Squash at the Olympics: Why a New Scoring System is the Game-Changer We Need

Squash is finally set to make its long-awaited Olympic debut at LA28 — a historic moment for a sport with speed, skill, and intensity baked into every rally. But if we truly want to capture the imagination of a global audience, we need to rethink one key element: the scoring system.

Enter the 5 x 5 format — a dynamic, fast-paced, viewer-friendly way to play squash that’s built for modern sport and tailor-made for the Olympic stage. First to 5 points, first to 5 games!

Why Change the Scoring?

Squash’s current scoring format (best of 5 games to 11 points) is great for purists but often falls flat with casual viewers. Matches can last over an hour, have slow starts (can take over 10 miniutes get to 5-5 in some games), and feature mid-game drop-offs when a player is trailing. In the high-stakes, high-drama world of the Olympics, there’s no room for downtime.

The first to 5 games to 5 points model flips the script:

• Shorter games but not so short on match duration

• No wasted points

• Intense from start to finish

• Clarity for viewers

The 5 x 5 Format at a Glance

• First to 5 points wins a game

• First to 5 games wins the match

• At 4–4 in any game, the next rally wins the game

• At 4–4 in the 9th game, it’s match point — every rally could be the decider

It’s squash, distilled down to pure adrenaline.

Made for TV, Built for the Crowd

Olympic sports today must fit into tight broadcast windows, deliver high drama, and win over audiences who may be seeing the sport for the first time. The 5 x 5 format hits the sweet spot:

Matches fit within 30–60 minutes

Every point matters — no slow build-ups

More potential for upsets and comeback stories

Easier to explain and display with graphics

Perfect for highlight reels and social media clips

This isn’t just a format change — it’s a viewer experience revolution.

Easier to Understand = Easier to Love

Let’s face it — squash scoring can be confusing for newcomers. Unlike sports like tennis that display “sets and games,” or cricket which shows runs and wickets clearly, squash often shows just two numbers: 4–2, or 7–3, with no context for where we are in the match. (I know this is a broadcast issue and not the scoring fault)

With 5 x 5 scoring, a match at 4–4 in the 9th is as simple as it gets — sudden death. That’s drama any viewer can grasp, regardless of whether they’ve ever picked up a squash racket.

Faster Format = More Matches = More Stars

The Olympic Games are a showcase of the world’s best athletes — but there’s limited court time and TV coverage. Slightly shorter matches mean:

• More games can be played per day

• More nations and players can be featured

• Tournaments can build momentum faster

• Broadcasters can plan tight, exciting coverage

What the Pros Say

Even current and former professional players are open to the change:

Victor Crouin (World No.12, France):"I like the urgency of having to be focused for 5 points... it's worth trying for sure!"

Paul Johnson (former World No.4, PSA commentator):"It could create more pivotal and intense moments. One-sided matches will be quicker, and tight matches will still deliver great drama."

This isn't about replacing tradition — it's about evolving for the biggest stage of all. The current scoring format still has it's place in amateur squash and league squash but for TV and especially for the Olympics, something has to change.

The Bottom Line

Squash at the Olympics must be more than just a victory for our sport — it must be a showcase. We need squash that is fast, fierce and viewer-ready. The 5 x 5 format brings that in spades.

It’s time to take a bold step forward and ensure that when the world tunes in to LA28, they don’t just see squash, they fall in love with it.

Like the sound of the 5 x 5 format? Try it next time you’re on court. Better yet, help spread the word — because squash deserves to shine in LA.