13 Do’s and Don’ts for a Successful Squash Game
As with any competitive sport, having a successful game is the whole reason for playing. You strive to be the best in order to achieve the win and have the best game possible. Every athlete knows that they improve with every game they play and by finding the sweet spots, they will continue to grow.
Ultimately, realizing the important things you should be doing and the things you should be avoiding will not only help your game, but it will help you to strategize for your next opponent. Squash is a game that is more than 50% mental, so being in the right frame of mind can only push you further ahead.
Strategies and tactics to succeed on the court are important. In a game that is just as much mental as physical, being thoroughly prepared is of upmost importance. Below are some tips on how to have a more successful game and tactics to use during your everyday play.
10 Things You Should Do For a Successful Game of Squash
1. Use different speeds and direction while serving
2. Put your opponent on the defense by volleying your serve
3. Hit the ball far and wide and utilize the cross court
4. Volley the ball wherever you can
5. Hit the ball to the corners to get your opponent to run and leave the “T”
6. Try to hit the ball as soon as possible while your opponent is out of position
7. Try to upset your opponents rhythm by hitting the ball at varying times
8. Get back to the “T” as quickly as soon as you can after hitting the ball.
9. Hit the ball away from your opponent to keep them running and tire them out
10. Vary your shots to avoid predictability and keep your opponent guessing
These are ten ways to utilize good form when playing to keep your opponent at bay and on their toes, ultimately leading you to a victory. If you are able to combine these ten tips into one game, there is a very high chance you will bring home the victory while bettering your game.
While winning is important and the goal, it is not everything. Being able to take your skills to the next level and personally developing your game is just as important. By putting some of these tips to use you will be doing exactly that.
3 Things to Avoid in Order to Have a Successful Game of Squash
1. Don’t Skip Your Warm Up – Skipping a warm up can be absolutely detrimental to your squash game. Not only will you not be prepared to take on your opponent, but you could also end up with an injury, putting you out of the game all together. By making sure you always get in a successful warm up, you are greatly reducing the risk of injury as well as putting your head in the game before it even begins. By the time you hit the court, you will be more than ready to go!
2. Don’t Play While Injured – While this seems like a no brainer, it can be easy to ignore a minor injury that seems like “nothing.” It is really important not to play while injured at all. If you are unsure of just how minor your injury is, visit the trainer or a doctor and let them decide if it is a good idea to play with the injury. Playing on even a minor injury can do more damage than is already done and put you out of the game much longer, or in some cases, for good. There is nothing that will set you back further than having to take weeks or months off from playing because you played on an injury that could have healed in a matter of days. If you’re injured, stay off the court!
3. Don’t Play Too Much – Although practice makes perfect, there is such a thing as too much of a good thing! Every athlete’s body needs a day to rest and recover from the harsh strain you put on it while playing squash. Taking a day off can actually help your game, not hurt it. Even athletes at the professional level take some time off to rest and regroup. If you are a die-hard player who just cannot bear the thought of taking a day off from training, use that day to work on the mental or emotional strategies you are going to use on the court. That way you can still “work” on your game, but your body is resting. A rested body is going to be much better in your next match too!
If you follow these don’ts, your risk of injury will decrease and you will be ready to take on any opponent that comes your way.
Strategizing Makes for the Best Players
The best squash players are ones who incorporate strategy and mental preparedness into their game ahead of time. They take consideration into making sure they do not get injured and properly take care of themselves if they do end up with an injury.
These players are the ones who are most successful. With a little preparation and care for your body, you can be the best squash player there is!
