April 15, 2025Indoor Tennis0 Comments
To go to the squash court or the tennis court?
That is the question.
These exhilarating racquet sports offer their own unique experiences, challenges, and rewards. And the best part is that they cater to different preferences and skill sets.
So you can confidently decide what type of racquet you should be picking up, let’s explore the distinctions between tennis and squash. Whether you’re aiming to hone your athletic prowess or simply looking for a fun new hobby, doing a bit of homework on their differences will empower you to make the best choice for your lifestyle and interests.
Table of Contents | Tennis vs. Squash: Understanding the Differences and Finding the Right Class for You
The Difference Between Tennis and Squash
The Benefits
- Choose Tennis If:
- Choose Squash If:
Meet Edgemont Athletic’s Tennis and Squash Courts
- Our Squash Court
- Our Alberta Tennis Centre
Court Reserve: Play Your Next Match at Edgemont Athletic
The Difference Between Tennis and Squash
While both tennis and squash are dynamic racquet sports, they differ significantly in their play styles, environments, and physical demands.
| Aspect | Tennis | Squash |
| Court Size and Layout | Larger court, 78 feet long and 27 feet wide for singles matches. Features a net dividing the court. | Smaller, enclosed court, approximately 32 feet long and 21 feet wide. The court is bounded by walls on all sides, with players using them strategically. |
| Game Dynamics | Involves longer rallies and requires covering more ground. Points are won by strategically placing shots to challenge the opponent’s positioning and response. | Fast-paced rallies with frequent direction changes, emphasizing agility and quick reflexes. Players must anticipate and react to shots off the walls quickly. |
| Playing Environment | Can be played indoors or outdoors. | Primarily played indoors, ensuring consistent conditions and an intense, immersive experience. |
| Physical Demands | Emphasizes cardiovascular endurance with a mix of explosive movements and steady pacing. Involves strong leg and core muscles. | Focuses on short bursts of high-intensity activity, enhancing speed and reflexes. Constant movement improves flexibility and leg strength. |
| Equipment | Uses a larger, softer ball requiring precision and control. Racquets are generally heavier with larger heads. | Utilizes a smaller, denser ball that can reach high speeds, demanding acute precision and reaction time. Racquets are smaller and lighter for quick maneuvers. |
The Benefits
Choosing between tennis and squash often comes down to personal preference and what you hope to gain from the sport. But no matter what you choose, you win either way—that’s because both sports offer a host of benefits that can significantly enhance your physical health and mental well-being.
Absolutely, strength and tactical depth are important aspects of tennis as well. Let’s update the benefits to reflect this:
Choose Tennis If:
- You seek a full-body workout: Requires endurance, strength, and agility, making it an excellent cardiovascular exercise that tones muscles across the body.
- You love a strategic challenge: Involves strategizing and tactical play, improving mental acuity and concentration.
- You want a social sport: Often played in doubles, providing ample opportunities for social interaction and teamwork.
- You appreciate tradition: With its long history and prestigious tournaments, tennis offers a rich cultural experience.
- You desire improved coordination, strength, and flexibility: Enhances hand-eye coordination, balance, and flexibility, contributing to overall physical fitness and strength..
- You want high-intensity cardio: Involves bursts of high-intensity activity mixed with strategic pauses, offering an effective cardiovascular workout.
- You value tactical depth: Requires players to anticipate their opponent’s moves and plan several steps ahead, enhancing strategic thinking.
- You aim to build strength: Helps develop muscular strength, particularly in the legs, core, and upper body, through varied and dynamic movements.
Choose Squash If:
- You thrive in fast-paced environments: Squash is known for its rapid play, with quick rallies and intense bursts of activity that improve cardiovascular health.
- You seek a high-intensity workout: Squash offers a rigorous cardiovascular workout, enhancing agility, reflexes, and endurance.
- You prefer individual play: With fewer players, squash allows for more personalized gameplay and skill improvement.
- You value tactical depth: Squash is a game of angles and anticipation, demanding sharp mental acuity and quick decision-making.
- You want to boost flexibility, strength, and coordination: Squash involves dynamic, multidirectional movements that enhance flexibility, build strength in the legs, core, and arms, and improve coordination.
- You seek a full-body workout: The constant movement and quick reflexes in squash provide a comprehensive workout for the entire body.
Meet Edgemont Athletic’s Tennis and Squash Courts
Located in Calgary, Edgemont Athletic features state-of-the-art facilities for both tennis and squash enthusiasts. From beginners to seasoned athletes, everyone can enjoy the thrill of the game at our premier athletic club.
Our Squash Courts
Whether you’re a child just picking up a racquet for the first time or an adult honing your skills, our squash programs at Edgemont Athletic are tailored to fit all needs. Over the past 30 years, we’ve proudly seen more than 20 Junior National Champions emerge from our programs, with several going on to prestigious Ivy League schools in the United States.
- Doubles: Experience the rise of doubles play at our club. With four players on the court, doubles squash provides a unique opportunity for exercise and social interaction.
- Beginner Clinics: New to squash? Join our weekly beginner clinics or book a private lesson with our team of squash professionals.
- Leagues & Interclub: Participate in our internal leagues or compete in Interclub events, facing off against teams from across the city.
- Championships: Gear up for our annual EA Club Championships in March and April—the ultimate highlight of the squash season! Players of all levels are welcome to showcase their skills.
Junior Squash
Whether it’s kids who enjoy squash recreationally or those who aim to make it to the high- performance stream, Edgemont Athletic welcomes juniors to jump into our programs and climb to higher levels any time of the year.
Inspiring younger players to gear up for the sport even further, many of the juniors at EA play our monthly box league with the adults and interclub as well.
Our Alberta Tennis Centre
At Edgemont Athletic, empowering players to reach their full potential is how we roll. Our indoor Alberta Tennis Centre offers programs for every level of player, encouraging skill development and fostering a vibrant tennis community—no matter what the weather forecast looks like.
- Programs for Every Level: Whether you’re looking to refine your technical, physical, or tactical skills, our tennis community is active year-round.
- Court Booking: Tennis members can reserve courts three times weekly, providing ample opportunity to play and engage with other members. All other members can book courts for a fee.
| Programs Offered | Description |
| Group Instruction Programs | Engage in a structured group tennis class led by our expert professionals. |
| Private or Semi-Private Lessons | Tailored tennis class sessions for personalized improvement. |
| Leagues | Coed Adult Doubles leagues facilitate skill-based competition and social interaction as you climb the league ladder at our tennis community. |
| Cardio Tennis | Enhance your fitness and ball-striking skills in this high-energy, coed clinic for skill levels 3.0+. |
| Open Skills | Participate in group training sessions focusing on technical and movement skills, suitable for skill levels 2.5+. |
| Drop-Ins | Court Reserve gives you the opportunity to register for social doubles drop-ins—it’s the best way to meet new players and connect with the community! Check our Court Reserve’s schedule for days and times. |
Junior Tennis Programs
If your child is ready to bring out their inner tennis ace, then our Junior Tennis programs are here to introduce them to this dynamic sport. No need to worry about academic and sport schedules clashing—our classes are aligned with the school calendar for seasonal enrollment.
| Programs | Description |
| Sessions | Fall: September – DecemberWinter: January – MarchSpring: April – JuneSummer Racquet Camps: July, August |
| HP Junior Development Program | Intended for junior athletes aiming for competitive play by focusing on comprehensive skill development and off-court fitness. Tier 1 (ages 13+) limited to 6 participantsTier 2 (ages 12 and under) limited to 14 participants |
| U12 Junior Skills Program | Offered twice a week for 1-hour sessions, this program focuses on fundamental techniques to enable kids to rally consistently.For juniors 12 and under |
Court Reserve: Play Your Next Match at Edgemont Athletic
Choosing between tennis and squash doesn’t have to be something you figure out in a snap. At Edgemont Athletic in Calgary, we offer the perfect environment to explore both sports.
With top-notch indoor facilities, expert instructors, and seamless Court Reserve features, we are committed to empowering you to write the best stories in your athletic journey. Become a member today and discover your passion on our tennis and squash courts. When you add squash or tennis onto your Gold membership at Edgemont Athletic, you can book courts for free!
Experience the thrill, the challenge, and the community—all under one roof.
Need more expert insights on everything fitness? Take a look at our other blogs:
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- The Health Benefits of Regular Sauna and Steam Room Use: Why Calgary Locals Swear by It
- The True Value of a Gym Membership: Investing in Your Health and Fitness Journey in Calgary
- 4 for 4: The Four Pillars of Fitness
- Elevate Your Game: Best Tennis Lessons in Calgary for All Skill Levels
