponent before the ballstrikes the front wall above the telltale, then it is a let. Ifhowever, a player is hit by a ball off his opponent's racquet that isclearly not going to reach the front wall above the telltale, a let willnot be allowed and the point shall be given to the player who was hit bythe ball. However, a player hit by a ball still in play will not losethe point if because of interference a let is called. 

9. PLAYER INTERFERENCE Each player must stay out of his opponent's way after he has struckthe ball and (a) give his opponent a fair opportunity to get to and/orstrike at the ball and (b) allow his opponent to play the ball from anypart of the court to any part of the front wall or to either side wall. 

10. LET POINT (a) A "let point" may be called by the referee if after adequatewarning there is no attempt or evidence of intent on the part of aplayer to avoid unnecessary interference or unnecessary crowding duringhis opponent's playing of a point. Even though the player is notactually striking at it, the referee may call a let point. The playerinterfered with wins the point. (b) If in the opinion of a player he is entitled to a let point, heshould at once appeal to the referee whose decision shall be final, except when judges are present, as described in Rule 11(b). (c) A let point decision can only be made when a referee isofficiating. 

11. REFEREE AND JUDGES (a) If available a referee shall control the game in any scheduledmatch. His decision is final, except when there are judges present asdescribed in Rule 11(b). (b) Two judges may be appointed by the referee or tournamentcommittee to act on any appeal by a player to the referee's decision. When such judges are on hand, a player may appeal any decision of thereferee directly to the judges. Only if both judges disagree with thereferee will the referee's decision be reversed. The judges shall notmake any ruling unless a player makes an appeal. The decision of thejudges shall be announced promptly by the referee. (c) All referees must be familiar with these playing rules whenofficiating in sanctioned matches. 

12. GENERAL (a) At any time between points, at the discretion of the referee anew ball may be put in play at the request of either player. (b) Play shall be continuous. Between the third and fourth gamesthere may be, at either player's request, a rest period not to exceedfive minutes. Between any other games there may be, at either player'srequest, a rest period not to exceed one minute. (c) If play is suspended by the referee due to an injury to one ofthe players, such player must resume play within one hour or otherwisedefault the match. (d) The referee shall be the sole judge of any intentional delay, and after giving due warning he may disqualify the offender. (e) If play is suspended by the referee for some problem beyond thecontrol of both players, play shall be resumed immediately after suchproblem has been eliminated. If cause of the delay cannot be correctedwithin one hour, the tournament committee and/or the referee willdetermine when play will be resumed. Play shall commence from the pointand game score existing at the time the match was halted. 

 January 1968

NATIONAL CHAMPIONS

Transcriber's Note: For reference purposes, the reader may appreciatethis list of Squash Tennis National Champions. The championshiptournament may not have been held every year in the early 1990s. Andalthough (as of early 2004) the most recent tournament was held around1995, the National Squash Tennis Association considered Gary Squires tobe the reigning champion when it reported to the New York Times through2000 for the paper's annual comprehensive list of national sportschampions. Gary Squires happens to be the son of the author of thisbooklet. 

1911-1912 Alfred Stillman1913 George Whitney1914 Alfred Stillman1915-1917 Eric S. Winston1918 Fillmore Van S. Hyde1919 John W. Appel, Jr. 1920 Auguste J. Cordier1921 Fillmore Van S. Hyde1922 Thomas R. Coward1923 R. Earl Fink1924 Fillmore Van S. Hyde1925 William Rand, Jr. 1926 Fillmore Van S. Hyde1927-1929 Rowland B. Haines1930-1940 Harry F. Wolf1941 T. A. E. Harris1942-1945 (no tournaments held)1946 Frank R. Hanson1947 Frederick B. Ryan, Jr. 1948-1950 H. Robert Reeve1951 J. T. P. Sullivan1952 H. Robert Reeve1953 Howard J. Rose1954-1956 H. Robert Reeve1957-1959 J. Lennox Porter1960-1962 James Prigoff1963 John Powers1964 James Prigoff1965 (no tournament held)1966-1968 James Prigoff1969-1980 Pedro A. Bacallao1981 David Stafford1982-1983 Gary Squires1984 Loren Lieberman1985 Gary Squires1986 Pedro A. Bacallao1987-2000 Gary Squires