Squash for kids
Squash for kids: first hits, school sessions and what comes next.
Introduce the squash game for kids with enjoyable racket activities, suitable equipment and school guidance for rebound walls, club visits and outdoor courts.
In short
The squash game for kids is an introduction to the racket sport: hitting a ball towards a wall and learning to keep it in play. Start with a ball children can control, a manageable racket and short, supervised games. Children can discover racket skills through school activities or a rebound wall before moving onto a court. For schools, choose the session and delivery plan first, then specify the equipment and space that will support it.
Published by Squash Dog, a trading style of Fagan Consulting Limited. Reviewed 21 October 2026
Make the first session enjoyable
Begin with an achievable task: send and catch a ball, aim at a target, or build a few gentle rebounds. Adapt the distance, bounce allowance and pace around the child. Introduce rallies and scoring as confidence grows, rather than expecting a full adult match immediately.
- Ask the organiser which ages and experience levels the session serves, and whether equipment can be borrowed.
- Keep waiting children clear of racket swings and moving balls; agree a simple stop signal.
- Offer different targets and ways to take part, including seated activities where suitable. Ask children and their supporting adults what helps them participate.
- Plan another session and a welcoming local club or coach introduction, so the first experience has somewhere to lead.
Choose equipment for the child and activity
Try a racket the child can grip and move comfortably. A larger, livelier beginner ball can give more time to make contact and sustain a rally; a professional competition ball is not the default starting point. Check that the ball suits the surface and any practice-wall manufacturer's instructions.
England Squash requires eye protection for under-19 players in competition and strongly recommends it for practice and training. Check the current organiser's rules for the activity and location.
- Rackets: ask about size, weight, grip, spares and whether pupils can try them before a bulk order.
- Balls: specify the introductory activity, bounce, visibility, indoor or outdoor surface, and replacement supply.
- Eye protection: choose squash-appropriate eyewear that fits the child, including a suitable solution for prescription wearers. Ordinary prescription glasses are not squash protection.
- Footwear and kit: follow the venue's court-shoe requirements; include storage, cleaning and inspection in a school equipment plan.
Can a school introduce squash without a court?
Yes, introductory skills and adapted activities can start in a suitable school space. In England, Ready, Set, Squash is England Squash's free, curriculum-aligned primary school programme, with teacher and coach resources and no court required. Use its official resources for the programme's activities and delivery guidance.
Squash Dog can help schools frame the questions to ask about equipment and onward play. We do not own Ready, Set, Squash or imply an official partnership. Outside England, ask your national or regional squash organisation about school resources and local delivery.
Rebound wall, club visit or outdoor court?
A rebound wall supports practice; it is not a complete squash court. An outdoor court is a facilities project, requiring a site assessment and an operator as well as the court system. Consider using existing facilities to test demand before committing to construction.
| Option | Useful for | Questions before committing |
|---|---|---|
| Portable rebound wall and starter equipment | Supervised first hits and rotating school stations | Permitted balls, stability, clear swing space, storage, setup, inspection and adult supervision. |
| Permanent practice wall | Repeat outdoor skill activity in an approved space | Installation, rebound, surface, noise, ball containment, access and maintenance responsibility. |
| Sessions at a local squash venue | Learning court play and connecting to regular junior sessions | Travel, session availability, hire equipment, coaching, safeguarding, access and recurring costs. |
| Outdoor squash court | A longer-term facility with a planned programme of use | Whole site footprint, groundworks, drainage, weather limits, access, operation and whole-life budget. |
A school equipment brief to copy and adapt
Ask suppliers to respond to the same brief so you can compare like with like. Request current technical information, warranties, installation responsibilities and evidence for your intended setting; a product brochure alone does not establish suitability for a particular school.
If you would like Squash Dog to help develop this school equipment guidance, send us your school's broad requirements and the questions you need answered. Use an authorised adult contact and leave children's personal details out of the enquiry.
- Participants: age range, group size, experience, access needs and how pupils will help shape the activities.
- Delivery: named school lead, teacher or coach, supervision arrangements, safeguarding process, session frequency and weather fallback.
- Space: measured activity area, safe waiting zones, surface, access routes, storage and the permission to use it.
- Equipment: racket and ball requirements, suitable eyewear, wall type, supported activities, installation needs and supplier evidence.
- Budget: equipment, delivery, setup or groundworks, training, transport, inspection, repairs, consumables and ongoing operation. Ask what each quote excludes.
- Next steps: repeat sessions, an introduction to a local club or coach, and simple measures of attendance and return participation.
Frequently asked questions
What age can kids start squash?
There is no single starting age for every programme or child. Ask the organiser which age range it supports and how it adapts equipment, games and supervision. Start with enjoyable skills rather than an adult match.
Does a school need to buy a squash court?
No. Introductory skills can use suitable school spaces and purpose-designed rebound equipment. Local court visits can provide a next step. Consider a new court only after testing demand, delivery capacity and site feasibility.
Can Squash Dog supply equipment or deliver school sessions?
This page provides planning guidance and a way for authorised adults to discuss requirements. It does not promise equipment supply, a funded programme, installation or coaching. Any specific support would need its scope and responsibilities agreed.
Primary sources
Practical guidance for parents, teachers and school project leads. England Squash resources are examples for England; check the relevant governing body and local requirements elsewhere. Squash Dog's school support is a developing proposition, not an agreed delivery programme or supplier appointment.
Equipment and programme guidance checked on 4 October 2026. The school brief and options comparison are Squash Dog's planning suggestions; confirm current programme requirements and site-specific suitability with the responsible organiser and specialists.