Squash: Techniques & Shots – The Ultimate Guide for the Court

No More Excuses: How to Make the Right Decisions in Squash

Forget brute force. Anyone who just wildly smashes the ball in squash will run themselves out of breath after three rallies. On the court, the player with superior precision and a keen eye comes out on top. Together with the experts at OLIVER-SPORT, we take a look in this guide at the most essential shot techniques—from solid foundational drives to tricky drop shots.

The Foundation: Why Nothing Works Without the V-Grip

Before we talk about angles and flight paths, we need to address your hand. Gripping the racket incorrectly holds you back on every single shot.

• How to grip correctly: Place your hand on the grip so that your thumb and index finger form a clear "V" along the top ridge. The racket head opens up slightly as a result.
• The key advantage: With this universal grip, you seamlessly transition between forehand and backhand without losing valuable milliseconds regripping.

The Basics: Length Beats Speed

The entire game hinges on your control along the side walls. Play sloppily here, and your opponent takes the center, leaving you scrambling into the corners.

The Drive (Longline)

Your essential bread-and-butter shot. The ball travels parallel and razor-close along the side wall to the back. If you manage to make the ball "die" right in front of the back wall (meaning it barely bounces), your opponent has essentially already lost the point.

The Cross-Court

The diagonal pressure-relief shot. You hit the ball across the court to the front wall so it drops deep into the opposite back corner. Perfect for shifting the flow of play and catching your opponent flat-footed.

The Trick Box: When to Finish the Point

Once you firmly control the "T" in the center, it's time to go on the offensive. This calls for touch and finesse:

The Drop Shot

The classic touch shot. You gently place the ball just above the tin against the front wall so it drops flat right behind it. Naturally, this pays off whenever your opponent is trapped deep in the back corner.

The Boast

An intentional shot off the side wall to the front wall. This zig-zag trajectory completely changes the rhythm of the rally and forces your opponent into a punishing sprint forward.

The Volley

Taking the ball straight out of the air. This is the most aggressive move in squash because it deprives your opponent of breathing room and decision-making time. They simply have no time left to position themselves properly.

Quick Gear Check: For this exact mix of ball feel and power, you need the right tool. Check out what the pros play with: To the OLIVER Squash Rackets.

The Top Coaching Tip: "Racket Up!"

The biggest mistake made in recreational play? Players start their backswing only when the ball is already bouncing beside them. Adopt this habit from day one: As soon as you see where the ball is heading, get your racket up and set your wrist ("cocked wrist"). This not only adds immense stability to your shot, but also disguises your intent until the moment of impact.

Quick FAQ: Solving Common Problems Fast

Why do my shots keep flying too high up the wall?
Because your racket face is open too far upward at impact or you're scooping the ball from bottom to top. Focus on striking the ball cleanly at waist height with a smooth, follow-through motion.

How can I best practice my ball feel without a partner?
Step into the court solo. Stand parallel to the side wall and continuously volley the ball against the wall without letting it touch the floor. It sounds simple, but it burns your arm after two minutes and works wonders for your hand-eye coordination.