Squash Notes with Spider Jones, Squash Pro, Level 3 Coach

We are now in full swing.  The squash season officially begins with the  Season Opener the week of  October 10-13.  Many thanks to YK Racquet Club for generously sponsoring this event.  Their support is greatly appreciated! 

Every season starts with new players and old veterans coming back to the game.  Although the season is just getting started and many of you are not quite at your peak, you may want to consider what you training plan will be.

A great way to get you game up to speed is to do drills.  I am not saying to go out and boast and drive for a full hour either!  Try to play someone just below your level and practice one specific type of shot.  Every time your opponent hits a boast, try and hit a straight drop back.  You can also try a length game.  No matter where a shot is hit, try and hit it back along either cross court or a straight drive.

Try these simple drills and you may find out quite quickly how much your game can improve.  Feel free to ask me any questions that you may have about your game.

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Combinations! No not to your locker or to your spouse’s heart – important combinations … to succeeding in Squash. Squash is a battle over territory. This territory is controlled from the T. The further your opponent has to run, the more chance he or she has of not reaching the ball, missing it, making a mistake or playing a weak shot. You must win the T and begin him scurrying about the court. There are a number of standard combinations in squash thought to be your standard best replies in given situations. These are:

1. Best standard reply to a serve is a straight length shot. Retuning serve is primarily a defensive shot, recognize this and draw your opponent off the T with good width and depth.

2. Straight drop off a back corner boast … after forcing your opponent to boast out of the back with a good serve, crosscourt drive or lob.

3. Boast the short straight ball if you have you opponent pinned behind you in the back of the court … this will force you opponent forward along the diagonal the furthest possible direction a player can run in squash. Try this on the volley for even more effectiveness.

4. Straight drop the short cross court. If you can do this with a volley even better!