Squash Startegy Question?

Question

This is a matchplay situation I have come across in squash.

My opponent kept on playing their shots, always into the same back corner of the squash court. To avoid running as much, would moving closer to the corner be a sensible strategy? And if/if not, how come? If not, what should have I been doing? And where should I have been standing?

Answer 1

Wow~?~ A squash question - how cool. I love squash.. Started playing about a year ago. It's the best cardio I've ever experienced.. way fun :) I play three times a week, two hours each time. But we rotate three guys.. play two games, wait one out, rotate in., two games, etc. Fun :)

If your friend CAN get the ball in the back corner.. (usually that's an intermediate to advanced level - most beginners have a tough time getting it back there in an effective manner.) then they can also get it in the front corner. If you go to the back corner to prepare for his/her shot.. I would bet a large sum of money that they would start catching on and drop the ball in the front corner (unless they're one of those power hungry wack the heck out of every shot.. I play with some really good squash players.. that never hit a soft shot.. if they did, i'd never even get a point with them)

Anyway, if you wait in the back corner, and they hit a shot in the front, that would make it next to impossible to return because you're so far away. Even if you can run to get it from all the way in the back, I'd bet big money also - that you are breathing and perspiring 4x's what your opponent is :) - gotta keep that energy, not waste it :)

THE ONLY SENSIBLE STRATEGY: (in my opinion) Your best bet is to get to the T after almost EVERY stinking shot. If you are fast enough to get there after every shot, you'll probably be better than 50% of the players out there. If you're at the T.. you should be able to get to almost any position in the court with about two strides.

I actually find the back corner shots 10 times easier than getting most all other shots. They don't allow me as a beginner/intermediate player to be on the offensive though.. because you can't drive a perfectly placed ball from the back corner.. can only flip it out in different ways. It gives the opponent more time to respond.. I also like those back corner shots, because it's easier for me to get to the T.. running forward. If I hit a shot up in front, getting back to the T.. I'm not so quick turning around and getting to the T.

A good drill. No ball, just you and your strings... Stand at T. Take two good steps toward left back - make a swing as if you were hitting ball, and then get back to the T. Then go left middle court along wall.. another practice swing. Back to T. Then to left front corner, make practice swing, etc. Most people can't do this quickly and easily first time through. If you did this drill just once every day you play, I betcha you'll increase your game skills loads.

PLEASE Email me.. it'd be fun to talk about strategy, skills, drills, etc. [e-mail]