Racket Control
Squash
is a game of footwork and racket control. In simple terms squash is
running and striking. If both aspects of the game are perfected, you
will achieve the height of your game. In the process of perfecting
the two, a player can forget to unite the two and develops a bad
habit.
The bad habit of focusing on each separately will make
running and hitting uncoordinated. Disjointed running and hitting
creates segmented squash. This can carry over into concentration and
strategy. To coordinate your running and hitting game you must
develop a better way of swinging at the ball on your last step. There
is a fine line as far as timing is concerned. You must strike the
ball on your last step and then use the momentum of your swing to
prepare for the next shot.
For example, in a backhand shot,
you should anticipate the shot and get your feet moving first. Wind
up keeping the racket close to your body. This is the inner circle
and is ideal for balance. As you approach the strike zone, mentally
focus on your steps and try to calculate the distance it will take to
get to the ball. On your final step shift your weight onto your
correct right leg then strike the ball before all your body weight
has been shifted to that leg. As the ball exits the strike zone off
your racket, continue to watch the ball, but focus on your backhand
follow-through. At the end of the follow-through bring the racket
back into the inner circle close to your body. Notice how on all
follow-throughs the racket naturally gravitates to the middle of the
court. Don't fight the weight of the racket. Go with it and begin to
shift your weight and turn to the middle of the court with the swing
in synchronized motion. This is coordinated running and hitting. The
trick is never applying your full body weight at any particular
instance during a shot and keeping your racket close to you in the
wind up. Remember not to step through the shot. Your feet on the last
step are fixed, it's just the weight distribution that's in
continuous motion. You should feel your weight centered only when on
the T.
This type of playing will keep your balance and racket
control smooth. Again, smooth running and hitting develops better
concentration. Better concentration makes for better strategy. Once
you segment your running and hitting, your game and concentration
will always lack that something you'll never be able to pinpoint.
My advice is whenever you focus on improving your drop or
crosscourt, do it in such a way that you're incorporating motion with
the shot. Effective body weight distribution going into and out of
the strike zone can only be created while moving. Develop a hitting
style that is synchronized with not only the point of impact but also
the follow-through. Use momentum to your advantage. Never just stand
and hit. If you do, then trying to improve your game will seem
elusive.