10 Squash Tips

(C) Douglas Foulkes - Squash Pro - Capetown, SA

1. Keep it straight. A mainly straight game gives a good basic pattern and is open to variation.

2. Return the service straight. Make it an automatic response so your opponent is in the back and you're winning the T.

3. Look for opportunities to cross-court. Be careful, as the cross- court is the loosest shot played in the game. Pick opportunities carefully.

4. Lob to create time. If you're out of position and under pressure, create time to recover the T. Don't be tempted to attack.

5. Volley away from the opponent. Volley chances give you little time so position yourself well to volley away from an opponent.

6. Volley drop the loose cross-court. Always try to work your opponent by moving him through the diagonal.

7. Volley boast the loose straight ball. Be early on the T to have this opportunity to move your opponent through the diagonal.

8. Straight drop the loose cross court ball. Before you play the drop, you must ask yourself: Do you have an easy ball and is your opponent out of position?

9. Boast the short ball. When your opponent is behind you and his drive is too short, play a working boast.

10. Drop off the boast. Force a boast and counter with a straight drop.