Basic Techniques

Intro

PSA Courtice & Malliff

This learning module shows the most important factors of squash technique. The focus is on the FTEM phases F2 and F3.

Good technique is central to playing squash successfully. Hitting technique must be safe for the opponent and movement should be efficient and save energy.

Individual differences are normal. There is no single "perfect technique", but some crucial factors are always important.

Basically, a technique is good if it works efficiently in the game, is effective and not dangerous.

Improving one's own hitting and running technique increases the chance of success and victory.

Basics

Swing types

A distinction is made between short swing, compact swing and full swing.

The full swing is used when there is enough time, space and need for the stroke to be executed. As the racket undergoes a large movement, the ball can be accelerated to the maximum. However, playing precisely with it is demanding. If there is a lack of space or time, the full swing is not the best choice.

Forehand full swing
Backhand full swing

The short swing describes the shortest stroke used in squash. Good players often use it. In contrast to the full swing, the movement of the racket is very short and it is difficult to accelerate the ball well.

Forehand short swing
Backhand short swing

The compact swing describes a frequently used stroke shape. As a compromise between a full swing and a short swing, it enables the ball to be both well accelerated and played precisely.

Forehand compact swing
Backhand compact swing

Grip, wrist and fingers

The grip provides an "open" racket face. The racket rests in the lower three fingers (middle, ring and little finger) while the thumb and index finger control the racquet. The wrist is stable but not necessarily rigid. It is important that the transmission of power from the arm to the racquet and the ball is controlled. The angle in the wrist is individual.

Footwork

The graphic shows the routes from the T to the ball and back
Movement in Squash

The path to the ball is as direct as possible. The path to the T must ensure that no interference is caused to the opponent.

T-Position

To enable a nimble start and quick racket preparation, both feet are at least hip-width on the floor with the weight on the balls of the feet. The racket is ready in front of the body.

Preparation, Positioning

When hitting the ball, the distance to the ball can be considerable. Based on the foot position, a distinction is made between open, closed and parallel foot positions.

The racket-head must be brought behind the ball early. Where exactly the racket-head is positioned depends on the shot to be played. The upper body is turned sideways so that the ball can be played next to or diagonally in front of the body. The desired alignment of the shoulders is parallel to the direction of ball flight.

Forehand - preparation & positioning
Backhand - preparation & positioning

Hitting phase and line of shot

During the stroke, the racket head moves along the line of shot towards the ball. When swinging, the racket is accelerated in the direction of the line of shot. Basically, the torso is "stable" during the stroke, as is the wrist, for the purpose of power transmission. When accelerating the racket, an initial rotation of the upper body is helpful.

Forehand - line of shot
Backhand - line of shot

Principles

Safety

The technique, especially the follow-through, must be safe. It should be forward and rather upward. Rotation around the body must be avoided.

Safety is a top priority in every training session, not only in technique.

Individuality

Individual differences in footwork and hitting technique are normal. There is no single "perfect technique" for hitting and moving.

The picture shows a junior hitting the backhand

Large individual differences can be observed in the early backswing and stroke movement of the full swing. The execution of the movement varies greatly - even in elite sport.

In the hitting phase, a wide variety of wrist angles which work can be encountered.

There are many different opinions on the ideal footwork - even among experienced coaches. While some attach great importance to a systematically defined running technique, others allow almost endless individual solutions.

The picture shows a junior hitting a forehand shot

As long as the functionality is effective, different playing styles may and should be allowed.

  • In training, swings can be deliberately executed differently.

  • Try out various foot positions, upper body alignment and wrist angle.

The picture shows a junior hitting a forehand pick up

Coaching and communicating

The most important things for juniors should be taught first. Keep to the thought process «WWWH»

WHAT?

WHY?


WHEN?


HOW?


Always important:

  • Quick and early racket preparation is essential.

  • The index finger and thumb control the racket and thus control the ball.

  • The ability to accelerate the ball is - especially for girls - decisive in the game. Ball acceleration should be maximised as early as possible.

  • The stability of the torso and wrist, or more precisely the transfer of energy from the body via the racket to the ball, is central. "Imagine it was a medicine ball".

  • Practice to follow through towards the front. This is relevant for safety and precision.

  • Never forget the goal: the important thing is that it works ("coach the intention not the action").

The graphic shows the Y+S symbol for teaching

Want to know more?

Orientate yourself on the Y+S recommendations for action and work through the online course on the area of action "Coaching".

Coaching and encouraging

During their activity, Y+S-leaders should support the children and youngstars in their personal development and show them how to form relationships and strengthen the team.

Adhere to the following guiding principles:

  • Recognise differences and promote individual styles

  • Teach in a game-based, responsible and value-oriented way

  • Additionally, enable subconscious and incidental learning

  • Focus more on the goal and functionality than on effective execution

The graphic shows the Y+S symbol for Encourage

Want to know more?

Orientate yourself on the Y+S-recommendations for action and work through the online course on the area of action "Coaching".

Good Practice

Classical feeding variations

Feeding from left or right back:

The two graphics show the passing positions from behind and the position of the players

Feeding with a boast from the back or a a crosscourt from the front:Feed with a boast or a crosscourt:

The two graphics show the passing positions from the front and the position of the players

Classical Feeding

This post on "Classical feeding" on squashtraining.ch shows you a traditional way of feeding the ball during technique training.

Screenshot Squashtraining.ch
Screenshot Squashtraining.ch

Volley Challenge

There are also playful or competition-oriented forms of feeding. In the squashtraining post "Volley Challenge", a player can also take on the role of feeding the ball.

Screenshot squashtraining.ch

Gudiance by means of game-play

Technical goals can also be achieved with game-play. In this example, the rule "all up" is used to subconsciously train "deep racket preparation" and "lifting the ball".

Screenshot Squashtraining.ch

Reflection

Watch this video. It shows a Y+S-instructor demonstrating the swing technique.

What does she do well?

What would you do differently?

Y+S-instructor demonstrating technique

Discuss with an Y+S-expert or your Y+S-coach.

Look at this video. It shows two juniors playing.

What do you notice about their technique? Do you see any differences?

Spiel Girls

Discuss with an Y+S-expert or your Y+S-coach.

Quiz

Let's go! Start the quiz and check your knowledge.

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Transfer

Think about how you want to improve technique with your players. What do you pay attention to when demonstrating anything? When do you correct and when not? Put your thoughts in writing.

Quiz

Solve the quiz questions and check your results at the end.