For those in San Diego who love squash, prepare to take a huge bite. Gourd enthusiasts aside, another type of squash is taking over, and this sport proves to be infinitely better for you than the vegetable.In January of 2005, a new facility was built to satisfy the appetites of squash enthusiasts in San Diego. Named San Diego Squash, simply enough, the facility features four full-size squash courts, a small training area, lounge area with a bar and flat screen TV monitors and full-service pro shop.”We’re trying to create a sense of community,” said Greg Scherman, one of the founders of San Diego Squash. “We’ve got WiFi here, we’ve got the bar. There’s a feel here that you don’t find in a lot of places.”Squash got its roots as a game that inmates in England would play. They would hit small rubber balls against prison walls to pass the time. It has evolved into a wildly popular sport overseas and is slowly gaining momentum in the United States. Similar to racquetball, the game is played by two players in an enclosed court with walls on all four sides. There are some major differences, however.In racquetball, the ball can be played off any surface, including the ceiling. In squash, the ball cannot be played off the ceiling, and there are lines that run down the side walls that the ball has to land within. Another major difference is the 19-inch area that spans the bottom of the front wall, known as the “tin.” The ball must land above the tin in squash to be in-play. This makes the games different in that it is harder to kill the ball for a point in squash and rallies usually last longer than in racquetball.A squash ball is also much smaller, harder and bounces much less than a racquetball. This forces squash players to move a lot more to the ball to make shots. Points are scored on service only, similar to volleyball. Games are scored to nine and matches consist of the best three of five games.Jeff Young is the full-time squash pro at the facility. A native of Australia, he’s been playing the game his whole life. He played on the junior circuit while growing up, and was ranked as high as No. 3 in the country. He has played professionally in Australia and Belgium, but now serves mostly as a coach.”Traditionally, it’s been more of an upper-class sport,” Young said. “For a while, the opportunities were more limited in the States. But in Australia and Europe, [squash] is more of a social game. Both of my parents played tennis when I was a child, but I found squash faster and more exciting.”And exciting it is. It’s regarded as the fastest indoor sport played with a racquet.”It’s a very competitive game, but it’s also very frustrating, kind of like the way golf is frustrating, in that you just want to always improve and be a better player,” Young said.Aside from the competitive aspects, what draws some people in is the great workout that squash also provides. In fact, in an October 2003 article of Forbes magazine, the Top 10 healthiest sports were listed. The list was based on four key components of fitness: cardio-respiratory endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance and flexibility. The list also factored in injury risk and calories burned per 30 minutes (based on a 190-pound individual.) Squash came out as No. 1, edging out rowing, rock climbing and swimming.In addition to Scherman, Chris Walker is also a founding partner. Walker is one of the best players in the world. He’s three-time world champion and British No. 1. He moved to San Diego three years ago in hopes of helping establish the sport. Walker is the coach of the U.S. Men’s National Team and frequently plays in squash tournaments all over the world.The club offers many membership packages, as well as junior programs, leagues and lessons with Young. Information on membership can be seen by visiting www.sandiegosquash.com. Those unfamiliar with the sport are invited to come in and play free of charge.”The sport is popular all over the world. It’s played in 140 countries,” said Scherman, who is the top-ranked squash player in San Diego and a UCSD graduate. “We’re just trying to build it up here in San Diego.”San Diego Squash is located at 9370 Waples St., Suite 101, off Mira Mesa Boulevard and just east of Interstate 805.For more information, visit www.sandiegosquash.com or call (858) 452-3616.
