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By Anil Gidwaney, PSA certified squash professional.
1. Choosing a racquet – Your
style of play should determine what kind of racquet you
buy as a beginner. If you are an aggressive player (make
a lot of wall/floor contact with your racquet) you
should purchase an aluminum racquet to start.
Graphite/titanium/carbon racquets tend to crack easier
with a lot of wall/floor contact. You should purchase a
graphite, titanium or carbon racquet only when you feel
your game has improved and you are making less contact
with the wall/floor.
2. EYEGUARDS ARE A MUST! Anyone
who walks on a court without protective eyewear is
taking a huge risk of losing their eyesight. Remember
that YOU cannot control your opponent’s racquet or shot.
All it takes is one misdirected shot or contact with the
racquet and you could lose your eyesight.
3. Get a good pair of court
shoes. Most indoor court shoes have a gum rubber sole.
This provides excellent traction on the court. Do not
use running or dark soled shoes on the court as they
will leave scuff marks on the floor.
4. Take lessons from a certified
squash professional. Many beginners develop bad habits
right from the start. It is important to get good
instruction right from the get go. Certain aspects of
the game can be quite frustrating to learn (return of
serve on the backhand side). A good professional will
help you overcome these aspects.
5. Hit the ball deep into the
back of the court. The rail is the most effective shot
to keep your opponent off the “T”. A good rail will hug
the sidewall as it goes to the back of the court.
6. Try to control the “T”. By
hitting the ball away from the “T” you will have an
opportunity to control the “T”. The player that controls
the “T” usually wins.
7. Move your opponent around the
court. By doing this you will start to wear them down
and in time they will start to make more mistakes.
8. Watch the ball at ALL times.
This way you know where the ball is going and you will
have time to get to the ball, choose your next shot and
execute your shot effectively.
9. DO NOT take a shot if you feel
you might hit your opponent with the ball or racquet. In
this case ask for a LET.
10. Have a good number of playing
partners. This way your game is sharper and you do not
get stuck playing one style of game.
11. Enjoy the game. Squash is a
great physical and mental workout. 45 minutes of squash
is a great way to stay in shape. Squash is also a great
social sport. I have met some of my best friends through
squash.
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