Most of us know that there are different coloured squash balls, but how many of you know about the green dot? Not many, I guess, so read on and I’ll give you a little insight into all the colours available and why. It’s not about aesthetics. There are real differences and it’s all in the size and bounce!
The different colours indicate the speed and bounce of the ball, so it can cater to all levels of players from Newbies to Professionals. A little bit of background for all the history buffs there. Dunlop introduced its dot system back in 1970 to help guide the players on the right ball to use depending on the speed, court and climate.
To start with, the 4 most common colours are;
The Blue Dot
This is the Intro Squash Ball and it bounces the fastest. As the name implies, it’s designed for new players and juniors. It’s actually 12% bigger than the official Pro match ball with 40% more bounce!
The Red Dot
This is called the Progress Squash Ball and it’s designed for recreational players, so it’s 6% bigger than the Pro match ball with 20% more bounce.
The Single Yellow Dot
This is one of the most commonly used squash balls. It’s called the Competition Squash Ball and it’s designed for experienced players (or players who think they are experienced!). It has exactly the same dimensions as the Pro match ball but with 10% more bounce. An interesting fact; up until 2001, this was actually the competition standard! Does that mean we are getting faster and better at squash?
The Double Yellow Dot
This is simply called the Pro. Since 2001, it has become the official ball at all national and international tournaments. It also has the lowest bounce. If you see a player bring out a Double Yellow squash ball, you know you’re in for a good game!
Now, finally, we have a less well-known ball
The Green/Orange Dot
This is used in high altitudes. It is ‘Super slow’ in bounce and speed. It is also known as an Orange dot ball too!
The Championship Ball
Yes, it does get confusing as there is no standardised dot system. The World Squash Federation only endorses the Dunlop standard yellow dot championship ball.
Here are some fun facts for those interested in all things related to squash balls!
From Malaysia to all the world
The Dunlop squash balls are made from raw butyl rubber imported from Malaysia to Barnsley, UK in bales of 25kg. Each bale is enough to make about 1,200 balls. The raw butyl rubber is far too stiff in its natural state, so it is masticated and natural and synthetic materials are mixed to give the right bounce and size appropriate to the dot!
How is it made?
The compounds are warmed, loaded in an extruder, cut into pellets and cooled. Each pellet makes half a ball known as a ‘half shell’. After being subjected to extreme pressure and temperature of 140-160c for 12 minutes, the pellets are cured and will retain their shape. 50% of the half shells are ‘Plains’ and the remaining 50% are called ‘Dots’. The Dots have a tiny pin in the bottom to create the dimple for the dot.
An adhesive is used in a complex process that is applied to the buffed edge of the half shells. This is applied three times in 30-minute intervals, after which the half shells are finally stuck together in a process called ‘Flapping’!
The flapped balls are then put through another round of moulding, heating, vulcanising and buffing before being washed dried and inspected by a team of four ladies. Inspections are carried out throughout the entire process, but only after the final test are they stamped with the Dunlop logo and boxed! Now you know the level of effort and work that goes into a ball. Treat your balls with respect!
The diameter of a competition ball is between 39.5-40.5mm and weighs roughly 23-25 grams.
The astonishing speed
Another fun fact for those that have been hit by a ball. The maximum recorded speed of a squash ball is nearly 282 km/hr by Australia’s Cameron Pilley in 2014, so I guess be grateful you weren’t on the receiving end of that!
