Squash · Guide

Squash ball dots explained

The dots tell you how bouncy the ball is. Double yellow bounces least and is the match ball. The fewer the rallies you can hold, the bouncier the ball you should use.

Some brands, and older balls, also use a green or white dot, which sits between single yellow and red.

Why it matters

A squash ball is hollow rubber, and it only bounces properly once it is warm. The faster and harder you hit, the warmer it gets. A strong player hits a double yellow hard enough to bring it to life; a beginner cannot, so the ball dies in the back corners and rallies last two shots.

That is why the dots exist. The bouncier balls give you more time to reach the ball and keep rallies going, which is how you actually get better. Moving down to a double yellow once you can keep a rally going is a normal step.

The newer names you will see in shops

Dunlop, the most common brand in the UK, sells its range by name as well as colour. The Pro is the double yellow, the Competition is single yellow, and the Progress and Max are the red and blue dot training balls. The two training balls are also slightly bigger, which makes them easier to hit.

Tips

• Warm it up properly. Hit it firmly for a few minutes before a match. It is also why the warm-up is part of the rules.
• Cold court? In a cold court a double yellow may never warm up fully. For a friendly, a single yellow is a sensible swap.
• Balls wear out. An old ball goes shiny and loses its bounce. If it feels dead even when warm, replace it.
• Agree the ball before a league match. Double yellow is the norm; anything else should be agreed by both players.

Quick answers

What do the dots on squash balls mean?

They show how much the ball bounces. Double yellow bounces least and is the ball used in club and professional matches. Single yellow bounces a bit more. Red and blue dot balls bounce more again and suit improving players and beginners.

Which squash ball should I use?

If you play regularly and can keep a rally going, double yellow. If the ball keeps dying on you, try a single yellow. Beginners and juniors get more out of a red or blue dot ball, which stays in play longer.

Why does a double yellow dot ball not bounce?

It needs warming up. A cold double yellow barely bounces; after a few minutes of hitting it warms up and bounces properly. In a cold court or at a gentle pace it may never get warm enough, which is why beginners struggle with it.

What is the fastest squash ball?

The blue dot. It bounces most and stays up longest, which makes it the easiest to play with.