How To Play A Hard Hitter In Squash

Intimidated by hard hitters!?

Hard hitting squash players can be very intimidating when you are a beginner. They rush you for time, occasionally hit devastating winners, and are generally quite a menacing physical presence on the court. However, there are many ways of countering a hard hitter.

So, how do you play hard hitters in squash? Take the pace off the ball, playing lots of lobs and giving the ball extra height. Try to play straight down the wall, as playing cross courts gives them extra space to use their power. Hitting every shot hard is very energy sapping, so the hard-hitter will often tire quickly.

This is how you should play against a hard-hitter:

1. First, Assess. You want to start by thinking why a hard hitter is hitting it so hard. ...

They may be nervous, or it might be a game plan. Often they just always hit the ball hard.

2. Hard Hitters Tend To Love Other Hard Hitters. ...

Don't play them at their own game!

3. Avoid Cross Courts. ...

Cross courts give the hard-hitter plenty of time and space to use their swing. Don't let them! Get the ball as close to the wall as you can.

4. Use Height. ...

Use lobs and take the pace off the ball. Once again this will cramp them for room in the back corners of the court.

5. Play Lob Serves. ...

It's almost impossible to hit a lob serve back with power. Test their accuracy and technique out and see what happens.

6. Keep The Ball Tight. ...

Aim for the wall!

7. Use The Pace They Provide. ...

There's certainly no need for a huge swing when playing a hard-hitter. Deflect their shots back, and keep them moving.

8. Volley Well.

Keep your racket back, and look for any opportunity to volley. The hard-hitter will be often struggling to get back to the T because they have hit their shot so hard. They won't have time to get their court position right. Also, they will usually play lots of loose shots.

Excited and interested about squash and want to learn more? Why not visit our website: improvesquash.com/

Want to know more about playing a hard-hitter - improvesquash.com/the-essential-guide-to-playin…

Good luck against the hard-hitters!