Well summarised Mike.

I went to watch a few beginners recently to give them a few tips, so they said.  They could hit the ball but had little idea after that, eg where they should stand, how to get out of the way of being hit and giving their opponent a fair go, did not call any "lets", and it sure looked as though "eyewear" was essential for safety.  What am I suggesting?

• Call a "let" rather than play dangerously.  See rules Q & A.
• Hit backhands on the backhand side rather than putting your body up against the wall.
• Concede the point if your shot rebounds into your body (give your opponent fair view).

Enjoy your play. 

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Welcome to the Sport.

No doubt the Squash Library is a good place to start. I'd say one of the most important things is to engage your brain when playing and watching squash. Take note of the shots played and the effect they have on your opponent. Be aware of what shots, or patterns of play, lead to you winning and losing points. Work to identify your weaknesses and make deliberate efforts to improve them. This is of course a continual process.

Here are a few things I think make a big difference when playing.

Fast Body, Slow Mind

Work on maintaining a calm mentality with a moderate level of arousal. If your too excited  you will rush your play, make more mistakes and give your opponent more opportunities.

Good length is fundamental

Playing deep shots to move your opponent to the back and create opportunities is critical. I try to hold off on touch shots early in a match until I have a good feel of the ball and can find the back comfortably. Try to keep  your shots tight so that the wall restricts your opponents opportunities. Keeping a straight drive tight also widens the court, as your opponent has to move further to hit it.

Watch the Ball

and not just with vague interest, really look at it. Watch when your hitting it, but also when your opponent is hitting it. If you stare at the front wall when your opponent plays his or her shot you'll only have half the time to react to where the shot is going. If you watch your opponent you can improve your ability to read and anticipate.

Fitness helps

If you're gasping for air, shaking and your legs feel soggy it will be very difficult to make decisions on court and to get into a balanced position to hit from. Being fit gives you a better base to work from for the technical and tactical aspects of the game. Good retrieving can also build pressure on your opponent.

Footwork and Movement

This aspect isn't as entertaining as whacking the ball and making it go really fast, but if you're balanced and move effeciently you'll burn less energy, play better shots and make fewer mistakes.

Play more than once a week

If you wait 7 days between getting on court your improvement will be much slower. Try for 3 times a week. When you do solo practice (recommended) make it purposeful. Have a plan for the session.

Good luck with it Samo. I think you'll find your enjoyment of the game goes up as you gain new skills and improve your level of squash.

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