Squash for fitness and fun

A squash ball drills through the air and hits the court wall with a sound that scares spectators outside.

In spite of all evidence to the contrary, to Kant Saengruangkit squash is a gentleman's game.

"Squash is a beautiful and clean sport," says the 25-year-old squash instructor. "You must respect the rules to win."

Winning a point is less important than an opponent's safety, continues Kant, who has played since he was 14.

"Even though you understand you can win a point easily, if there's a danger of hitting your opponent then you give the point away."

Unlike tennis, squash players share the area, about a quarter the size of a tennis court - so it's easy for collisions to occur.

Narongvit Visessombut, another teacher, insists players learn the rules to enjoy the sport.

"It can be dangerous if players don't know how to play," says the 29-year-old activity manager at 9 Corner Sports Club in Taling Chan. "It looks dangerous but it's not," says Narongvit, a physicaleducation graduate from Maha Sarakham University.

Squash is a fast game. Players have to move all the time and get to the ball quickly.

"If the ball hits you it can leave a bruise ... and it hurts," says Kant, a master's student in marketing at Thammasat University.

"Players have to stay focused and active. So it's good for practising concentration and good cardiovascular exercise. For safety's sake players must wear goggles."

Kant, who runs his own soyamilk business "Moya", teaches squash part time for Bt300 to Bt500 an hour, depending on how far he has to travel.

He started learning the sport in high school at Singapore and was a university representative during his undergraduate days at Pennsylvania State in the United States.

Squashcourt rental costs between Bt200 to Bt300 an hour at hotels and sports clubs. You can call Kant at (089) 921 2213 and reserve a lesson time.

He'll lend you a racquet for free and make a trip to the court of your choice.

"You can have twohour to threehour lessons with me and then go find someone to play with. I'll give you the basics."

Or, you can take a 10-hour-course for Bt3,500 including court rental with Narongvit at Corner Sports Club on Boromrachachonni Road. More details are at (02) 880 9559.

Racquets cost from Bt1,000 to more than Bt10,000. It's suggested you start out renting a racquet for between Bt50 and Bt200.

"Some people try it a couple times and then quit because they don't like it. Others ... they love it," says Kant.

By Rojana manowalailao

The Nation