I hang out a lot with squash players.

I also tend to spend a fair amount of time with friends who are in sales, marketing, and other customer-facing areas of business.

It is a “Birds of a feather” thing – in a positive way.

Squash to me is more than a game played with an opponent within the confines of four walls. I get more out of squash than just exercise. If you already play squash or are planning to pick up the game, here are seven reasons to play squash.

Make a living

There are a few ways to make a living playing squash. The obvious one is to turn professional.

It is easier said than done!

It is true that even the 100th-ranked tennis player makes a reasonable living playing tournaments.

Squash has some ways to go.

While the earnings of squash pros are not easily available in the public domain, prize money offered by PSA tournaments has been slowly creeping up allowing the top few to make a decent living. PSA’s 2021-22 World Championships held in Cairo saw record prize money of $1.1 Million split among the male and female athletes.

If you think you got game and are ready to turn pro, read this first-hand experience from someone who did: I Spent Three Years As a Professional Squash Athlete.

Teach the game

Being a pro at a decent squash club can be a career option for many good squash players.

Offering private and group lessons combined with some pro-shop services – racquets, strings, grips, and apparel – can add up to a fair livelihood for some. Unlike professional players who have a short window of opportunity to make their mark and build up their bank balance, this option has longevity and stability. However, you need to be good at what you do.

Offer online lessons

This is a great option for high-skilled players who are at the sunset of their careers. Websites such as SquashSkills and MasterClass allow professionals and others to use their name recognition to draw eager squash players to sign up for high-quality online classes and instructions. The ability to overcome geographical limitations is the biggest advantage of this model.

Earn a scholarship

While squash is not recognized as an official NCAA sport, there are a few high-profile educational institutions in North America and Europe that sponsor varsity squash teams. There may be opportunities to augment your academic profile with your squash achievements to earn admission to one of these revered institutions. Here’s a link to more information on squash scholarships in the United States.

Make friends

Generally speaking, squash players tend to hang out off the squash court as well. Analyzing losses and wins after a grueling match builds comradery which can be like doing a post-mortem on a big sales win.

Squash clubs that have been around for a while tend to be more social than some of the newer fitness facilities that offer squash. If you ever get invited to a squash player’s house party, you should not be surprised to find some of your other squash buddies there.

This invitation from a squash-playing friend is an example.

Develop business contacts

Squash and tennis clubs often provide opportunities to turn social contacts into business contacts. A sales lead or business development opportunity can come from a casual post-game conversation over a beverage. It is a known fact that most jobs are found through networking. Squash clubs provide great opportunities to network with members who are often respected and influential in the areas of their business.

This list of 20 Of The Best Squash Players On Wall Street, should be an inspiration for young squash players.

From a personal perspective, my squash contacts come in handy. From financial services to home renovations, there is always someone interested in potential business.

Stay healthy

Squash is certainly a game for the fit. Three or four days of squash with a few minutes at the gym should keep you going for a while.

At the end of the day, you don’t need any reasons to play squash, other than to simply have fun.

So, what are some of your reasons?