Squash Is Booming Ahead of the LA 2028 Olympics: A Beginner's Gear Guide for India
Squash makes its Olympic debut at LA 2028 and new players are picking up rackets. Here's the beginner gear you need in India.
Squash for beginners in India: gear to ride the LA 2028 Olympic wave
Squash is having a moment. With the sport confirmed for its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Games, clubs and courts across India are seeing a wave of curious first-timers. If you are one of them, the good news is that squash is one of the cheapest racquet sports to start — a beginner can be fully kitted out for well under ₹6,000. Here is exactly what you need.
The racket: forgiving beats powerful for beginners
New players are better served by a light, head-heavy, forgiving frame than a stiff pro racket. A well-rounded starter like the Head Cyber Pro (₹4,729) gives easy power and a generous sweet spot, while the Teloon Tour 170 Composite (₹2,399) is a budget-friendly first racket that survives the inevitable wall scrapes.
Balls: start bouncy, then slow down
Squash balls are graded by dots, and the dots tell you how much they bounce. Beginners should avoid the standard double-yellow-dot ball — it barely bounces until it warms up, which kills rallies for new players. Start instead with a faster intro or single-dot ball such as the Dunlop Intro Single Dot (₹378), then progress to a double-dot ball (₹289) as your swing speeds up.
| Dot colour | Bounce/speed | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Blue / red (intro) | High bounce, fast | Complete beginners |
| Single yellow | Medium | Improvers |
| Double yellow | Low bounce, slow | Advanced / competition |
Don't skip eyewear and court shoes
Squash is played in a fast, enclosed court, and a ball to the eye is a real risk — protective goggles are cheap insurance and mandatory in many junior competitions. Equally important are non-marking indoor court shoes with good lateral grip; running shoes are unsafe for the sport's sharp changes of direction.
Why now is a great time to start
Olympic inclusion tends to pull in coaching, junior programmes and more court availability. Getting the basics right now — a forgiving racket, the right ball for your level, and safety gear — means you will actually enjoy those first few sessions instead of chasing a dead ball around the court.
Your first few sessions: what to expect
Squash has a steeper learning curve than it looks, so set yourself up to enjoy it. Start with a coaching session or a patient partner rather than trying to rally hard on day one; the basics of grip, stance and hitting to a length are what make rallies flow. Warm the ball up before you play — squash balls only bounce properly once they heat up from repeated striking, which is why beginners should start with a faster intro ball. Spend the first ten minutes gently hitting the ball down the side wall to groove your swing and get your eye in. Wear non-marking court shoes and hydrate well, because squash is one of the most intense cardio workouts of any racquet sport and a 40-minute session in a warm court is genuinely demanding. Finally, learn the safety basics early: because both players share the same space, knowing when to hold your shot to avoid hitting your opponent keeps the game safe and fun as you improve.
Shop the gear
- Head Cyber Pro Squash Racket — ₹4729
- Teloon Tour 170 Tornado Composite Squash Racket — ₹2399
- Dunlop Intro Single Dot Squash Ball — ₹378
- HEAD Prime Double Dot Squash Ball — ₹289
Related reading
- Squash Gear Starter Guide for Beginners in India
- How to Choose a Squash Racket: A Beginner's Guide for India
- Squash Balls Explained: Dot Colours and Speed (India Buying Guide)
Frequently asked questions
Is squash in the Olympics?
Yes. Squash will make its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Games as one of five new sports, with men's and women's individual events. It is the first time squash has been included after being turned down on several previous occasions.
What squash gear does a beginner need?
A beginner needs a squash racket, a couple of squash balls suited to their level, non-marking indoor court shoes, protective eyewear and comfortable breathable clothing. A grip and a bag round out the kit.
Which squash ball should a beginner use?
Beginners should start with a faster, higher-bounce ball — typically a single blue or red dot, or an 'intro' ball — because it stays lively and keeps rallies going. The standard double-yellow-dot ball bounces less and suits advanced players.