Squash Tips
By Julian Wellings
Director of Squash at the Birmingham Athletic Club and former world number 42.
You can learn a lot from watching the best, particularly when you know what to look for. These are things to emulate while taking in the planet's premier soft-ballers at this week's MCC.
Court Movement
Pros skip and glide across the floor, light on their feet and always on their toes. They move fast to the ball to gain good stable set-up. They take the ball early to gain time on the shot - then fast back to the ‘tee’ for good position in between shots.
A great way to learn from them is to pick one player and closely watch his movement and footwork for a few rallies. Then do the same with other player. You'll get a lot more information this way than by trying to watch both players at the same time.
Racket Preparation
Have you ever wondered why pros look like they have so much time? With their first step off the ‘T,’ their racket is back ready to swing long before they actually need to. It allows better timing and control, buys time on the shot and provides more shot options.
Patience
While always looking for an attacking opportunity, pros will be patient and build the rally, starting with good depth. They will take the opportunity to attack to the front court when they have good position - and their opponent does not. They will be prepared for the ball to be retrieved and ready to look for the next opportunity. Rarely will you see a pro hit an attacking shot to the front while out of position. They will look to gain back good position first.
Changes of Pace & Use of the Entire Front Wall
The upper third of the front wall is the most underused part of the court at club level. Pros will use this area to regain good position on the ‘T’ if they are under pressure. They also use it to simply change the pace, not allowing their opponent a chance to get in a rhythm and consolidate their own good position on the ‘T’. Lifting the ball high actually can be an attacking strategy if it is for the purpose of taking the ‘T’ with a view to keeping control of it.
Control of the 'T'
Pro matches are a constant battle for control of the 'T'. Pros' shot selection and execution determine if they are able to do that. To keep control, pros will look to volley everything possible without sacrificing control of their shot - meaning that if the opponent hits a tight rail they will not take the volley, respecting the good shot, and will go back and try to execute their own good rail to take the 'T' back again. They are always looking for the opportunity to volley a loose shot from their opponent.
Strategy
Every pro will have a good idea of their opponents strengths and weaknesses. They will formulate a game plan based on imposing their own game with an awareness of what their opponent does and doesn’t do well. This can change many times during the course of the match. When a player has the upper hand the other will adjust and vice-versa, sometimes these are minor adjustments but sometimes they can be complete changes of strategy. Squash is a brain game!
