Right ball
Choose the right squash ball.
Ball choice changes the pace, bounce and quality of every rally. Start with the people playing, not the dot's prestige.
In short
Most beginners should use a larger, bouncier ball. Move to a lower-bounce ball only when both players can warm it and sustain enjoyable rallies.
Reviewed 5 September 2026
Coverage note
Names, colours and performance can vary by manufacturer and market. Check the product description and your competition rules rather than relying on colour alone.
A practical UK starting point
- Max — blue dot
- Larger and bouncier; a strong first choice for beginners.
- Progress — plain black
- Slightly larger with more bounce; useful for improving and recreational players.
- Competition — single yellow dot
- Lower bounce; intended for regular club players who can keep the ball warm.
- Pro — double yellow dot
- The least forgiving common option; intended for advanced players and competition conditions.
Use the rally test
Choose the ball that lets both players reach, strike and learn from repeated shots. If rallies repeatedly end after one or two hits because the ball stays cold and low, move to a bouncier ball.
Using the hardest ball is not a badge of ability. A suitable ball improves movement, decision-making and enjoyment for everyone on court.
Conditions matter
- A cold court or a slow warm-up reduces bounce.
- Altitude, temperature, court surface and ball condition can change how the same product plays.
- Mixed-ability players should normally choose for the person who needs more time.
- Replace a split, misshapen or badly worn ball.
Warm it properly
Share the warm-up and strike the ball safely to each other. Do not expect a cold low-bounce ball to behave like a warm match ball. If warming it takes most of the session, it is probably the wrong choice for that session.
Primary sources
Use these organisations for the current authoritative detail.