Squash 101: Intro to Squash | Friday April 17 & Saturday April 18

Free | Open to the Community | All Equipment Provided | Featuring Top-Tier Squash Instructors

We’re excited to invite you to our Intro to Squash sessions at the Friedman JCC — a fun, beginner‑friendly way to try one of the fastest‑growing sports in the country.

As the home of the only two regulation‑size, competition‑quality squash courts in the NEPA region, the Friedman JCC is uniquely positioned to introduce this dynamic sport to our community. Whether you’re simply curious or looking for a new activity to enjoy together, this is the perfect place to start.

If you already have some familiarity with squash — or you play tennis, pickleball, racquetball, or another racquet sport — we welcome you to our adult sessions, or feel free to join us at 12:00 PM for hands‑on introduction followed by some competitive play with our instructors.

And if you’re just stopping in to learn what squash is all about, you’re welcome to come listen, ask questions, and get a feel for the program even if you can’t stay for the full session.

Squash at the JCC

The Friedman JCC is home to the only regulation squash courts in Northeast PA.

Squash is a fun and challenging contest of agility, strategy, talent and mental and physical strength.  Playing squash is also a great activity  for health and fitness. Recently it was named the number one healthiest sport by Forbes Magazine. Along with it’s health benefits, this indoor sport can be played year-round in all kinds of weather by players of any skill level. A sport for everyone to love!

*Open Squash court times available all day, every day. Monday – Sunday.

Event Schedule

Friday, April 17

  • 3:30–5:00 PM — Intro for Children with Parents (Grades 4–7)
  • 5:00–7:00 PM — Intro for Any Age Group

Saturday, April 18

  • 9:30–10:30 AM — Intro for Children with Parents (Grades 4–7)
  • 10:30 AM–12:00 PM — Intro for Any Age Group
  • 12:00 PM -1:30 PM — Intermediate level hands on instruction and competitive play

Can’t Make It On April 17th?

We’d still love to keep you in the loop. Join our interest list to hear about upcoming squash programs, family sessions, and future intro events.

What You’ll Learn

  • Basic rules and court safety
  • How to hold the racquet
  • Forehand and backhand fundamentals
  • Serving, scoring, and movement
  • Info about upcoming squash programs, family sessions, and future events.

What To Bring

  • Clean, non‑marking sneakers.
  • We provide racquets, balls, goggles, and on‑court support.

Who Can Attend

  • Kids, families, adults — all ages and experience levels welcome.
  • No JCC membership required to participate

If you already have some familiarity with squash — or you play tennis, pickleball, racquetball, or another racquet sport — we welcome you to our adult sessions, and/or join us at 12:00 PM for hands‑on introduction followed by some competitive play with our instructors.

Our Instructors

Earl Phillips | Squash Instructor at the Friedman JCC

EARL PHILLIPS

Earl Phillips is a Level 1 Squash Coach (United States Squash Racquets Association). A native of Dallas, Pa, Earl played Varsity Basketball and Baseball at Wyoming Seminary and went on to Captain the Wesleyan University basketball team. He helped coach both Scott and his brother, Morgan who was a top ten player in the US (Under 19s), played #1 on the Varsity Squash team at The Loomis-Chaffe School and then went on to play for the Varsity Squash team at Williams College. Morgan is a Level 2 Squash Coach with the USSRA, coached college squash, and currently teaches math and coaches squash and tennis at the Salisbury School.

Scott Phillips | Squash Instructor at the Friedman JCC

SCOTT PHILLIPS

Scott Phillips is a Level1 Squash Coach (United States Squash Racquets Association). He was ranked in the top 16 in the country as a Junior (Under 19), Played #1 on the Varsity Squash team for four years at Suffield Academy where he also played Varsity Tennis and Varsity Lacrosse.  He then Played #1 for the Saint Lawrence University Varsity Squash team where he was also a member of the Varsity Tennis team.   More recently, Scott coached squash at Colby College as well as Bowdoin College.

 

 

Lydia Phillips | Squash Instructor at the Friedman JCC

LYDIA PHILLIPS

Lydia Phillips is a 9 year old who enjoys music, cats, art, math, hiking, Lacrosse, and squash.   She regularly plays a five game match with her Grandpa and then chases and plays with the court dog, Scooter.