The SquashSkills &

PSA Guide to
Great Movement
Part of improving one's game needs to have some focused attention
and detail on the movement aspect. Players sometimes get wrapped
up in technical detail about hitting a ball as the outcome of the shot is
what is observed. Do not underestimate some key fundamental areas
within your movement as when performed well the quality of shot
improves, decision-making increases, efficiency is effortless and the
overall joy of the game increases.

1. Learn the split-step

Being able to split-step as your
opponent is hitting the ball is
great to be able to master.
Doing this well allows your
movement to be connected to
the game and gets your
momentum going in a quick but
controlled manner.

2. Keep a good rhythm

Try and have good rhythm and flow

in whatever you are doing movement
wise on the squash court. If you are
fighting the rhythm and flow this will
wear you out quickly and likely make
you make rash choices in shot
selection. Having rhythm and flow
aides efficiency and decision making.
3. Link your swing to your
movement
All top players link their movement
to their swing. They use all parts of
their body while approaching a
shot, such as softening the knees,
hips and torso. While playing the
shot the body can be soft but
controlled and in the follow-through
phase of the swing look to keep the
body connected and moving with it.

4. Correct lunge technique

Try to be stable and balanced

when lunging into the ball. Be sure
to not let your knee go past the 90-
degree point. Having a good lunge
technique allows greater balance
and composure on the shot plus
the ability for an efficient recoil
once completed.

5. Use a back-foot slide when

lunging

While lunging, try and soften the

back leg and knee sliding the foot
along the ground. This helps the
momentum into the shot as well as
bringing your feet closer together
to use as a spring to recoil
immediately after the shot has
been completed.
 6. Have a two-footed base when
playing off the back wall
When the ball reaches the back wall, if
you are able to get a solid base with
both feet planted this will really assist
your balance and recoil. Most top
players get into this stable position in
the back corners and the way they
then use this to transfer the weight
back to the T is effortless.

7. Power-ease-power-ease

There is an ideal ratio when

attempting to move more
efficiently on a squash court.
Trying to get a power-ease-
power-ease ratio will create some
great flow around the court and
your rhythm and timing will
increase when you tap into it. This
needs a lot of practice.

8. Watch your opponent

If you are not watching well enough
your initial movement and
anticipation can become
guesswork. When really locked-in
and studying your opponent your
movement and timing around the
court will increase as you are
absorbed fully in reading the game
and moving onto balls seamlessly.
9. Always try and keep your
momentum

Keep momentum in all that you do.

Doing short bursts of sprints to the
ball and back to the T will mean you will
have to put the breaks on quickly and
stop. This is not efficient and over time
will cause exhaustion. If you can,
always move without stopping (being
both quick and slow combined) your
efficiency overall will massively
increase.

10. Ghosting

With all the above, the one big

and fundamental way to get it
into your game is to do some
ghosting. It does not need to be
that intense or heavy, but more
focused on the technique of the
above. Choose 1/2/3 key topics
from the above list and spend a
short time each week honing
and mastering them.
 Want To Learn More?
Perfect Your Movement On & Off
The Ball With Nick Matthew
In this series, one of the game's best
athletes, Nick Matthew reveals the
secrets to his incredible movement and
explains some simple tricks that will help
you to improve your speed and
efficiency around the court. This is a
brilliant playlist delivered by a true legend
of the sport. Watch here:
https://tinyurl.com/NMmovement

WATCH NOW

How To Link Movement To

Matchplay With Jesse Engelbrecht
In this playlist, Jesse discusses some of
the key points relating to movement and
explains how to incorporate movement
practices into your training. He also
highlights some of the tells in your
opponent's body positioning that will
allow you to read the game better and
begin to anticipate what is coming next.
Watch here:
https://tinyurl.com/JEmovement1

WATCH NOW