Squash 57 or racketball is played with a larger racket and ball than squash ©PSA/Stuart Key

The World Squash Federation (WSF) has launched a course that is set to introduce qualified squash coaches to playing and coaching Squash57, also known as racketball.

The sport uses a larger racket, and a bigger 57 millimetre ball which is bouncier and designed to provide "fun aerobic lifetime sport that is suitable for all ages and abilities which is easy to start, hard to stop," according to course organisers.

The formulation of a training programme has been led by Squash 57 Commission chairman John Osborn.

"We have collaborated with the most knowledgeable, experienced and respected people in the Squash57 world to develop this online Squash57 Fast Track Fundamentals course," said Osborn.

Courses are now being offered for Squash57 to help the development of the sport ©PSA/Stuart Key
Courses are now being offered for Squash57 to help the development of the sport ©PSA/Stuart Key

The course panel included coach John Cordeaux, UK Racketball founder Mark Fuller and ten-time national champion Tim Vail.

"There is a thirst for knowledge from the players and the demand for suitably qualified coaches," Osborn insisted.

"This course will enable squash coaches to quickly and easily understand what Squash57 is and the important differences between squash and Squash57."

In order to take the course, coaches must hold the World Squash Coaching (WSC) level one coaches qualification and register for a WSF squash personal identification number.

The course fee is £49 ($59.38/€55).