Virtual Squash

5. Interference: Calling Lets & Strokes (Rule 8)

Because both players share the same court, the player who just struck the ball must immediately make every effort to clear so the opponent has:

1. A fair view of the ball on its rebound from the front wall;
2. Unobstructed direct access to the ball;
3. Freedom to strike the ball with a reasonable backswing and follow-through;
4. Freedom to play the ball directly to any part of the front wall.

• How to Request a Let: The obstructed player must stop play immediately and say "Let, please!" (Press F or L, click ✋ Let, raise an Open Palm ✋ on Webcam, or Hold Phone Upright). If you fail to call a clear Let and let the ball bounce twice, you lose the point!
• No Let (Point to Non-Striker): Interference was minimal, the striker could not have reached the ball to make a good return, or the striker played past the interference and accepted it.
• Yes, Let (Replay Rally): There was interference that the opponent made every effort to avoid, and the striker could have made a good return; OR the striker reasonably held back out of fear of hitting the opponent.
• Stroke Awarded (Point to Striker): The opponent failed to make every effort to clear, stood inside the striker's reasonable swing arc, or stood directly in the front-wall shot triangle when the striker was poised to make a winning return.

6. Ball Hitting a Player & Safety Discipline (Rule 9)

• Mandatory Safety Rule: A player must NEVER strike the ball if there is any risk of hitting the opponent with the ball or racket. Always stop play and appeal for a Let/Stroke!
• Ball Hits Non-Striker Going Directly to Front Wall: It is a Stroke to the Striker—unless the striker had "turned" (let the ball pass behind their body and swung around the other side) or made a further attempt, in which case it is a Stroke to the Non-Striker.
• Ball Hits Non-Striker via Another Wall (Boast): If the ball hits a side or back wall first before hitting the non-striker on its way to the front wall, it is a Yes, Let (unless it would have been a winning return, in which case a Stroke may be awarded).
• Referee Safety Warning (Conduct Rule 15): Even when a player wins a Stroke because their ball hit an obstructing opponent, the Referee issues a Formal Safety Warning reminding the striker to stop and call a Let instead of hitting the opponent. Deliberate or dangerous play can result in a Conduct Stroke or Conduct Game!