Squash, Squash 57, Mini Squash, Racketball: What’s the Difference?
Squash terminology can be confusing. Traditional squash is one sport, Mini Squash is an adapted introduction for children, and racketball is the former name still widely used for Squash 57. Racquetball, despite the similar spelling, is a different sport altogether.
This guide explains the differences in equipment, pace and purpose, helping schools, clubs and new players choose the most suitable way to get started.
The quickest answer
Squash
The traditional indoor court game, played with a smaller, lower-bounce ball and a squash racket.
Squash 57
The current official name for the UK game formerly known as racketball, using a larger 57mm ball.
Mini Squash
An adapted introduction for children, using shorter rackets and larger, bouncier, colour-coded balls.
Racquetball
A separate sport, most closely associated with North America, with different court and playing rules.
What is squash?
Squash is a fast indoor racket sport normally played by two people on an enclosed court. Players take turns hitting the ball onto the front wall, either before it bounces or after one bounce. A rally continues until one player cannot make a valid return.
Traditional squash uses a relatively small rubber ball and a racket with a longer handle and smaller head than a Squash 57 racket. The lower bounce and quicker movement of the ball can create a fast, physically demanding game that rewards movement, anticipation, accuracy and controlled shot selection.
Not every squash ball performs in the same way. Beginners and developing players should use a ball suited to their ability, as an advanced low-bounce ball can make it difficult to establish a rally. Schools introducing younger pupils may prefer to begin with Mini Squash equipment before progressing towards a standard squash racket and ball.
What is Squash 57?
Squash 57 is the official name adopted for the game previously known as racketball. It is played on a standard squash court and follows the same basic rally principle, with players taking turns to return the ball to the front wall before it bounces twice.
The main difference is the equipment. Squash 57 uses a larger, bouncier ball with a maximum diameter of 57mm and a shorter-handled racket with a larger head. The ball does not need the same warming up as a traditional squash ball, and its livelier bounce gives players more time to move, prepare and return each shot.
This generally produces a slower-paced game with longer rallies. Squash 57 can therefore provide an accessible introduction for adult beginners, recreational players and anyone who prefers more reaction time while still enjoying an energetic court-based activity.
Why was racketball renamed Squash 57?
The World Squash Federation and England Squash introduced the Squash 57 name in 2016. The name connects the game more clearly with the squash family, highlights the 57mm ball and helps distinguish it from the separate sport of racquetball.
You may still see racketball used on equipment, club timetables and product names because the older term remains familiar to many players.
Our Price Racketball Ball is a 57mm recreational ball suitable for Squash 57 play.
What is Mini Squash?
Mini Squash is not another name for Squash 57. It is an adapted way to introduce children to the movement, co-ordination, racket control and rally skills used in traditional squash.
Shorter rackets are easier for smaller players to handle, while larger and bouncier balls provide more time to track the ball and prepare each shot. The colour of the equipment identifies the stage, making it easier for teachers and coaches to select an appropriate option.
Mini Squash Fun
Recommended for ages 5–7
The Fun stage uses a red 22in racket and a large red 60mm high-bounce ball. It is designed for first experiences with a racket and ball, including tracking, rolling, catching, controlled striking and simple partner activities.
Mini Squash Play
Recommended for ages 7–10
The Play stage uses an orange 24in racket and a smaller orange 50mm ball. It supports progression towards forehand and backhand shots, serving, movement and longer controlled rallies.
The age bands are useful guidance rather than fixed rules. A pupil who is new to racket sports may benefit from remaining with Fun equipment for longer, while a confident younger player may be ready to progress to Play.
Both racket sizes are available from the Mini Squash Racket product page.
Delivering Mini Squash at school?
Download the printable Mini Squash Quick Guide for Schools for equipment guidance, teaching cues, activity ideas and a simple session structure.
Squash vs Squash 57 vs Mini Squash
| Feature | Squash | Squash 57 / Racketball | Mini Squash Fun | Mini Squash Play |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main purpose | Traditional full game | Accessible alternative full game | First introduction for children | Junior progression towards squash |
| Typical player | Developing, recreational or competitive players | Beginners, recreational players and players who prefer longer rallies | Young beginners, recommended ages 5–7 | Developing juniors, recommended ages 7–10 |
| Racket | Longer handle with a smaller head | Shorter handle with a larger head | Red 22in racket | Orange 24in racket |
| Ball | Small squash ball, selected according to ability | Larger 57mm bouncy ball | Red 60mm high-bounce ball | Orange 50mm ball |
| Pace | Generally faster with less reaction time | Generally slower with longer rallies | Highly adapted and controlled | Closer to squash while remaining accessible |
| Progression | Can be played recreationally or competitively | Can be played as a complete sport in its own right | Progress towards Mini Squash Play | Progress towards traditional squash equipment |
Is racquetball the same as racketball?
No. The spelling difference is small, but the sports are not the same.
In the UK squash context, racketball is the former and still commonly used name for Squash 57. It is played on a squash court with a 57mm ball.
Racquetball is a separate sport most closely associated with North America. An official indoor racquetball court is 20ft wide, 40ft long and 20ft high, and all court surfaces are generally in play, including the ceiling. This is different from squash and Squash 57, where the court markings determine the playable front-wall area and the ceiling is out.
This naming confusion was one reason for adopting the Squash 57 name. Bishop Sport supplies equipment for squash, Mini Squash and Squash 57, rather than North American racquetball.
Which option is best for schools?
The most suitable format depends on the pupils’ age, confidence and previous racket-sport experience.
Young pupils starting out
Choose Mini Squash Fun for a shorter racket, larger ball and accessible early activities.
Developing primary pupils
Choose Mini Squash Play to introduce more controlled strokes, movement and rally building.
Progressing towards the traditional sport
Choose squash when pupils are ready for a smaller ball, quicker pace and more demanding movement.
Making rallies easier to establish
Choose Squash 57 when a larger, bouncier ball and additional reaction time would help players stay involved.
Schools do not necessarily need to choose only one option. Mini Squash can form an introductory pathway, while traditional squash and Squash 57 can provide different challenges for older or more experienced pupils.
What equipment do you need?
Traditional squash
- A squash racket
- A squash ball suited to the players’ ability
- Suitable court footwear
- Appropriate protective eyewear
Squash 57 or racketball
- A Squash 57 or racketball racket
- A 57mm Squash 57 or racketball ball
- Suitable court footwear
- Appropriate protective eyewear
Mini Squash Fun
- A red 22in Mini Squash Fun racket
- A red 60mm Mini Squash Fun ball
Mini Squash Play
- An orange 24in Mini Squash Play racket
- An orange 50mm Mini Squash Play ball
Explore our complete squash and racketball equipment range for schools, clubs and training sessions.
Safety on court
Players should use controlled swings, allow their opponent space to reach and strike the ball, and stop the rally when there is a risk of contact. England Squash requires approved eye protection for junior players under 19 during competition, and protective eyewear should form part of school risk assessment and delivery planning.
Frequently asked questions
Are racketball and Squash 57 the same sport?
Yes. Squash 57 is the official name adopted for the UK game previously known as racketball. The older name is still widely recognised and remains in use on some products and at some clubs.
Why is it called Squash 57?
The name refers to the larger ball, which has a maximum diameter of 57mm. It also makes the game’s connection with squash clearer.
Is Mini Squash the same as Squash 57?
No. Mini Squash is an adapted introduction for children, with colour-coded equipment selected by stage. Squash 57 is a complete game for players of different ages and abilities.
Can squash and Squash 57 be played on the same court?
Yes. Both are played on a standard squash court. Mini Squash can also use a squash court, although introductory activities may be adapted for a suitable school wall or rebound area.
Which is easier for beginners, squash or Squash 57?
Many beginners find Squash 57 easier to pick up because the ball is larger, bouncier and slower moving. For young children, Mini Squash Fun or Play equipment provides a more age-appropriate introduction.
Choosing the right way to play
The terminology becomes much simpler once each format’s purpose is clear. Squash is the traditional game. Racketball and Squash 57 are two names for the same larger-ball variation. Mini Squash adapts the equipment to help children get started, while racquetball is a separate sport with different rules and courts.
Choosing equipment that suits the player’s age and ability can make rallies easier to build, improve confidence and create a more enjoyable introduction to the squash family.
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