jonny - Sorry for being bossy. I have given this post a more topical caption/heading to make it easier to locate during a search.  If you do not agree with the wording please edit it and change it to your own words.

Our Squashgame Library/Tactics has some valuable hints.

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Hi Rippa,

Many thanks for your reply its full of great info which has given me plenty to think about and practice.

keep up the good work great to be a member

jon

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jonny - welcome to the game of squash.  You have started a learning curve and that can only improve your game.  The problem you have is not just yours alone.  It is just another skill to learn. Some of my thoughts on this:

• When you practice you know where the ball is going (well most of the time!) and are ready for the return from the front wall which means you are watching the ball all the time, and also know if it is going to the forehand side or backhand side, which means you are prepared early for the shot; that is you are facing the correct way, your racket backswing is easier to get in position.  That is all quite normal.
• When you play better players or those with a more fluent style and movement, the game seems to flow better.  How?  They know where the ball is going, they get out of the way, they do not hit so many fluke shots, and it is easier to get into a rhythm.  Your game seems to always lift when playing better players and you come off the court feeling your game has improved.
• Playing unorthodox players, especially if they hit the ball hard, often do not know where the ball is actually going, seem to get in the way as they do not watch the ball and often do not realise they are preventing you from making early preparation for the shot.
• Be patient, be prepared to RUN by getting onto your toes as soon as the opponent is about to strike the ball, clear the ball, wear eyewear, move into a position on court so that you can keep sight of the ball at all times (this will help your reaction to chase after the shot as well as prepare earlier with your body and racket).
• Try to keep your opponent in the back corners (their style will make it difficult to retrieve deep shots). When you hit to the back of the court do not turn your back on the ball, turn and move away to leave plenty of room for the opponent to hit and watch carefully their movement and racket work (get out of the line of fire of the opponent's return and then RUN!!).
• If the ball is level with the player it will be possible to hit a straight shot.  If the ball rebounds past the player, heading towards the front wall, a cross court shot is possible (so move further away as this is happening so the opponent has full access to the front wall and prevent you being hit). If the ball is too low and remains behind the player a front wall shot is very unlikely (so then you can move into a more central position on court), and expect a side wall shot, eg boast.

About your practice. 

• Solo practice one forehand and one backhand (to improve your racket work).  Start off slowly and increase the pace as your accuracy improves.
• Pair practice two forehands, one cross court to your partner (this will improve your footwork)

That is probably heaps for now and let me know how that works out.

Good luck.

 PS - Check out the Relevant Content tab on the top lefthand column for more reading.

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