Squash Tips

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Squash Tips

BBC Beginner's guide to squash
Squash is a fast-moving game...
Rules, scoring, tactics, equipment, getting involved.

Top 10 tips   MySpace video   Bash & Dash

If you want to improve your game, there's nothing like having some lessons with a qualified coach. But to get you started here are some basic tips, to help you in the early days.

Lessons I have learned from Peter Nicol,

World no. 1 for 5 years. Former world number one squash player and Commonwealth gold medallist Peter Nicol shares some of his thoughts on how he got to the top of his sport. Click HERE
 

Top 10 tips for new squash players

1. Use the corners of the court as much as possible and the side walls as it's difficult for your opponent to get a good return back the closer it is to the wall.

2. Never take your eye off the ball. This is for two reasons, one so you make sure you return properly and two for your health. The ball will be moving quickly and it can hurt!

3. Don't start the game too quickly. Normally courts are booked for 45 minutes and the last 15 minutes will feel like hours if you don't pace yourself.

4. Do as little running around as possible by positioning yourself in the centre of the court whenever you can. Make your opponent do all the chasing.

5. Vary your game by varying your shot selection. Use the lob and drop shots; you don't always have to hit the ball as hard as you can.

6. In between shots, where possible, try and make your way back to the ‘T’. This is the best possible position to be in preparation for your next shot.

7. Join a squash league; they are not as intimidating as they sound! If you continue to play the same opponent your game can become stale, a league will provide a variety of opponents to enhance your game.

8. Remember to warm up. As squash is demanding from the outset, testing both your stamina and agility; it is important to make sure your body is prepared. This also applies to the ball; trying to play with a cold ball is almost impossible. Use a single spot yellow ball.

9. Wear eye protection. Getting hit anywhere is bad news, but in the eyes could be particularly damaging.

10. Take a few lessons to get off to a safe start with good guidance.

MySpaceTV: Basic Technique
Watch this video on squash technique, with advice from oz Down Under.

Bash and Dash - tip from Mike Way
Trying to hit the ball too hard, too often, is very common in squash. At the entry level of the game the 100 mph shot down the middle often wins a rally. Thus was born the bash and dash mentality witnessed and cherished by your local pro. As they improve, most players with brains learn that accuracy is more important than power. However, over hitting, aiming too low on the front wall and sacrificing good length is still the norm. By not forcing our drives – try hitting at say 75–85% of maximum power – we will hit better length, conserve energy and help to prevent the 'rush factor'. Moving quickly and effectively, but without rushing, can be learned by anybody – but expert help from your local pro is a must for this ailment.

England Squash Licenced Coach and CRB checked.

email  DerekjThorpe@hotmail.com
tel. 01923-266722      or mobile 07887-560601

Squash Tips

1. 15 Rituals for Squash Fanatics
2. Smooth Movement
3. Battle for the 'T'
4. BBC Beginner's guide to squash