As we know, all players progress at different rates, and some find things easier than others. With this in mind, this page will provide some alternative exercises to use for students that cannot hit the ball in the air. These exercises will help to develop the individual’s hand-eye co-ordination and give them a sense of what is needed for squash, but all hitting will be done along the floor, with the use of the wall for some exercises.
SAFETY: Due to these drills and the ball needing to be hit along the floor ensure the players understand that their swings need to be short and controlled and the action is more of a push to guide the ball along the floor, rather than a full swing and hit.
FLOOR WALL HITS: The student hits the ball along the floor against the wall back and forth to themselves continuously, if possible. Try to complete a certain number. We suggest starting at 10 and work up. Complete this activity on the forehand and backhand.
FLOOR CO-OPERATIVE RALLIES: (along the floor) One student stands on the backhand side and one of the forehand. Players hit the ball cross-court along the floor against the wall to the other side and keep a co-operative rally going for as many shots as possible without missing it.
Both players hit rotating straight shots along the floor against a wall on the forehand side, learning to stop and be steady and balanced when hitting the ball, and move around each other safely.
Repeat this on the backhand side.
PLAY A GAME: (along the floor) Both students play a game, but all shots need to hit along the floor and against the wall. Start with a serve to the other side of the court and then hit the ball away from opponent with basic tactics in mind.
FLOOR CIRCUIT: Set up a small circuit with cones and instruct students to move the ball along the floor without touching them.
Next progression is to time how long it takes to go through it and return. Try to improve the time. If the ball strikes the cone, they restart the course!
SQUOCKEY: Squockey is a hybrid of squash and hockey. Set up two goal posts using cones. Players must use their racquets to dribble, hit the ball, and score a goal. The first player to achieve 11 goals wins!!!
THROWING: (Progression 1) To assist teaching the swing, have students throw a mini squash ball toward a target on the wall. Ask them to imitate skimming a stone across the water. Count how many targets they can hit consecutively as a team. Once the students are familiar with the throw action, switch to the forehand swing with the racquets. Repeat on the backhand side.
THROWING: (Progression 2) Both players participate in a game of throwing the ball. All shots must hit the wall or net and land on the floor and the opponent must catch it on the first bounce, then immediately throws it again creating a ‘rally’. Begin with a serve to the opposite side of the court, then throw the ball away from your opponent using basic techniques.
THROWING: (Progression 3) Same as above but hitting the ball with your hand, rather than throwing the ball.
