Mini-Squash was first introduced at the International Squash Rackets Federation (now the World Squash Federation)  A.G.M. in Helsinki in November, 1991.  It was developed in Australia and New Zealand and is primarily to introduce the game of Squash to youngsters down to ages as low as 4.  It is played with a squidge type mini-ball which is one and a half times the size of an ordinary Squash ball.  It is made of foam with a coated skin.  The racket is lighter and shorter and has a large hitting area and smaller grip diameter.  It is however strong enough for the normal game.

The method of play and the rules may be varied to suit the ability of the players and the conditions.  Whilst play may take place in a Squash court it may be played against any suitable wall, indoors or outdoors.  Play can also take place on a specially constructed micro-court as used in New Zealand, Germany and Hong Kong.  (for a view of the Hong Kong Court Click here)

About the time Mini-Squash was introduced there was also Micro-Squash and Fun Squash but nothing appears to be recorded about these variants.

Suggested Rules

Service

The players spin a racket for the right to serve first.
The player winning the spin has two services, one service from each side of the court.  He/she may start at either side.
The second player then has two services, one from each side, and the serve alternates in this way throughout the game.
The server should have part of one foot in contact with the floor in the service box during the serve.
The service should be completed by the player throwing the ball into the air and hitting it before it reaches the floor.
The service should go direct to the front wall, above the cut line, and return anywhere in the opposite side of the court as indicated by an imaginary extension to the half court line.
Two attempts at each service are allowed.  If neither is good, the server loses a point.
Notes to the Service:
If players find difficulty in conforming to the above guidelines, the following amendments are recommended:
A greater number of attempts at service.
The ball to be bounced from the floor and/or off the wall before service.
The server to stand in front of the short line.

Play

After the service, a rally continues with players hitting the ball alternately, either on the volley or after one bounce.  A player loses a point if he/she:
Fails to play the ball before it has bounced more than once.
Hits the ball either on or above the out of court line.
Hits the ball into the board or tin.
Hits the ball onto the floor before it reaches the front wall.
Hits the ball twice in succession.
If the ball hits either player, or the players obstruct each other, a let shall be called and the point will be replayed, with the serve being made from the same box.

Scoring

The object of the game is to win by scoring points.  A point is won on every rally, whether the rally is won by the server or receiver.
The player that first scores 15 points wins the game.
If more than one game is played the winner of the previous game serves first.
Notes to Scoring:
If time permits, players may play more than one game, for example three or five, or a set number of games, with the winner decided by the greater number of games won.  A time limit may also be put on play, and the player with the highest number of points at the end of the time limit will be the winner.