Basic Tactics

Intro

PSA Gilis & Serme

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.

Basics

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 two graphics show where the ball should preferably be played in which situation.

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 diagram shows a squash court with the three zones A at the front, B at the back and C in the centre.

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.

The graphic shows four squash courts with many possible shot and target options.

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.

Straight shots

straight-drop
straight kill (killshot, nickshot)
deep straight length
one bounce length (in basic game)
straight lob

Crosscourts

cross-drop-shot
crosscourt-kill (killshot, nickshot)
deep crosscourt
crosscourt (basic game)
crosscourt lob

Boasts

attacking boast
Boast (in basic game)
defensive boast
backwall boast

Principles

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.

The picture shows a junior playing a volley.

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.

The graphic shows possible strokes to the backcourt.

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.

The graphic shows possible strokes to the frontcourt.

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.

The picture shows two female players in the game.

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.

The picture shows a junior taking a swing.

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!

Good Practice

Volley

"Volley till you cant" is an excellent training form to practice volleys.

Screenshot Squashtraining.ch

Kill shot

"Killerlis" is an amusing form of training for the kill shot.

Screenshot Squashtraining.ch

Drop shot

"Schuur" is a cool game for drop shot training.

Screenshot Squashtraining.ch

Deep straight length

You can train the deep length with "Flash".

Screenshot Squashtraining.ch

Deep crosscourt

In the "Boast cross game" you can improve your deep crosscourt.

Screenshot Squashtraining.ch

Attacking boast

In the "Front against back game" you can attack with the boast.

Screenshot Squashtraining.ch

Crosscourt lob

"Skyscraper" is excellent for practising the cross lob.

Screenshot Squashtraining.ch

One bounce length (in basic game)

In the "BLL-Game" you can easily train your length.

Screenshot Squashtraining.ch

Defensive boast

Practice your defensive boast in the game "Sides".

Screenshot Squashtraining.ch

Reflexion

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.

Quiz

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

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Transfer

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.

Quiz

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