The Complete Guide to Squash

It's a decent overview, but I felt like it skimmed over some important stuff. The gear section was helpful, but I wanted more detail on how to actually practice alone between sessions. The author kept saying to find a club, but if you're on a budget, that's easier said than done. Fine as a starting point, but I still had a lot of questions after finishing it.

I've been waffling on whether to try squash for months, and this book finally gave me the push. I loved that it gave real numbers for costs — like, I could actually budget for it. The first-week checklist is gold. I showed up to the court with the right stuff and didn't feel like a total idiot. Definitely recommend if you're on the fence.

This is the honest, practical book I wish I'd had before I started. The chapter on what a typical session actually feels like was spot on — the author gets that squash is equal parts exhilarating and humbling. I appreciated that it didn't try to sell me a $200 racket or a fancy membership. It saved me money and made my first month way less intimidating.

The book was fine, but I felt like it was written for someone with a little more disposable income than I have. The budget tiers listed a 'cheap' option that was still around a hundred bucks for gear, which felt steep for someone just trying things out. I would have liked more advice on borrowing or renting equipment at a community center. Some good nuggets, but not super realistic for my situation.

As an older beginner who worried about injuries, this was super reassuring. The chapter on whether squash is right for you helped me realize I needed to build some cardio first, and the honest fitness talk was a wake-up call. I checked off the self-assessment list and modified my approach. It wasn't all sunshine and roses, which I appreciated — it respected my intelligence while still being encouraging.

The cost breakdown alone was worth the price of the book. I was about to drop $300 on a beginner kit, and this guide told me exactly what was essential and what could wait until I knew I was hooked. It's written in this super friendly, down-to-earth voice — like a mate explaining it over a beer. I've already booked my first lesson and I know what to expect.

It's a quick read and covers the basics, but the author's enthusiasm didn't fully land for me. I get that squash is a great workout, but I found the explanation of rallies and scoring a bit confusing, even with the examples. I had to search YouTube anyway to see it in action. It's not bad, just perhaps better as a companion to actually watching a match.

Finally, a guide that doesn't make you feel stupid for not knowing what a 'nick' or a 'boast' is. The first chapter had me so excited, and it was all just so approachable. The first session narrative was like reading about the exact experience I just had — completely knackering but brilliant. The author's honesty about injuries and getting puffed is like a wet fish to the face. Wonderful. I've already recommended it to two friends.