Squash57, previously known as Racketball, is very similar to squash, but is played with a slightly larger racket and a bigger, bouncier ball, making it easy to get a rally going. This ensures a good workout for both players, so if you have never picked up a racket before, or the old wooden racket is gathering dust, grab a friend and get on court.
In the U.K, in 1976, Ian D.W. Wright created the sport of racketball based on U.S. racquetball. British racketball is played in a 32-ft. long by 21-ft. wide squash court (eight feet shorter and one foot wider than the U.S. racquetball court), using a smaller, less dynamic ball than the American racquetball. In racketball, the ceiling is out-of-bounds. The racketball is served after a bounce on the floor then struck into play with the racket. Scoring is like squash with point-a-rally scoring of up to 11 points. Full rules can be found at England Squash and Racketball. The British Racketball Association was formed on 13 February 1984, and confirmed by the English Sports Council as the sport's governing body on 30 October 1984. England Squash & Racketball is now recognised by Sport England as the English national governing body of the sports of squash and racketball.
First and foremost, racketball offers an exceptional cardiovascular workout, elevating heart rate and stimulating increased oxygen flow throughout the body. With its dynamic and fast-paced nature, players engage in constant movement, vigorously lunging, pivoting, and sprinting across the court. As a result, racketball helps enhance endurance, strengthen the heart muscle, and improve overall cardiovascular health.
Additionally, racketball stands out as an exceptional calorie burner. Its high-intensity, full-body workout effectively torches calories, making it an excellent option for weight loss and weight management. Players can burn between 600–800 calories per hour, making racketball one of the most effective sports for achieving fitness goals.
Moreover, the sport's quick-paced nature demands excellent hand-eye coordination and reflexes. Players must react swiftly to the movement of the ball, constantly adapting their shots and strategies to outmanoeuvre opponents.