Keeping squash sessions as enjoyable as possible is a primary objective. Adding targets and varied scores to the lessons might help to focus the students and provide them with exciting, attainable incentives and goals.
TARGETS: Mark out the correct objectives in the playing area. Keep in mind that the targets should be positioned safely. Suggested targets that are safe to utilize include:
- Painter’s tape.
- Rubber lines and circles.
- Cones
Set a time restriction and record how many shots the group can take at a target in that period. As they improve, reduce the target size or shorten the duration. Target competitions between groups can increase fun and focus among players.
While there is a correct technique to score in a squash match, adopting fun scoring in sessions can increase excitement and focus among students. Try out the score systems shown below, or make your own variations:
CATS’ LIVES: Begin the game with nine lives. If you fail to win a rally, you will lose your life. The winner is the player with the most lives remaining after the first person loses all theirs.
GOLF SCORING: The loser of the rally scores a point and receives the next serve. The player who reaches 11 first loses.
30 or 50 UP: Play rallies in groups of three or five points. The first person to reach three points stays on the court, while the other player travels to the next available court, keeping their total points in multiples of three (3, 6, 9, 12, 15 etc.) or five (5, 10, 15, 20 etc.). The first to reach thirty or fifty wins!
SEVENS IN FIVE: Play the best of five games, starting at 7/7. This is effective for teaching players how to deal with the pressures that can arise toward the end of a close game or at 10/10.Still, win by two.
Keep in mind that many students prefer to work together rather than independently, so establish as many collaborative scenarios as possible to allow them to enjoy this element of squash.
