Hi aprice 1985 - It is still a good idea to read rules 9,12 and 17 to get a better understanding of the rules, but I think you are getting a grasp of it now.
I words "open play" I have never heard of before. Play is when the game starts, which is with the service of course. "Turning" is probably more likely, (i)from a return of service often caused by the feet/body position of the opponent in the back of the court (wanting to avoid hitting a backhand return), (ii)by the server overhitting the serve, (iii)a lob/toss overhit and bouncing into the middle of the court, and (iii)shots being hit down the middle of the court. Marking targets on the wall and floor will assist overcome these problems.

So, when you take a look at all the occasions "turning" can happen, mostly when the ball is out of control, it is not surprising why "turning" is such a difficult rule for players/referees; and the frustration it causes.

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And this applys both in open play and off the serve on the forehand and backhand? Also I feel that there are very few returns which required turning except off the serve as I have never turned in open play in three years.

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aprice1985 - It seems you have not got this "turning" rule straight, and I probably have confused this issue too, and the latest amendments to "turning" have changed the emphasis. So, here is the current rule interpretation on "turning" - does it make sense to you now?:

When the Striker calls "let" the play stops. The decision to be made is:-

1. Could the return have been struck without "turning" ?

If YES, NO LET

If NO, provided the opponent's return would have gone
up, YES LET.

2. If the Striker hits the opponent, POINT TO OPPONENT, except if the ball was heading towards the side wall (see the explanation below).

3. If the Striker hits a winning return, POINT to the Striker.

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Yes but is the striker who is turning always entitled to call a let? Cause that seems unfair if I work them out of position and even if they hit the ball it will be a weak return but they can get a let because they turn.

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aprice - your question for a ruling - if, after "turning", the ball heading to the side wall (before hitting the front wall) hits the opponent here is the quote:-
"If the ball either had struck, or would have struck, any other wall, and the return would have been good, a let is played.
If the return would not have been good, the striker loses the rally."

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dear aprice
the latest version of the rules prevents a player from turning if the turning is just an opportunity to appeal, rather than a genuine attempt to play the ball.(rule 9.2.3)

i understand this to mean that if a player has the opportunity to play the ball wthout turning, but then chooses to turn and play the ball, there is NO LET. So if the turning was the only option in retrieving the ball, play a let, if not, no let.

try this link:
http://www.worldsquash.co.uk/singles_rules.html

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So if my opponent turns and hits me, off a side wall or not, it is my point but they are always entitled to call a let even in open play?

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Morning aprice -
There is nothing to stop a player from turning on the ball, though your opponent may not be pleased, particularly if they get hit. Here is an extract from the coaching tip "Ball hits player - Referee decision?" which is in the archives for you to read.
"Rule 9 - Turning.
If the striker has either followed the ball round, or allowed it to pass around him or her - in either case striking the ball to the right of the body after the ball had passed to the left (or vice-versa) - then the striker has "turned".
If the opponent is struck by the ball after the striker has turned, the rally is awarded to the opponent.
If the striker, while turning, stops play for fear of striking the opponent, then a let is played. This is the recommended course of action in situations where a player wants to turn but is unsure of the opponent's position."

It is a bit tricky I know. Are you clear on the "turning" rule now? There is a big chance of being hit when the player turns on the ball.

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