Squash Journal #3 - December 6th, 2004

Here's installment number three of my squash journals.

1. Don't use a full swing for high soft shots

Start with maybe two-thirds of the normal preparation - there's no need to make a huge wind up for a shot that doesn't require a lot of power. It's a waste of time, and will increase the likelihood of putting too much power into the shot. This is doubly true for shots tight against the back wall. Winding up for a full swing just means the racquet is going to collide with the back wall on the downswing and mess up the shot.

2. Don't forget wrist flicks out of the back corners

Keep practicing these. Right now, the idea of choking up and flicking with my wrist is completely contrary the way I think about making a shot. More practice will help it feel more natural.

3. Take forehand shots facing the wall

And again, with left leg forwards. Ideally, the racquet should make contact with the ball when the racquet is parallel to the front and back walls, and when the ball is directly in front of me (given that I'm facing the wall, as I should be).

Short set of thoughts here - these aren't from a lesson, but after a couple of drill sessions done with my friend Jesse, trying to get the technique for high soft shots down.

My grip is still causing me wrist pain - I'm hoping that I can talk to Stuart about this next lesson, and see if it is related to something I'm messing up in the swing.