Squash

What is the optimum starting age for the game?

Clubs and academies usually have squash schools and squash teams, they typically accept the child enrollment in the squash school at the age of five (more or less, depending on their readiness ability to hold the racket) while getting enrolled in the formal team is based on the regulations of the Egyptian Squash Federation that might change from a year to another (it’s currently 9 years to be able to enroll in a tournament representing a club or an academy).

So the journey should start at almost five years old by enrolling in a squash school for around 4 years.
The sooner the better and every year you miss in getting started means less chances in getting your child ready for tournaments at the age of nine.
Starting at six is still fine, at seven is a huge risk, and eight it would be a real challenge.
Starting at nine or more is exceptional and needs extreme dedication and enthusiasm.

“Children 5-7 years old continue to develop their fine motor skills.
They can handle the weight of a small junior racket and are ready to learn to swing and hit.

At this age they love to hit balls from the Squash Cannon, and with a little practice they can soon direct shots to a specific target area using both forehand 
and backhand strokes.
Whilst not getting caught up in too much technical instruction they can be introduced to the correct grip, and learn the correct first position of the swing.”
http://lobtohisbackhand.com/junior5.htm

Available academies/clubs (registered in the ESF): -

Active
schools

When to start private lessons?

Sport brief

'Trainin gcosts'

Playing equipment

Squash racket (from day one), the weight ranges from 90-150 grams and typically you can start with 120 gram from your child.
It’s a combination of weight (lighter is better), durability, and cost.
In the early stages you can accept a weight of 130 or 135 grams (not more) since your kid shouldn’t be holding the racket up right all the time, but after around two years of practice the racket should be lighter and shouldn’t exceed 125 grams cause they will need to hold it up right all the time during their training and this case the five grams count and have a direct impact on the player arm and fatigue

Squash ball (after at least 6 months).
More experienced players use slow balls that have less bounce than those used by less experienced players (slower balls tend to "die" in court corners, rather than "standing up" to allow easier shots).
The standard ball that is being used everywhere is the two-dotted yellow one that your child can start using after two years of practice and onwards.
Depending on its specific rubber composition, a squash ball has the property that it bounces more at higher temperatures.
Squash balls must be hit dozens of times to warm them up at the beginning of a session; cold squash balls have very little bounce.
Small colored dots on the ball indicate its dynamic level (bounciness), and thus the standard of play for which it is suited.

Goggles (after two years).
It’s very important in games and it’s actually mandatory in all tournaments.
The National Institutes of Health recommends wearing goggles with polycarbonate lenses.
Many squash venues mandate the use of eye protection and some association rules require that all juniors and doubles players must wear eye protection.
Squash shoes (depends on the place regulations).
Typically the shoes  sole should be white or yellow