Can You Hit the Side Wall First in Squash?
Guides
Can a squash shot hit the side wall before the front wall? Learn when a boast is legal and why serves are different.
The quick answer
Yes, during a rally you can hit the side wall before the front wall. This is commonly called a boast. The ball must still reach the front wall legally before it hits the floor, and it must not go out or hit the tin. There is one important exception: a serve must hit the front wall first.
What is a boast in squash?
A boast uses a side wall to redirect the ball onto the front wall. It can be a useful attacking or defensive shot, especially when you are under pressure in a back corner. A well-placed boast may bring the ball short and force your opponent to move forward.
What makes the shot legal?
On a normal return, the ball may touch the side or back walls before reaching the front wall, provided it does not hit the floor first or otherwise go out. It must then reach the front wall above the tin and below the out line. Your opponent must be given a fair chance to reach and play the ball.
Why is serving different?
For a legal serve, the ball must travel directly to the front wall between the service line and out line. A serve that hits the side wall first, or the front and side walls simultaneously, is a fault. After it hits the front wall, however, the served ball may travel to a side wall.
Try the two-wall challenge
Stand in a back corner and attempt five controlled boasts that finish near the front of the court. Count how many land short enough to put an opponent under pressure. Accuracy matters much more than power.
Frequently asked questions
Can you hit the back wall before the front wall?
During a rally, a return may use the back wall before the front wall if it remains legal.
Can you serve onto the side wall first?
No. The serve must hit the front wall directly first.
Practising your serve as well? Read about the overhead squash serve and our squash rules for beginners. For a friendly accuracy contest prize, explore personalised Dunlop Pro squash balls.
Rules checked against World Squash Singles Rules, September 2025, sections 5.7.3 and 6.2: official squash rules.
