Ten fun facts about Squash

Fact 1
In 2003, Forbes rated squash as the number one healthiest sport to play.

Fact 2
The game was formerly called squash racquets, a reference to the “squashable” soft ball used in the game

Fact 3
Squash is recognized by the IOC and supporters are lobbying for its incorporation in a future Olympic program.

Fact 4
Squash’s use of stringed racquets is shared with tennis, which dates from the late sixteenth century, though is more directly descended from the game of racquets from England.

Fact 5
Squash was invented in Harrow School out of the older game racquets around 1830 before the game spread to other schools, eventually becoming an international sport.

Fact 6
Natural rubber was the material of choice for the ball.

Fact 7
The first squash court in North America appeared at St. Paul’s School in New Hampshire in 1884.

Fact 8
Squash provides an excellent cardiovascular workout. In one hour of squash, a player may expend approximately 600 to 1000 food calories.

Fact 9
The sport provides a good upper and lower body workout by utilizing both the legs to run around the court and the arms and torso to swing the racquet.

Fact 10
According to the World Squash Federation, as of June 2009, there were 49,908 squash courts in the world, with 188 countries and territories having at least one court.

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