Basic Tactics
Tactically intelligent athletes are able to find the appropriate solution for given situations.
The understanding of how to play is deepened with the beginning of competitive sport.
So playing intelligently is central to a successful game of squash.
But what is an itelligent game? When do I play which shot? Do I adapt my tactics to the opponent? Do I play fast or slow? How much risk do I take? How creative can I be?
This learning module shows the most important factors of squash tactics. The focus is on the FTEM phases F2 and F3.
Tactical basics
There are different approaches to describing tactics in squash. Three models have proven effective for learning and grasping tactical principles.
The relative positions model describes where the player should play the ball to in each game situation. It makes sense to play the ball into the half of the court where the opponent is not standing.
The ABC model tells the player where in the court, each tactical option is used. Zone A stands for attack, zone B for basic game and zone c for chance or choice.
The model T and 4 corners describes how the player should position him /herself and where the ball preferably should be played to.
Logical tactical positioning in the centre of the court and attentive observation at the T-position are important factors in making tactical decisions and implementing them technically.
It is important to know what you want to do next.
Basically, "Plan A" is implimented on the T, namely playing the ball as early as possible, preferably with a "volley". Creative solutions are also conceivable.
If the pressure from the opponent becomes too high or the oppnent's shot ist too precise, "Plan B" comes into play. The ball is allowed to bounce and is played as late as possible.
Shots and their tactical effect
In principle, you have three options to play the ball:
- straight (to the same side)
- crosscourt (to the other side)
- Boast (to the other side via side wall)
Depending on the speed, how high and how long you play the ball, the stroke has a different tactical effect.
Dominate the T-position
The implementation of a tactic is determined largely by focus and concentration.
At the T, the player should always watch the ball and have a clear intention of what to play.
Coaching tip:
If you dominate the T-position and balance the risk, you will most likely win the game!
Practice the basic game
Play towards the back is mostly used to build up the game. A slow and precise basic game can also be used to calm the game down.
The straight length is probably the most frequently played ball. Its good execution is very important and must be practised a lot. It is used with the aim of sending the opponent to the back corner.
A cross is used to shift the game from one side of the court to the other. It should be played in such a way as pass and turn the opponent on the T.
Coaching tip:
Distribute the ball cleverly.
Stick to the tactical basics and keep the ball safe (error-free) and long in play.
Look for a "good length" (far back or nice and short to the front) and a "good width" (close to the side wall when passing the opponent).
Creating the offensive game
The main purpose of attacking play is to put the opponent under pressure by taking away the time and space an opponent has. This usually means playing forward. But good passing shots to the back can also be used as attacking shots.
The drop shot is used to play forward and create pressure. It is played with less tempo and makes the opponent run.
The attacking boast is played with a short angle to the side wall. It touches the ground earlier and closer to the centre of the court than the classic boast.
The nick shot or kill shot is, like the drop shot, a classic winning shot.
Coaching tip:
Take the ball early and create pressure with volleys and half-volleys!
Be creative and unpredictable!
Practice the defensive game
Good defensive play means first and foremost playing the ball safely above the tin, high and usually slowly.
A lob is a slow high ball, getting behind the opponent, that cannot be returned from the T as a volley. To play it, the racquet must be brought well under the ball. So the racket preparation is low.
The defensive boast is an "emergency stroke". It is played when you are under so much pressure in the back corner that the normal boast does not give you enough time to position yourself on the T again.
The backwall boast and the counter drop are also efficient defensive shots.
Coaching tip:
Slow down the game under pressure.
Practise lifting the ball high and precisely!
Adapting tactics to fit the opponent
The game should be constructed in such a way that opponent cannot use their strengths and their weaknesses can be exploited.
Coaching tip:
Observe your opponent well.
Identify strengths and weaknesses!
Analyse matches
It makes sense to sit down with the player after the match and analyse the match. Alternately, you can observe and make note of the player's tactical play during the match.
Thanks to constant analysis, your players will develop a good understanding of tactics more quickly.
Coaching tip:
After the game, fill in the game analysis sheet.
This way you can improve from game to game!
Volley
"Volley till you cant" is an excellent training form to practice volleys.
Kill shot
"Killerlis" is an amusing form of training for the kill shot.
Drop shot
"Schuur" is a cool game for drop shot training.
Deep straight length
You can train the deep length with "Flash".
Deep crosscourt
In the "Boast cross game" you can improve your deep crosscourt.
Attacking boast
In the "Front against back game" you can attack with the boast.
Crosscourt lob
"Skyscraper" is excellent for practising the cross lob.
One bounce length (in basic game)
In the "BLL-Game" you can easily train your length.
Defensive boast
Practice your defensive boast in the game "Sides".
Watch this video. It shows a game between two girls. What are the two juniors doing well tactically? What could they do better?
Discuss your solution with an Y+S expert or other coaches.
Look at this video. It shows two world-class players. Which basic tactics do you recognise being used?
Discuss your solution with an Y+S expert or other coaches.
Think about how you want to improve tactics with your players.
- What do you place particular emphasis on?
- Put your thoughts in writing.
Go to squashtraining.ch and discover practice and game forms for your tactics training. Register on squashtraining.ch and upload your own game form or exercise for meaningful tactics training.