What makes a return good, and what is "down", "out" and "not up"?
Rule- England
- England Squash
- World Squash Singles Rules
- Club squash
- Open age
- 2026/27
- Players
A return is good (Rule 6.2) if the ball:
- is struck correctly before it bounces twice on the floor
- without hitting either player or their clothing or racket, reaches the front wall (directly or off other walls) above the tin and below the out-line, without bouncing first
- rebounds from the front wall without touching the tin
- is not out
The calls (Appendix 1):
| Call | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Down | Hits the tin or the floor before reaching the front wall, or hits the front wall and then the tin |
| Out | Hits a wall on or above the out-line, any fixture above it, or the top edge of a wall; goes out of the court; or passes through a fixture |
| Not up | Not struck correctly, bounces more than once before being hit, or touches the striker or their clothing |
"Correctly" means hit with the racket held in the hand, not more than once and without prolonged contact. The tin includes the lowest horizontal line, so a ball on the tin line is down, and a ball on the out-line is out.
Added 21 Oct 2026