Preventing Squash Injuries

The game of squash

- Players require a high level of fitness because they are active 50-70% of the playing time.
- Players need to move quickly around the court, whilst maintaining control over ball placement and being aware of the position of the ball, racquets and other players.
- 75% of the players are older than 25 years of age and the majority are men.

Common injuries during squash

- The overall risk of injury in squash is small when compared with other sports. However, the injuries that do occur can be quite severe.
- The majority of injuries in squash are due to acute or traumatic events (e.g. fall on court, strike from a racquet). Only a small proportion are overuse injuries.
- Injuries to the musculoskeletal system (e.g. strains/sprains) are common. Such injuries typically occur to the lower and upper limbs, as well as the lower back. These injuries are often not severe but can limit game performance.
- More severe injuries that can occur are eye and head injuries (e.g. eye injury from a ball or racquet strike), cardiac injury (e.g. discomfort in the chest) and heat injury (e.g. dehydration, dizziness).

Players at risk of injury

- Mainly older males, aged over 40 years of age.
- Inexperienced players with poor technique.
- Players with poor general fitness.
- Players not wearing protective eyewear, irrespective of experience.
- High level players are at risk of overuse injuries due to the duration and nature of their participation.

On court squash safety

- There are a number of safety precautions that should be followed during a squash match.
- Never enter a squash court while play is in progress. Knock and wait for the players to acknowledge you.
- Always keep the court doors fully closed and handles flush with the walls whilst play is in progress.
- If players take belongings to the court, they should store them in the front corners of the court only.
- Players should drink plenty of fluids before, during and after a match.
- All players should exercise well within their limits, especially during hot and humid conditions.
- Players should wear appropriate clothing that allows for the evaporation of sweat.

Safety for players

- The following tips apply to all players, irrespective of the level at which they play.
- All players should undertake proper and adequate warm-up procedures before each game. This should include low intensity exercises, such as light jogging or walking, and stretching.
- All players should maintain their fitness levels through aerobic (e.g. walking, jogging) and anaerobic activities (e.g. sprinting). Activities that simulate the nature and movements of the game are of most benefit.
- All players should take squash lessons from a qualified coach to develop adequate skills and good game technique.
- Every player should always wear eye protection which satisfies Australian standards during all social, competition and practice games.
- All squash equipment should be maintained in good condition. Racquets should be kept in good repair and grips should be changed regularly.
- Players should wear shoes that are specifically designed for squash and professionally fitted.
- All players should cool-down after their game by performing stretches and light walking.
Players should stop playing immediately if they are injured and seek immediate first aid or medical treatment.
- Players should not return to play until their injury has fully healed.
- Players with a history of joint injury (e.g. ankle) should seek professional advice about taping or bracing of their joint before playing squash.
- Always uses protective eyewear. ( Compulsory for players under 19 of age )

Safety for middle-aged players

- A high proportion of squash players are aged over 40 years
- Injuries to players over 40 years are more common and often more severe than those to younger participants.
- Older players in the older age groups are also at higher risk of cardiovascular injuries.
- Injuries often result from the fact that older players are often in poor physical condition before play.

Safety tips

- Older players should not take-up squash to get fit, particularly if they have been inactive for a while. A certain level of general physical fitness is required to play the game.
- Older players should undergo a comprehensive medical assessment from a doctor before participating in squash, particularly if they do not have a good level of fitness and do not participate regularly.
- When starting to play squash, players are advised to begin with a slower game (e.g. racquetball) to develop fitness and skills.
- Players should stop playing as soon as they experience symptoms of serious injury (e.g. heart condition). Prompt medical treatment should be sought if these symptoms are experienced.

Article extracted from:-
Deakin University -School of Health Science, Australia