Elite Squash

Solo practice is one of the best ways to build your game but it's not just about structured drills. Making time for unstructured, creative sessions is just as important, and the benefits really start to show when you need to problem solve in the moment during rallies.

1. Balance Structure with Freedom
Structured solo practice targets, straight drives, drops, volleys is important. But don't let that be all you do. Leave room for sessions with no set plan, where you're just exploring angles and finding different ways to take the ball short.

2. Let It Be Instinctual
Unstructured practice isn't about thinking, it's about feeling. You're not working through a drill you're discovering angles and spaces naturally, letting your body be creative. That creative process builds a sense of the court that structured sessions alone can't give you.

3. Start It Young, Reap It Later
Once the basics and technical pieces are in place, this kind of practice adds a level of unpredictability to your game that's really hard to defend against. The players who put this work in early are the ones who stand out at the older age groups.

When the ball lands around the mid-court service area, you have a real opportunity to apply pressure — but only if you execute it properly. Most players rush this shot and get it wrong. Here's what to focus on.

1. Create Space Before You Hit
Before anything else, move away from the ball first. That space lets you step in with control and also pulls your opponent away from the area you're hitting into giving them less room to recover.
2. Get Underneath the Ball
Play the shot underneath the ball. This gives you control and margin to keep it tight and short on the front wall.
3. Let the Ball Drop
Wait for the ball to just pass the top of its bounce before you hit. This is where most people go wrong they come in too early, rush the shot, and lose control. Be patient, let it drop slightly, and let the ball come naturally under your strings.

The moment pattern to the back backhand corner is the most important patterns on the court.

This pattern is a great template for moving in and out of this area. Saying the words as you movement like I am doing on the video helps to remember it and also get the rhythm.

Practice this movement before drilling rotating drives with a partner to help it integrate into the BH drive. Start with drives above the service line to keep the tempo down and allow for the movement pattern to become smooth and more familiar.