Can We Call It Growth?

We are about to drop six thousand dollars on a Squash 57 event that will feature 16 players who have mostly never played Squash 57. Or squash for that matter.

The competitors in this draw are used to playing often in professional events where they win cash. But just not in Squash 57. The players are mostly from the NYC or New Jersey, though we do have a player traveling in from Denver. Pulled together quickly as we opened up to fill the draw, each player expressing their interest after being explained how Squash 57 is basically squash with racquetball racquets and a bigger ball. In a couple of cases, I had to then explain squash. The event was simply presented as something new, with a chance to grab cash. To add a touch of commonality to the mix, we’ll also have two pro level squash players play out a match of their own. Both from England, where squash 57 is played the most.

I personally became aware of Squash 57 well over a decade ago. SquashMad was in its first years, and I had been contributing a bit of American racquetball content, having connected with Alan Thatcher. During this time, Alan seriously mused about finding a way to feature top (American) Racquetball professionals with visits to England and play Squash 57. At the time, Alan was big on Squash 57. My take was that he believed it was one way to save squash. Now he’s retired and moved on from SquashMad and into Padel. Hard.

Padel, along with pickleball have trended racquet and paddle sports into alternative popular culture. Current media clearly expresses this. Choice. Options. Preferred groups. These sports aren’t necessarily as new as they feel, as they have being repackaged for the times. More people are playing racquet and paddle sports. And padel seems to be on an easier connection to squash than say, pickleball. I can only guess the growth in dedicated Padel spots and the pricier demographic. At least it feels that way. One thing I will say, from experience… put a seasoned padel player on a squash court for the first time ever with a Squash 57 racquet, a bigger squash ball and watch what you see. It looks glorious.

What is the “sell” for squash? Whatever you may think it is, I’m pretty confident the reasons haven’t changed much during this time of easy options. There is more competition from other time intensive activities today than ever. Finding a balance of new and easy, versus harder to master and gratification is a real goal. Is re-packaging squash as Squash 57 even a thing? Or is it something different, all-together? And does it help the overall health of squash as a sport?

Trinity Squash players trying out Squash 57 on the steel court. All are welcomed to try Squash 57 here.