On April 15, I participated in a marathon of squash as a fund raiser for the Cal Team. I learned a few things during 12 consecutive hours of squash that are probably applicable to much shorter games. You know, the 90 minute, goes to a tie breaker in the fifth variety.
The strategy in lasting 12 hours was to prevent any single part of my body from having a total breakdown. For if even one part of your body goes kaput, you are doomed. This is as true for a short match as it is for a 12 hour marathon.
A painful blister on the thumb will end your day just as suredly as a sprained ankle!
The secret to optimum performance, of course, is preparation and injury prevention. Abiding by the following actions helped me finish the 12 hour squashathon. In the case of a long weekend of tournament matches, these common sense actions are just as relevant.
Play a lot in the weeks before the tournament to build up tough skin on hands and feet.
Eat well the two days before, and morning of, the match
Get enough sleep the night before.
Wear ankle, knee, elbow braces (if those parts are sore or weak)
Wear eye protection always
Warm up BEFORE you stretch
Drink water or sports drink between each game
Change your shirt and socks if wet between games
Stretch after the game
Contact Us For Details
ID: 302
The Wrist
How do you use the wrist in squash? Answer: You don't. Although this isn't completely true, it is the best way to learn good basic technique. As long as your wrist is cocked, you hardly need to move your wrist at all when you are playing basic strokes. When you watch the Pros, it might look like they are using their wrist a lot. But the motion that appears to be wrist movement is actually a more powerful turning of the elbow and forearm. Of course this is not true of all pros. Some use deceptive wristy shots on every other stroke.
This forearm/elbow motion is very difficult to describe in words, and is more easily understood by watching it done. Moreover, in the end, it is the timing of this motion in conjunction with the rest of the swing that really counts. Keeping a stiff wrist will add to your consistency and accuracy, especially when striving for the 'clinger' down the wall. Believe it or not, keeping a steady wrist will also add to your power.
You can use the wrist for deception of course. This is usually done from the front court when you have a bit of time. It can be very effective, especially when used in moderation.
Contact Us For Details
ID: 303
Drop Shots: The Side Wall Is Your Friend
'When in doubt keep the ball tight to the side wall.' This advice applies to just about any situation in squash, but especially to the drop shot. Even a shot that is a foot above the tin is a reasonable shot if the ball stays close to the side wall. You have moved your opponent forward, and he still can't do anything with the ball.
When playing a drop shot, you should almost always go for the nick...but err on the side of hitting the floor first, not the side wall. This is very important, because a shot that hits the floor first will stay close to the side wall. Whereas a shot that hits the side wall first will pop out away from the wall. This seems elementary, but it is worth repeating and taking to heart.
Employing this tactic allows you to use the drop shot to work your opponent, without fear of losing points to the tin. It is the combination of good reliable drop shots and good deep shots that will bring your opponent to his knees.
Contact Us For Details
ID: 304
Learn the Fundamentals First
What are the ten fundamental tactics of squash? Here they are in the order that I think you should learn them.
Hit the ball into the back corners of the court
Keep the ball close to the side wall
Recover to the center of the court (the T)
Watch the ball at all times
Make your opponent run
Volley whenever possible
These next four are important, but should probably not be concentrated on until the first six have received a great deal of attention.
On April 15, I participated in a marathon of squash as a fund raiser for the Cal Team. I learned a few things during 12 consecutive hours of squash that are probably applicable to much shorter games. You know, the 90 minute, goes to a tie breaker in the fifth variety.
How do you use the wrist in squash? Answer: You don't. Although this isn't completely true, it is the best way to learn good basic technique. As long as your wrist is cocked, you hardly need to move your wrist at all when you are playing basic strokes. When you watch the Pros, it might look like they are using their wrist a lot. But the motion that appears to be wrist movement is actually a more powerful turning of the elbow and forearm. Of course this is not true of all pros. Some use deceptive wristy shots on every other stroke.
