More on court strategy

AT D/C level, the healthiest mind set for any player is keeping the strategy simple. We are no John Power or Peter Nicol with exquisite strategies for deployment against different players. At this level, KEEP IT SIMPLE.

Let's start here with the first thing to learn for C players, regarding strategy. You ARE NOT going to win the game by hitting winner after winner. You are going to better win the game, by giving and taking more than your opponent. When you come up against a very fit B player, he will torture you into submission, by prolonging the rallies as long as possible, and moving your around the court until you are doubled over and cannot breath anymore.

When you play against someone from now on, FORBID YOURSELF from hitting the ball hard. Get the racket prepared and high early, concentrate on stroking through the ball, and try to hit the ball a little higher of the front wall for drives.

If you played against me for example, you would be out of breath and frustrated very quickly. Try to think of squash as a game of attitudes. What you are focussing on now is the element fire, whereas you should be focussing on water. Be like the nature of water, and FEEL the game around you.

Rule 1 for strategy at C/D level:-

Put the ball where your opponent isn't.

Rule 2 for strategy at C/D level:-

Attack in sets of 5-10 shots, and then go back to a the solid basics of deep drives, keeping your opponent behind you.

Simple enough ? Good !!! Just focus on these 2 for now, that is enough.

Here is a story about a recent C player who I played against recently.... more advanced and somewhat more cruel.

He runs at least 10 miles per 2 days, plays squash about 10 hours a week, and is very powerful. He covers the court well, however not always good in getting back to the T. He likes to kill as much as possible, and is not renowned for his patient build-ups.

Game 1. Keep the rallies long, and keep him stretched. Make him run diagonally as much as possible. It doesn't matter if I lose the first game, as long as I

a. Move him around as much as possible.
b. Sap as much energy out of him as I can.
c. Play lobs as much as I can to vary the pace, and to counter his aggressive style.

Game 1 result. 15-13 for me AND.... He was breathing heavy, and had a look on his face that he wasn't enjoying himself. But he was very determined.

Game 2 strategy. Completely different. Drop whenever I can, and keep him in the front of the court. Any loose drops he does, hit hard low kills to the back corners. It doesn't matter if I lose this game either as long as I

a. Surprise the first 3 points out of him, so I take the lead.
b. Make him think another drop is coming, and then hit a drive.
c. Make him change direction
d. Last but not least, have him arguing over at least 1 point.

Game 2 result. 15-9 for me. And my opponent had lost his temper not once but twice. His legs had given way at least once, he was breathing hard (I could hear him), he was frustrated by being caught off guard.

Game 3 strategy. Prolong his misery as long as possible. If I lose this game, then it doesn't matter as long as I

a. Make him work his heart out for each point.
b. Keep him buried in the corners behind me.
c. Drop high off the front wall, inviting him to run for it.

Game 3 result. 15-5 for me. He had run out of gas, was mentally crushed, and looked like he was almost about to cry until I said I would buy him a beer at the bar. The first 2 points he contested ferociously. Then after I went 10-4 up, I gave him a point to rub salt on the wound, he was almost breaking his racket on the floor out of frustration. Then I dropped the last 5 points to victory

When you have mastered hitting a good drop and lob, try this for the fun against an aggressive player.