When I first picked up a racquet and stepped onto an indoor court, I had no idea whether I was about to play squash or racquetball. Like many people, I assumed they were more or less the same thing—just different names for a similar game. But as I quickly discovered, the difference between squash and racquetball is much more significant than I expected.
Whether you’re just curious or you’re thinking about trying one of these sports for yourself, this post will break down everything you need to know. From the court design to the balls, rackets, rules, and even Olympic status, I’ll walk you through my experience so you can understand the real difference between squash and racquetball—and decide which one might be better for you.
Is Squash and Racquetball the Same Thing?
Before diving into the details, let’s answer the burning question: is squash and racquetball the same thing? Absolutely not. While both sports are fast-paced and played indoors with a ball and racket, the difference between squash and racquetball is quite noticeable once you actually step on the court.
The most obvious difference I noticed right away was the court itself. A squash court is smaller, more enclosed, and has specific boundary markings on all four walls. A racquetball court, on the other hand, feels more spacious, and there are no out-of-bounds lines on the front and side walls, making the play more aggressive and less constrained. It took me a few sessions to adjust between the two styles of play.
1. Difference Between Squash and Racquetball: Court Differences
The difference between squash and racquetball really starts to show when you examine the court layout.
In squash, the court is 21 feet wide and 32 feet long. It features a tin (a small board at the bottom of the front wall) that acts as a kind of “net.” If the ball hits below the tin, it’s out. There are also marked service boxes and out lines around the top of the walls.
In contrast, a racquetball court is 20 feet wide and 40 feet long. There are no out-of-bounds lines on the walls—everything is playable, which makes the game feel more open and chaotic. The back wall is also typically made of glass in both games, but racquetball uses the back wall more frequently because of the ball’s speed and bounce.
If you’re a beginner like I once was, this court variation alone is enough to make you question how similar these sports really are.
2. Difference Between Squash and Racquetball: Racket and Ball
Another clear difference between squash and racquetball lies in the rackets and balls used in each game. When I first held a squash racket, I noticed it looked very similar to a tennis racket—longer and thinner. The racquetball racket, however, is much shorter and wider, resembling a teardrop.
As for the balls, this is where the difference between squash and racquetball becomes even more noticeable. Squash balls are smaller, less bouncy, and made of a softer rubber. They require warm-up to get optimal bounce, and even then, they don’t travel nearly as far or fast as racquetballs.
Racquetballs are larger, more pressurized, and extremely bouncy. I remember the first time I hit one—it practically flew across the court before I had time to react. This makes racquetball a faster-paced game that relies heavily on reflexes and power, while squash is more about strategy, endurance, and placement.
3. Difference Between Squash and Racquetball: Rules and Scoring:
If you’re like me and enjoy understanding the “why” behind a game, then the rules will really highlight the difference between squash and racquetball.
Squash is typically played to 11 points per game, and you need to win by 2 points. You can score regardless of whether you’re serving. Racquetball, in contrast, is played to 15 points, but you can only score on your serve—similar to volleyball.
The serve itself is a major difference between squash and racquetball. In squash, the ball must hit the front wall and land in the opposite service box. In racquetball, the ball must first hit the floor behind the service line, then strike the front wall and bounce past the short line. If you mess this up, it’s a fault.
Also, in racquetball, you can hit the ceiling and side walls during a rally, while in squash, certain areas are strictly off-limits. I found myself making unintentional fouls in squash simply because I was used to racquetball’s leniency.
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Is Squash Slower Than Racquetball?
This is one of the first questions I asked myself after playing both: is squash slower than racquetball? Technically, yes.
The ball used in squash doesn’t bounce as high or travel as fast as a racquetball, and the gameplay is more strategic. But that doesn’t mean it’s easier. In fact, squash demands more endurance, as rallies can be long, and players are constantly on the move.
Racquetball, by contrast, is like a short sprint. It’s fast, intense, and reactive. You barely have time to think. The difference between squash and racquetball here comes down to whether you prefer mental strategy or explosive speed.
Is Squash or Racquetball in the Olympics?
As someone who loves watching the Olympics, I was surprised to learn that neither racquetball nor squash has been a consistent Olympic sport—but that’s changing.
Squash has long campaigned for Olympic recognition and is finally set to debut in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. This gives squash an edge in global visibility. Racquetball, on the other hand, has never been part of the Olympic Games and remains more of a North American sport.
So the difference between squash and racquetball even extends to international recognition. If you’re looking to follow or compete in a more global sport, squash might be the better fit.
Why Is Racquetball Not Popular Anymore?
This question is a bit more complex. While racquetball was hugely popular in the 1970s and 80s, its popularity has declined in recent years. Many believe this is due to gym closures, lack of media exposure, and the rise of alternative fitness trends.
Squash, although not wildly popular in the U.S., still has a strong following in Europe, Asia, and South America. The difference between squash and racquetball in terms of popularity also affects court availability. I’ve found squash courts in more international cities, while racquetball courts are mostly in American fitness clubs.
Is Squash Just Tennis Indoors?
I used to think squash was just tennis indoors, but it’s really not. The difference between squash and racquetball is one thing—but squash and tennis have vastly different mechanics, rackets, scoring, and playing environments.
Squash requires quick, controlled swings and a focus on wall angles. Tennis involves open-air serves, longer rackets, and ground strokes. Once you try it yourself, you’ll see squash is a unique challenge all its own.
Personal Reflections of the Difference Between Squash and Racquetball
As someone who enjoys both games, I often get asked: which one do you prefer? Honestly, I love both for different reasons. The difference between squash and racquetball is what makes them complementary, not competing.
When I want a workout that tests my endurance, I go for squash. When I’m in the mood for a fast-paced, adrenaline-pumping game, racquetball is my pick. If you’re unsure which to try first, I’d recommend giving both a shot—you might surprise yourself with which one you enjoy more.
Summary: What’s the Real Difference Between Squash and Racquetball?
Let’s recap the difference between squash and racquetball in a simple chart:
| Feature | Squash | Racquetball |
| Court Size | 21 x 32 feet | 20 x 40 feet |
| Racket Style | Long and narrow | Short and wide |
| Ball Size & Bounce | Small, low bounce | Large, high bounce |
| Speed | Slower, strategic | Faster, reactive |
| Scoring | To 11, score anytime | To 15, score on serve only |
| Olympic Status | Included in 2028 | Not included |
| Popular Regions | Global | Mostly North America |
The difference between squash and racquetball isn’t just technical—it’s a matter of personal preference. Once you understand the contrasts in court design, rackets, balls, rules, and playing style, you’ll be better equipped to choose the sport that fits your style.
