Squash

Squash Ball Dot Colours Explained: Which Ball Should You Use? (India)

Double yellow, single yellow, red or blue? A simple guide to squash ball dots so Indian players choose the right ball.

Instasport

— 3 min read
Dunlop double yellow dot squash ball

Squash ball dot colours explained

Every squash ball has a small coloured dot, and it is not decoration: the dot tells you how much the ball bounces and how fast it is. Picking the wrong one is the most common reason beginners find squash frustrating, because a low-bounce competition ball barely comes off the floor until it is warm. This guide explains the squash ball dot colours so Indian players can choose the right ball for their level.

What the dots actually mean

The dot indicates bounce and speed, which are linked to how hard the ball is to keep in play. Broadly, more bounce and a "faster" ball make rallies easier for beginners, while less bounce and a "slower" ball demand more power and better movement to keep the ball alive. A faster ball stays warm and lively with less effort; the slower competition ball needs several minutes of hitting to warm up before it performs as intended.

Double yellow, single yellow, red and blue

The double yellow dot is the competition standard: the slowest, lowest-bounce ball, used by advanced players and in tournaments. The single yellow dot is slightly faster with a little more bounce, a good step for improving club players. The red dot bounces more and is easier for intermediate players, while the blue dot is the fastest and bounciest, designed to help beginners keep rallies going. Many players also use larger "intro" or "max" balls when first learning.

Which squash ball should you use?

If you are new to squash, start with a high-bounce ball such as a blue dot or an intro ball so rallies last long enough to actually practise. As your hitting and movement improve, step down to a red dot, then a single yellow. Move to the double yellow only once you can keep it warm and in play, typically when you are a solid club player. In cooler Indian winters, balls take longer to warm up, so give any ball a proper knock-up before you judge it.

Gear picks available in India

These balls cover the common dot grades sold in India, from training balls that bounce more to the double-dot competition standard.

The Dunlop Intro Single Dot Squash Ball is a Dunlop squash ball option at ₹378 (down from ₹420).

The Dunlop Single Dot Competition Squash Ball is a Dunlop squash ball option at ₹350 (down from ₹1,260).

The Dunlop Double Dot Squash Ball is a Dunlop squash ball option at ₹350 (down from ₹449).

The Head Tournamnet Single Dot Squash Ball (Pack 1) is a Head squash ball option at ₹220 (down from ₹275).

The HEAD Prime Double Dot Squash Ball is a Head squash ball option at ₹289 (down from ₹3,408).

Shop the gear

Frequently asked questions

What do the dots on a squash ball mean?

The dot shows bounce and speed. A double yellow dot is the slowest, lowest-bounce competition ball; single yellow, red and blue dots bounce progressively more and are easier for less advanced players.

Which squash ball is best for beginners?

A high-bounce ball, such as a blue dot or an intro ball, is best for beginners because it keeps rallies going. Move to red, then single yellow, and finally double yellow as your game improves.

Why does my double yellow ball barely bounce?

Double yellow balls are designed to be slow and low-bouncing until warmed up. Knock the ball up for several minutes, especially in cooler weather, before it performs as intended.

Read more