The basic rules of squash are fairly simple. First the winner of the toss (usually done by spinning the racquet) gets to chose which side they want to serve from and alternate sides until they lose the point. Then the opponent gets to chose which side they want to serve from and alternates sides until they lose a point. A rally is lost when one of the following occurs:

• The ball bounces twice

• The ball hits the tin

• The ball is hit outside the out lines

• Interference resulting in a stroke, i.e. point to the obstructed player.

The serve is done by having at least one foot in the service box, then hitting the ball to the front wall, above the service line and having it bounce in the opposite quarter-court where your opponent is standing. Your opponent has the option of volleying return your serve before it hits the ground. After hitting the front wall first, the ball may hit any other number of walls before landing in the opponent’s quarter court. However a serve is illegal if it hits any sidewall before hitting the front wall!

Scoring is usually to 9, or English scoring, where only the server can win a point. Or you have Point-a-rally PAR scoring to 15 where every rally is a point, regardless of who served.

Some not-so-obvious rules of squash are if the ball hits the line it is considered out. Also you can not carry the ball or hit the ball twice, but you can make several attempts at striking the ball as long as only contact is made once.

Regarding interference, one should always say "Let please" whenever you sense interference may occur. In the interest of safety one should never play the shot and allow the interference to occur. If your opponent is interfering with your path to the ball, it is usually a "Let" or play the point again. If your opponent is interfering with your direct swing to the ball, then it should be "stroke" or your point. There are a lot of grey areas and many other situations that could change the call. With experience you will learn what is let , no let, and stroke. As a beginner it is best to play a let on most interferences.

In squash you must make every effort to clear your shot to give your opponent direct access to the ball once you have played it. In other words you can not play your shot and remain standing directly in the path your opponent would take to retrieve your shot.

When interference does occur it results in either a "Let" which is to replay the point or a "Stroke" which is a point to the person who's shot was obstructed. Keep in mind the following rule of thumb regarding Let and Stroke.
Interference far from ball (>1m):

• Could have got to it --> LET (replay point)

• Otherwise --> NO LET

Interference close to ball (<1 m):

• Could have hit it --> STROKE (i.e your point!)

• Otherwise --> LET

In the interest of safety you must NEVER attempt any shot has a risk of either the ball or the racquet hitting your opponent. The correct thing to do is to hold your shot and ask for a "let". In the case where your shot would have hit your opponent you can ask for a "stroke".