The N-Word Squash Ball and Black Walled Courts - Let's Talk Squash 058

OH BOY! I promise this is not clickbait. It really is the N-Word. Anyway, take a short little journey down a squash history rabbit hole.
I talk about the N-Word squash ball, how the word might have been used around the turn of the century, why it was available in Black, red and white. How early squash courts were probably blacked-walled. I then move onto the wide variety of sizes squash courts were made in and how that lead to a wide variety of squash balls.
Feel free to add information or correct anything I get wrong.
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[@coffignewzealand1183]

Thanks for bringing some history about this addictive sport

[@BetterSquash]

You are most welcome. There are many other things like that to learn.

[@UIUCSquash]

As a midwestern american I have the misfortune (or in this case fortune) of playing on 3 widths of courts. Those that were made to american hardball standards, those that are converted racquetball courts, and international courts. It does certainly make a difference. Also the floors and wall types can vary widely. Some courts are even made of concrete walls which are a lot more interesting. Definitely some variety out there for those of us where high quality courts are not standard.

[@BetterSquash]

Which do you prefer? I've played on some courts that were slightly narrower than international standard due to building limitations and it was a little strange. Perfect for training, but I didn't really enjoy them. I think I would prefer slightly wider courts.

[@michaelmitchell8567]

We used to have black round liquorice flavoured sweet balls when we were kids in South Africa in the early 80s. They were called N-Word balls. Think they are called "leolead balls" now... Maybe that could be a connection of some sort? They also came in different colours. Interesting video! Very cool.

[@BetterSquash]

Thanks for your comment. I searched for the sweets you mentioned and couldn't find anything related to their history or previous name. The fact that a product was still called that in the 1980s is shocking to me, but I don't really know enough about the history of South Africa to comment.

[@michaelmitchell8567]

@@BetterSquash I think it was slang for them.

[@marcopignone9386]

Black walled squash courts make complete sense. I have been on a racquets court and for some reason I never thought of that.

[@BetterSquash]

I could be completely wrong, but based on the fact that white balls were available, it only seems sensible to believe that at least some were dark or black walled.

[@shapes2000]

"Oh my golly" Jesus.

[@BetterSquash]

You don't like my "golly"?

[@shapes2000]

@@BetterSquash I think that word has a similar meaning to the video title. Don't know if it was a Freudian slip by you.

[@BetterSquash]

Golly is a euphemism for God. The word I believe you are thinking of is "golliwog", which definitely has a racist tone and origin. It can be shortened to "golly", but the phrase "Oh my golly" is not connected to that. However, you are probably right, and I should have said "Oh My Gosh".