Squash receives official recognition as the world’s most challenging & healthiest racket sport
December 01 2016
Squash has unquestionably established itself as the toughest and healthiest racket sport worldwide, offering a gruelling and demanding experience both for spectators and players alike. The sheer intensity witnessed during live matches, with elite athletes relentlessly diving for seemingly impossible shots, leaves onlookers astounded, uttering expressions of disbelief at their extraordinary feats. What further astounds is the players' ability to swiftly recover and engage in another equally arduous rally, casually wiping their hands against the sidewalls before plunging back into action. It's a stark contrast to the common misconception that squash involves nothing more than hitting a ball against a wall while stationary. It demands constant movement, lunges, agile footwork in all directions, impeccable racket technique, anticipation of opponents' strategies, and careful shot selection. It's a sport that challenges every fibre of one's being.
Recent scientific evidence reinforces the physical demands of squash, solidifying its place as one of the most physically demanding sports. The collaboration between the Professional Squash Association (PSA), Sports Data Labs, and interactiveSQUASH has unveiled compelling data captured during PSA tournaments. The findings reveal that players cover an average distance of 2.5 kilometres per match, engaging in lunges and explosive multi-directional movements rather than mere leisurely jogs. The intensity on the court is palpable, demonstrating the sheer physical prowess required to excel in this sport.
An enlightening comparison presented on the PSA website underscores the demanding nature of squash. The statistics from the 2018 Swedish Open match between Tarek Momen and Mathieu Castagnet are juxtaposed with the 2017 Wimbledon match between Gilles Muller and Rafael Nadal. The numbers speak volumes:
Match Duration: Squash - 97 minutes, Tennis - 288 minutes (both setting tournament records)
Distance Run: Tarek Momen - 5,000 meters, Rafael Nadal - 3,700 meters
In-Play Time: Tarek Momen - 60%, Rafael Nadal - 15%
Average Meters Covered Per rally: Tarek Momen - 49, Rafael Nadal - 9.4
These figures offer a stark contrast between the two sports. Additionally, it's worth noting that squash players typically reach heart rates of 190-200 beats per minute, while the average recovery time between rallies ranges from 4 to 10 seconds. In tennis, players are allowed a generous 25 seconds between points. This discrepancy in recovery time highlights the relentless pace of squash. Even in comparison to other high-intensity racket sports like badminton, squash demands a quicker recovery time, with an average of 12 seconds between rallies.
Undoubtedly, elite athletes across all racket sports exhibit incredible levels of fitness and skill. Renowned players such as Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic have rightfully earned their fame through their exceptional athleticism and the immense dedication required to reach their current stature. However, supported by the newly released data, it's reasonable to assert that top squash players are equally formidable, if not more so. At the elite level, squash demands strength, stamina, explosive power, flexibility, and an ability to recover within seconds from gruelling rallies that would leave the average person breathless and depleted.
In light of this scientific validation, the question arises: what lies ahead?
What is the significance of this information?
Firstly, it serves as a testament to the professional squash players and all those involved in the sport, finally receiving the recognition they deserve.
Moreover, this data has the potential to heighten the profile of squash in the media, shedding light on its captivating and demanding nature. It is a pleasure to hear people acknowledge the sport's reputation, recognizing squash as the toughest racket sport in the world.