Squash Racquets: The Khan Game

Since Hashim Khan ruled, many things have changed in squash, but his love and insight for the game are as clear and sharp as the sound of the ball coming off his racquet. I had read his book years ago when I had a chance to visit the Denver Athletic Club. Sitting in the court bleachers watching a match, I was hoping to get a pickup game. Then an aging, bald man sat down near me. I recognized him from the photo on the front of "Squash Racquets: The Khan Game"; I was in the presence of a legend! So, lacking any sense of shame, I introduced myself and asked if he'd like to play a game. He said he was there to give a lesson, but if his student didn't show, he'd play. Luckily the student didn't. Khan came to me and said in his lilting accent, "Let's play!" ... What he meant was, "Let me play with you." And he did ... this pro (in his mid-70s at the time) against a 40-something novice in decent condition ... he stood calmly in the middle of the court and ran me around till I could barely breathe. He made his book come alive.

I was fortunate enough to learn squash from Hashim in his time at the Uptown Athletic Club, while I was working at Chevrolet Central Office. He's the most amazing athlete I've ever met ... or seen! Hashim is to squash as Pele is to soccer... and then some. I know of no other athlete who mastered their sport to the level that Hashim mastered squash. It's not just that he dominated. He was so much better than even the next best players that he could 'adjust' his game to a level that kept the match "interesting." What's more, he could do that even with a novice like me. When I made a shot that, for me(!), was a 'personal best,' Hashim had adjusted his game to the point it was a winner. Barely. It was never like he'd "given up" or was being charitable. He was such a total master that he could "dial his game up or down" and it'd feel right. The book is written very much like Hashim talks. It's a joy to read ... and remember.

Hashim Khan was THE master of squash for many, many years. In its day, his book certainly deserved a 5 out 5.As the other reviewer noted, it may be a bit dated now. But it is a delight to read... not in spite of, but because of, Khan's unique authorial voice. I recommend it to anything who would like a fun, short, readable, entertaining introduction to the game.

This book is un-put-downable, but, only for squash players, for others it may be boring since the English etc is not that great.It provides an insight in to the world of squash as it was in the early part of what the modern game evolved into. This is where the book wins. It spotlights the roots from where the modern game evolved and from where the Khan legacy and its dominance began. You will surprised by the simplistic training regimen etc. and cement your faith in raw talent as a path to squash success.Of course it also provides a biographical view of the master - Hashim Khan. Ignore the deficiency of language and pick it up as a necessary step in the your education as a squash player.

Best sport ever - best player ever. A great read. Lost my original copy - was thrilled to see it on Amazon.

Simply a great great book! If you play squash, you have to read this book. If you do not play squash, there's still a lot of life lessons packed in a really small book!

He was a genius. Perhaps his English is not what you would expect. But bear in mind he was an illiterate man.

This is the ABC for the Squash! just awesome!

A lot of money for a manual handbook although the style of play to be admired - helped my game enormously!