Squash

DiCe!

DiCe!

DiCe!

Soldato
Joined
1 Sep 2007
Posts
5,416
Any one play?

I took this up 5 weeks ago with a friend, he had played before I had not.
First week I got spanked, I have slowly got into my stride with it, although I am yet to win a game, I keep taking him to 10-10 and then failing to get 2 points clear, very frustrating!

The question I have is do rackets make a huge difference? as I find the one I am using is quite heavy, I picked up one that had been left in our court last week and it was like holding air!

Although I am clearly still adapting to the game I really like it!
 
I'd really like to give squash a go, looks like a fun game. All my mates are lazy buggers though and don't really play sports. Any ideas how I would go about getting into this?
 
Greenja said:
I'd really like to give squash a go, looks like a fun game. All my mates are lazy buggers though and don't really play sports. Any ideas how I would go about getting into this?
Click to expand...

My local leisure centre has a squash league, call up and enquire? I dont partake myself but from what I have heard there are 4/5 different levels and you play each other one or two times a week
 
Yes the Racket makes a difference - one of the beautiful things about the Sport is that your Racket is very much your personal choice, and approach, to the game. Finding a balance of power and weight will help you reach a point of stability from which you can build on correct posture and movement.

Squash is one of the fastest ball sports in the World, and to play at any level takes stamina, skill and quick reflexes. Getting better at the game hones these skills over time - it truly is an awesome Sport. The only risks arise from playing against a twonk of an opponent who has no concept of the rules (and therefore can injure you with the Racket or the ball instead of not stopping the point), or if you do not warm up and try some idiotic physical moves on court.
 
Heavier racquet user here (140g Technifibre Carboflex) but then again i'd class myself as upper club level player.

Squash is a great game, but I can't imagine having to learn how to play it as an adult as i have played since i was about 6.
 
It has really taken me a while to get my head around some of the shots that are possible.

Coming from a football background I just couldnt think "outside/inside" the box! bouncing off 2 walls etc

Deff think I need a lighter racquet, dont know of a decent shop near me though
 
I love squash. Its the only racquet sport I've ever played. I'm playing twice a week with work in a mini league we have going. Everyone is better than me but I don't mind as they have a lot more experience in racquet sports than me. I just enjoy the game and try to take some lessons away from each game. I've considered some tuition as I think it might help. My swing is terrible and its something I'm trying to work on.
 
When I played badminton I played squash once a month with another club member for fitness and reactions and so on. Love it, but don't play it regularly.
 
Rackets do make a difference, but nothing makes as big a difference as correct technique. If you're just starting I'd suggest you get a few lessons from a qualified coach to get the basics right. Also check out some tournaments to watch as its surprising cheap to see the top players.
 
Lost 3-2, but those where the first games I have won, glad to get that monkey off my back! Played some great shots and really learning how to move my opponent round the court as he did to me for the first few weeks! Really great match tonight
 
Amazing sport. Played for years, internal league squash at two clubs and played for a couple of different teams too (just got back from a team game as it happens). It's one of those sports you can easily keep playing until your 60 if you keep yourself fit and injury free.
 
Lost 4-3 last night, I seem to have trouble winning the cagey matches when you are stuck at say 7-7 for ages I seem to win the server back easily but then fluff the point. Also find the drop shots very difficult, can not judge how hard I need to hit them!

On the plus my drives and boasts have improved 10 fold! Also feeling much fitter from having a good run around again :D
 
Played squash since I was very small and played a lot when I was a junior. Still play county leagues now but dont play as much now.

Some handy tips/tactics for beginners:


  • Aim the ball to the back corners keeping it tight to the side walls.
  • Try and move back to the T (middle of the squash court floor) after every shot.
  • Play drop shots when your opponent is behind you i.e. a weak return from your shot to back corners.
  • Play as much as you can yu will find your game comes on quicker if you are playing lots.
  • Dont be afraid to play better players every now and again, it will bring your game on as they will keep the rallies going longer or faster. Try and stick in there and your game willl improve.
  • Most squash clubs have internal (box) leagues where you will be grouped with similar ability players and have the opportunity to have 5-6 matches per month and there is relegation/promotion.
Squash is truly a great game and an incredible workout, 40 mins on a squash court can leave you gasping for air to live and soaked in sweat, whereas a 40 min gym session can often leave you barely breaking sweat/out of breath.


Regarding Rackets, I play with Dunlop rackets and my rackets are about 145g which is just about right weight for me. Anything lighter and I feel I need to swing harder to get power, so prefer a heavier racket for touch and control.
 
After being much more competitive in the last few weeks I lost 5-0 last night
10-12
10-12
9-11
10-12
10-12

Really annoyed at myelf for not winning at least 2 games. Last game in particular I was 1-7 got it to 10-7 then lost. PFFFFFFT
 
Loving squash at the moment. Playing 2-3 times a week and can really feel my game improving. I've developed quite a big callous on the side of my thumb though and its quite painful after a game. Am I holding the racquet incorrectly or is it just one of those things?
 
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