The Basic Basics of Squash
Published: 08 Dec 2005 - 21:19 by raystrach
Updated: 11 Jan 2006 - 19:06
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Due to some simple advice sought by a member (viper), I find myself writing this short article on the Basic Basics. (read this in conjunction with finding a coach)
Squash is a very technical game, but once it is all pared back there are three basics which are common to all players no matter what their technique. First a brief explanation then some links for reading in your spare time!
Open faced racket is the basic racket skill
i have seen some very good players with unconventional technique but there is one thing they have in common with other very good players - open face racket technique
Links:
Stroke Technique
Open Face is a Winner
Deception is Deceiving (Look for part II soon)
Open Racket Face....
Pronation/Supination
Balance Whilst Striking the Ball
Whatever type of footwork one uses, balance is the key. it just so happens that balance is most easily achieved by open footwork. there will be times when this is not possible - that's ok . when you have time, use open footwork
Links:
Open Vs Closed Stance
Footwork Technique
Duck For Dinner
Take the Ball Early
This is the tactical basic. all other tactics come from this basic. hitting deep gives you more time to get tot the T and see what you are doing - again giving you more time. Hitting early can be volleying, hitting on the top of the bounce or even on the rise or the half volley. They all cut down the time your opponent has to react.
Volley Technique
Tactical Skills
i might add more later. Better still, if the members find reading material which supports this (or not) create a link!!
How to add images to Members' Forum posts and replies here...
Squash is a very technical game, but once it is all pared back there are three basics which are common to all players no matter what their technique. First a brief explanation then some links for reading in your spare time!
Open faced racket is the basic racket skill
i have seen some very good players with unconventional technique but there is one thing they have in common with other very good players - open face racket technique
Links:
Stroke Technique
Open Face is a Winner
Deception is Deceiving (Look for part II soon)
Open Racket Face....
Pronation/Supination
Balance Whilst Striking the Ball
Whatever type of footwork one uses, balance is the key. it just so happens that balance is most easily achieved by open footwork. there will be times when this is not possible - that's ok . when you have time, use open footwork
Links:
Open Vs Closed Stance
Footwork Technique
Duck For Dinner
Take the Ball Early
This is the tactical basic. all other tactics come from this basic. hitting deep gives you more time to get tot the T and see what you are doing - again giving you more time. Hitting early can be volleying, hitting on the top of the bounce or even on the rise or the half volley. They all cut down the time your opponent has to react.
Volley Technique
Tactical Skills
i might add more later. Better still, if the members find reading material which supports this (or not) create a link!!
How to add images to Members' Forum posts and replies here...
Replies...
Please Note: The most recent replies are now at the top!
From raystrach - 09 Dec 2005 - 09:35
From rippa rit - 09 Dec 2005 - 09:00
Hi guys - this topic sure has got some fire in the belly of us all,which i like to see.
Ray has done a good job of bringing the info from the site together - and I wonder if he used our search feature to do that or was it his good memory, and maybe he used the Library!
Ray has done a good job of bringing the info from the site together - and I wonder if he used our search feature to do that or was it his good memory, and maybe he used the Library!
- For everything we say there are of course exceptions.
- I am referring to taking the ball early.
- If you are in the centre of the court, the opponent must be out of position or on the run, so sure keep the opponent moving and "run him out" as cricket would say. And, it does not have to be a hard shot either.
- To wait for the ball would be, say, shots coming off the back wall or side walls where you use the "wait" period to your advantage, or maybe deception. But, of course while you are waiting you must get down to the ball especially if the ball is rebounding off the walls, and use your body more....sometimes to move your opponent out of the way and make an opening.
- I would consider these things more advanced skills, because to do this at the right time requires purposeful practice.
- Unfortunately, often, even with reasonable players, as soon as you ask them to change their rhythm you muck them up absolutely.
- You must set up your practice with specific goals, eg taking the ball early from the T or volley, get to the ball early WAIT especially when the opponent is right on your tail, vary the pace, hit to the corners, and so on.
- The delima I see, we have basic technique which is required to develop a full array of strokes; we have tactics which need to be adaptable and flexible.
- If players do not understand the "ins and outs" of an open face racket all the coaching in the world will not take the player to their full potential.
From drop-shot - 08 Dec 2005 - 23:50
Oh, that's sound good for me as my coach totally follows your directions. Sometimes I print out your posts and bring it to him to evaluate/ check out/ practice what you wrote :-)))
Slavi, the pupil of the year, ;-D
Slavi, the pupil of the year, ;-D
From raystrach - 08 Dec 2005 - 23:20 - Updated: 09 Dec 2005 - 09:13
hi slavi and others
i certainly encourage players to use a coach. the idea of this post was to emphasize these three points
i was merely pointing out the reason why i thought those things were important, so that when he (viper) finds a coach, he should make sure the coach shares these basic ideas.
i once coached a young lady whose previous coach directed her to hit the ball "low" to the floor. this is totally against the way i coach. she was totally programmed to go back, not forward. the scary bit was, that this coach was a level 2 coach! trying to get her to change was a battle i did not win.
if a coach coaches using the three principles above, you will definitely benefit from a session. in any case i am after more work for the coaches union!
i certainly encourage players to use a coach. the idea of this post was to emphasize these three points
i was merely pointing out the reason why i thought those things were important, so that when he (viper) finds a coach, he should make sure the coach shares these basic ideas.
i once coached a young lady whose previous coach directed her to hit the ball "low" to the floor. this is totally against the way i coach. she was totally programmed to go back, not forward. the scary bit was, that this coach was a level 2 coach! trying to get her to change was a battle i did not win.
if a coach coaches using the three principles above, you will definitely benefit from a session. in any case i am after more work for the coaches union!
From drop-shot - 08 Dec 2005 - 21:41
Ok, Ray, thanks a bunch, but then let me ask a question:
• can man learn proper squash without a help from pro coach?
Example of Viper shows that yes, you can, still you will miss something
Obviously, reading and learning from web like that may be undoubtfully the great advemtag, still you can't compare that to 45 minutes spent on drills with somebody with 10-15 years of playing and coaching. I assume your answer will say that it depends on the specific qualities and talent of the player, but let me know your POV on it.
• can man learn proper squash without a help from pro coach?
Example of Viper shows that yes, you can, still you will miss something
Obviously, reading and learning from web like that may be undoubtfully the great advemtag, still you can't compare that to 45 minutes spent on drills with somebody with 10-15 years of playing and coaching. I assume your answer will say that it depends on the specific qualities and talent of the player, but let me know your POV on it.
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Front wall target link has some good information to get those wall huggers on their toes
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i meant to mention the search page - please use it as there are heaps more pages than the ones in highlighted.
the thing is about these points, is that if being coached, the coach should be working on these things in everything they do. these points permeate every aspect of the game. it is no something that you spend session on every now and then.
this is NOT to say that you MUST do these things always. It is that you MUST do these things MOST of the time. - there is always room for variety, improvisation, the use of other skills and of course when the opponent forces you to do otherwise.
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