extending parallel to the backwall and across the entire width of the court.  A line drawn from the floor service line to the backwall divides the back court into two equal halves.  Ideally (but not an absolute necessity) the service line should also extend all the way up to the front wall in order to divide the forecourt in two for service placement.  In other words, the service must land in the opponent’s half of the court in front of the floor service line and divided by the extension of the center line to the front wall.  The service court in Squash Tennis, therefore, is actually 22 feet long, and bounded by the center line, floor service line, side wall and front wall (rather than back wall).

The backwall “out” line is 4 feet 6 inches above the floor, or 2 feet below the present Squash Racquets’ backwall out line.

Otherwise the rules in scoring are identical to Squash Racquets, even though the style of play is, as you have noted, quite different. (For a schematic drawing of a Squash Tennis court, see Figure 25 [Dimensional drawing of a Squash Tennis court.].)

Equipment—­The green felt covered ball is approximately 2 3/8 inches in diameter, slightly smaller than a standard Lawn Tennis ball but containing higher pressure.  It is, therefore, lighter and faster.  These Squash Tennis balls are manufactured for the Association by A. G. Spalding & Bros.  They can be bought from any Squash Professional or directly from the National Squash Tennis Association for $1.25 each.  Recent manufacturing improvements have extended the length of time you can play with a ball without it wearing out or breaking.

The racquet has the identical size head to a regulation Lawn Tennis frame, but the length, including the handle, should not exceed 26 inches, which is 1 inch shorter and, therefore, somewhat lighter and more wieldable than a standard Tennis racquet.  Regular gut or nylon is used for the string.  A strong Squash Tennis racquet sells at a competitive price to a Squash Racquet bat.

OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES

1.  Courts
    The court dimensions, lines, telltale, material, construction, and
lights shall be in accordance with the specifications approved by the Executive Committee of the National Squash Tennis Association.  Existing [American (hardball)] Squash Racquets courts are recognized by the National Squash Tennis Association, but a court boundary line across the back wall, 4’6” [1372mm] from the floor, is essential, and a line from the center of the service line forward to the front wall is highly desirable.

2.  Racquet and ball
    The racquet or bat shall have a frame similar in shape to that of a
lawn tennis racquet, the length including the handle not to exceed 27 inches [686mm].  The stringing shall be of gut, nylon or other kindred substance, but neither the frame nor the stringing may be of metal. 
    The ball shall be in accordance with the specification approved by
the Executive Committee of the National Squash Tennis Association.