Squash tennis

The problem today is that as the North American version of squash becomes less popular, new courts are not being built, and many old ones are being converted to other uses.

Although many of these were built in the New York area, after play was authorized on a North American squash court they began to disappear.

It did not make economic sense to maintain a specialty court when a more versatile one was acceptable.

The court at Plum Orchard was fully restored in 2008 with the tins in place and working electric lights.

It was added to George Lauder Carnegie's "Plum Orchard" estate on Cumberland Island, Georgia, in the winter of 1903/04, and is now owned by the National Park Service.

An exhibit on squash tennis history has recently been installed in the mansion, which is occasionally open for public tours.

Early courts had dark wood walls so that white tennis balls could be seen.

Blue painter's tape can be used to add the additional lines on the floor and back wall of squash racquets courts.

But it is similar to lawn tennis, as the ball is served diagonally and lands in front of the service line.

The standard serve is a gently hit ball that strikes just below the front wall out line, comes back in a high arc, then bounces just in front of the floor service line where it meets the side wall.

In 1911 the National Squash Tennis Association was founded and organized by the banker, John W. Prentiss, Harvard Club of New York.

In an effort to make the game more accessible, tournament play was authorized on squash racquets courts.

During World War II the special ball was no longer manufactured, so advanced players started to lose interest.

League play and tournaments continued with energy supplied by Norman F. Torrance in the 1950s.

The sixties saw a revival as younger players took up the game and Jim Prigoff became National Champion and later President of the Squash Tennis Association and Richard C. "Dick" Squires became active when a special ball was once again available to players.

But competition by the new game of racquetball prevented these later attempts from making any headway with the public.

The basic equipment is inexpensive, however, and for those with access to a squash court it can easily be enjoyed for its recreational and exercise value.

The guide includes pointers on how to play the game, history, rules, and a list of all national champions.