Balancing school and squash can sometimes feel like spinning plates. One minute you’re smashing shots on court, the next you’re racing to finish homework or revising for a test. But guess what? Loads of students like you manage both, and you can too.
Whether training at an academy, playing in regional or national events, or representing your county or club, balancing schoolwork and squash can sometimes feel like two full-time jobs.
Here’s the good news: it is possible. Plenty of young athletes, including those in other racquet sports and other sports such as football or junior formula of motor racing, have been where you are – and not only survived, but thrived.
Here’s a deeper look at how you can manage the demands of both without burning out.
You’re Not Alone
Lots of young squash players are balancing sports and studies. Even some of the top junior players have to work around school exams, coursework and revision. If they can do it, so can you. The key is learning how to manage your time and look after yourself along the way.
Time Management: Your Secret Weapon
Think of your day like a squash match—you need a game plan.
Plan your week every Sunday night. Write down your squash sessions, schoolwork, and anything else important (family events, downtime, etc.).
Use small time blocks. Got 20 minutes after school before training? Use it to tackle a bit of homework.
Avoid last-minute stress. Don’t leave your homework or revision until the night before. Do a little bit every day, like reps in training.
Top Tip: Try using a timer—like 25 minutes of focus followed by a 5-minute break. It’s called the Pomodoro technique, and it works!
Stay Fuelled and Rested
Training hard and thinking hard both need energy
Just like living a normal life, balancing education alongside your Squash career, it is important to:
- Eat well: Think of food as fuel. Balanced meals help your brain and your body perform at their best.
- Drink water: Staying hydrated helps you focus better and play better.
- Sleep is gold: Aim for 8–10 hours a night. Your muscles recover and your brain resets when you sleep. It’s not lazy—it’s smart.
School Comes First (But That Doesn’t Mean Squash Comes Last)
Sometimes you might need to skip a training session for revision. Other times, you’ll need to bring homework to a tournament hotel. That’s okay.
Doing well at school doesn’t mean giving up on squash. It means making smart choices. Remember—being a student-athlete teaches you how to focus, manage pressure and stay disciplined. Those are life skills that go far beyond school and sport.
Talk to People
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, speak up.
- Talk to your coach if school is getting intense. They can adapt your training load.
- Talk to your teachers if you’ve got a big match or tournament. They’ll often give you advice or extensions if you’re honest and organised.
- Talk to your parents or friends if you need help balancing things. You don’t have to figure it all out on your own.
Make Time for Fun
Yes—squash and school are important. But so is being a teenager. Make space to hang out with friends, play games, chill, or just do nothing for a bit. You’ll come back to your training and schoolwork feeling fresher and more motivated.
You’re Building More Than Just a Career
Whether or not you go on to play squash professionally or study at a top university, the skills you’re learning now are setting you up for life. Remember:
- You’re learning discipline and work ethic
- You’re learning how to set goals and handle pressure
- You’re learning how to bounce back from setbacks
That’s powerful stuff.
Don’t Be Afraid to Adjust
Balance isn’t a fixed point—it shifts throughout the year. Exam season may mean easing up on squash, while tournament season might require more leniency in academic expectations. That’s okay. Adapt your schedule, and give yourself grace when things don’t go perfectly.
Final Thoughts
Balancing squash and education requires discipline, passion, and support—but it’s more than possible. Many top players credit their academic focus with helping them become smarter, more strategic athletes. Likewise, the resilience, time management, and goal-setting learned through squash often translate into academic success.
At the heart of it, it’s about building habits that support both your dreams and your development. And when you get that balance right, you don’t just grow as a student or an athlete—you grow as a person.
You don’t have to give up squash to do well in school, and you don’t have to drop your studies to chase squash success. With the right attitude, smart planning, and good support, you can do both.
Every training session, every homework task, every early morning—it all adds up. So keep going. Keep showing up. And remember: you’ve got this.