There is a growing interest in junior squash and youngsters
are being introduced to the game at earlier and earlier ages. It
is thus no wonder that international sports companies are now
manufacturing rackets, clothing, equipment and accessories aimed
specifically at younger players.
The sports companies that manufacture squash equipment suitable
for children include Wilson, Prince, Head and Dunlop. Dunlop, in
fact, has the largest range and this includes the M-Fil racket
for the three to six year age group, which comes with its own
head cover, and the titanium alloy Aerogel racket that features
a shortened frame length designed to promote skill acquisition
and technical efficiency at a young age and which is suitable
for children of up to eight years of age. They also stock the
titanium alloy Junior Pro, which comes with MAX strings,
features superb head light balance and is the best fit for
children up to ten years old as well as the mini racket with its
aluminum frame and head cover. As a finishing touch, they also
have a 2.5 inch mini foam squash ball which, as the official
ball of the World Squash Federation, is just right for the young
player.
The sole contribution from Prince is a starter kit for the under
7s that includes a 'how to play squash' booklet, two blue dot
balls, a pair of goggles, a carrying case and, of course, a
racket. Wilson comes in with at least two types of racket: the
titanium alloy [k] Tour Jr weighing 140g that comes with a head
cover, a head measuring 72.5 square inches and a handle length
and grip especially tailored for young hands, and a starter kit
including the Titanium Aggressor Racket, a Performance ball, a
sports water bottle and a bag. Finally, Head aimed at the seven
to ten age group when they developed their Nano Ti Jr racket,
which is a power racket with head heavy balance and a head
strung with Ti mesh that was manufactured from anodized aluminum
utilizing nano titanium construction technology for increased
maneuverability and extra shot power.
There are also other brands of children's squash racket on the
market, and the more well known ones include Unsquashable,
Harrow, Karakal, Titan and Tecnifibre.
With older, more experienced players around to explain the rules
to them and give them tips, it is no wonder that today's younger
champions are so far advanced.