How to Practice Squash: A Complete Beginner's Guide
How to Practice Squash: A Complete Beginner's Guide
Blog Article
Squash is a racket sport played by two (singles) or four (doubles) players on an enclosed court with walls on all sides. Players hit a small ball with their rackets with the goal of making it bounce off the front wall of the court so that the opponent cannot return it. Squash is all about speed, accuracy, and agility.
If you're interested in starting to practice squash, here's a beginner's guide on how to practice the sport effectively.
1. Understand the Basics of Squash
Before you start practicing, it's important to understand the basics of the game of squash.
Goal of the Game: Players must hit the ball against the front wall so that it bounces once on the floor and the opponent cannot legally return it.
Rules of the Game: Each player must hit the ball with their racket after the ball bounces once on the floor, and the ball must hit the front wall after being hit. If the ball hits the side or back wall, the game ends with the player who can still return it winning.
2. Equipment Needed to Play Squash
Racket: Choose a racket that is comfortable and suits your playing style. Squash rackets are usually lighter and smaller in size than tennis rackets.
Squash ball: Squash balls are smaller and denser, with different colors (usually yellow or green) that indicate the hardness of the ball (bounce speed).
Shoes: Choose sports shoes that provide good support for fast movements and changes of direction on the court.
3. Basic Squash Techniques
There are several basic techniques that need to be learned to become a better squash player:
a. Basic Position (Ready Position)
The basic position is very important to start each rally. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and slightly bent, with the racket in your dominant hand and the other hand in front of your body. This position allows you to move quickly in all directions.
b. Racket Grip Technique (Grip)
Overhand Grip: This grip is used for straight shots (drives) or other basic techniques. Hold the racket as if you are holding your opponent's hand tightly, so that the racket is in a stable and strong position.
Underhand Grip: This grip is used when you do an underhand stroke or a low stroke that goes to the opponent's side of the court.
c. Drive Stroke
A drive stroke is a very important straight stroke in squash. To do this stroke:
Stand with your feet slightly apart, racket at your side.
Swing the racket from behind your body with a quick and controlled movement.
Make sure the ball hits the racket in the right position and direct the ball to the front wall. Kakek Merah
d. Drop Shot Stroke
A drop shot is done to trick your opponent by directing the ball to fall right in front of the wall after being hit.
Do this stroke by swinging the racket gently, using little power and directing the ball to the corner of the court.
This stroke requires higher control and accuracy.
e. Lob Stroke
A lob stroke is a high stroke, forcing your opponent to move to the back of the court. This is useful for changing the direction of the game and giving you time for a better position.
Hit the ball higher with a more open racket, and direct the ball far to the back of the court.
4. Squash Drills: Step by Step
a. Basic Movement Drills
Footwork: One of the important skills in squash is the ability to move quickly and efficiently on the court. Footwork drills will help you be more agile in moving.
Lateral and diagonal movement drills to move quickly from side to side.
Drills moving forward and backward, moving forward to catch the ball and back to the starting position.
Shadowing: This drill is done with movements like when playing without the ball. The goal is to improve your agility and control of your movements.
Stand on an empty court and imagine you are playing against an opponent, do foot movements and swing the racket as if there is a ball coming towards you.
b. Hitting Drills
Straight Hits (Drive): This drill can be done with a partner or with a ball bouncing off a wall. Focus on the technique and accuracy of the shot. Try to hit the wall in the middle so that the ball bounces perfectly.
Drop Shot: Drop shot practice can be done by aiming it at the corner of the court or near the front line. Try to make the ball fall precisely in an area that is difficult for your opponent to reach.
Lob Shot: Lob practice is also very important, especially when your opponent is near the front line. Hit the ball as high as possible to force him to move back.
c. Accuracy and Speed Practice
To improve the accuracy of your shots, target practice can be very helpful. You can use a mark or target on the court and try to hit the target with