I'd try to get hold of Jonathon Power: Exposed DVD (No it's not a Celeb Sex-Tape!!). It has some good suggestions for training and routines on there.

When I do solo drills I usually opt for target areas to hit to keep myself focused and stop from getting bored! Basic lengths are good with a small (2 inch square) target. Once you hit the target change sides. Vary by opting for hard drives, mid height/mid power and finally floated. Same goes for anywhere on court, focus on a target, vary the objective and keep it interesting!

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The squashgame Library/Drills Routines (see tab above) will provide you with many ideas. The Relevant Content tab will also show some associated discussions.

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I'll try and find a coach, as pointed out reinforcing any bad technique won't do anything for my squash.

Specific goals and targets is also a good idea. Are there any routines or things you two like to practice whilst on your own on the court? Thanks.

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Hi Dave,

Sadly practice doesn't make perfect when it comes to squash, practice makes permanent! With the time you have free I'd try to find a good technical coach for a session at the start of each week. Listen closely to the improvement they suggest in technique, body position, shot selection etc. Then for the rest of the week set out your sessions to focus on one aspect at a time of what the coach told you.

This is not something you can really do on your own as it is very difficult to understand your body's position and movement during each type of shot without being able to see yourself on video.

Being only 2-3 years into playing you'll have some bad habits which will need fine tuning, also you might find that your movement on court will lack flow (unless you've had some good coaching when first starting out). Getting someone to point you in the riight direction will give you the best return from the time you're going to spend on court.

Good luck and enjoy!

Adz

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 Interesting question.

Solo practice is important for having time on court with no pressure to develop shots and groove in good habits that you can use in competition. It does have its limits though. I've had periods heavy with solo-practive (i.e. between seasons), and though my shots improve, it actually takes a few matches to be able to use them when there is an opponent on court.

My advise would be to be purposeful when you practice. There can be a temptation when you have free court time to just hit around, but you'll do better if you have a plan for each session. Be sure to pay attention to your weaknesses as well as maintaining your better shots. Know the shots and routines you want to practice and be clear about the points on technique that are most relevant. 

This is probably a good time to get a bit of coaching. Instead of guessing how to improve your backhand for 5 weeks, try to get some advise early and use the opportunity to practice what you learn.

Pay attention to detail when you practice. For example if practising boasts know if you're aiming for a 3 wall boast, or a running (working) boast and see how often you hit it correctly. It's also worth having incremental goals. So your target area for drives (for example) will be smaller (tighter and deeper) by the end of this period than at the beginning.

Find an opponent if you can to keep some match fitness. 

Good luck with it.

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