Over the last few years, racquet sports like padel and pickleball have exploded in popularity. Clubs, parks, and private facilities are racing to add new courts to meet demand. But as the racquet-sport boom continues, there’s another game ready to step into the spotlight: squash.
Traditionally played indoors within a four-walled court, squash has long been considered one of the most dynamic, fast-paced, and physically rewarding sports in the world. Until recently, building a squash court was seen as a major commitment—requiring permanent walls, dedicated space, and significant investment. That’s starting to change.
Squash Courts Like Padel Courts
Just as padel courts are modular, glass-walled structures that can be set up indoors or outdoors, squash courts are now being developed in similar formats. These new courts can be installed in one third of the footprint as padel, with durable glass walls and flooring systems that make setup and maintenance far more manageable than traditional construction.
This innovation means squash can break out of the confines of elite clubs and finally move closer to the mainstream. Imagine a multi-sport facility where pickleball, padel, and squash courts sit side by side—each attracting different players while sharing the same infrastructure, social environment, and excitement.
Why Squash Belongs Next to Padel and Pickleball
Squash is the ultimate complement to the other racquet sports sweeping the globe:
- Intensity and Fitness – Squash delivers one of the best cardio workouts in sports. Players cover more ground in less time, with constant bursts of movement and quick reactions. It’s a natural training partner for padel and pickleball enthusiasts looking to sharpen their athleticism.
- Skill Transfer – The hand-eye coordination, racquet control, and tactical awareness gained from squash translate seamlessly to padel and pickleball (and vice versa). Many players find their games improve when they rotate among the sports.
- Community and Social Play – Like pickleball and padel, squash thrives on its social side. Doubles squash in particular creates a fast, cooperative, and highly entertaining format that fits perfectly with the communal atmosphere of today’s racquet clubs.
Expanding the Racquet-Sport Universe
As facilities think about the future, it’s easy to see how squash can fit into the same ecosystem that’s driving pickleball and padel forward. Modular, glass-walled squash courts offer flexibility and excitement while adding a sport that’s both time-tested and forward-looking.
The racquet-sport world doesn’t have to be about choosing one game over another. Instead, the future lies in variety—offering players pickleball for its accessibility, padel for its flair, and squash for its intensity. Together, they create a diverse, thriving community that keeps people playing, competing, and connecting.