In Squash, Depth is a cornerstone of effective game strategy. While tightness and power are valuable tools, depth offers a unique advantage: it forces your opponent into uncomfortable positions, limits their options, and puts you in control of the court.
Yet, despite its importance, many players consistently struggle to achieve good depth in their shots.
This post will explore why Depth is so crucial and provide a detailed exercise to help you master this essential skill, ultimately making your game more challenging for opponents.
The Importance of Depth
Depth in Squash refers to how far into the court your shot travels. A deep shot pushes your opponent to the back corners, where it’s difficult for them to return the ball effectively. Why is this so powerful?
Maintaining Dominance at the “T”:
When your opponent is forced to retrieve deep shots, you gain control of the “T” – the central position allowing you to reach most of the court with minimal movement.
Limiting Their Options:
A ball deep in the backcourt reduces your opponent’s ability to attack. They’re often left with defensive lobs or loose returns, setting you up for a strong response.
Dictating the Rally:
Deep shots allow you to dictate the tempo, making it harder for your opponent to turn the tables and gain control.
Despite its significance, depth is one of the most under-practiced aspects of squash. Most players focus on power or aim for tight shots along the wall, but without the ability to control depth, these skills often fail to make the desired impact.
Exercise: The Deep Drive Drill
To build consistent depth, this exercise focuses on precision, control, and execution. It’s straightforward but incredibly effective when practised regularly.
Objective:
Develop the ability to hit shots that land in the back quarter of the court, challenging your opponent to play defensively.
Setup:
Mark the last quarter of the court using markers or visualize it as your target zone.
Practice solo or with a partner for variety and added pressure.
Instructions:
Start with Solo Practice:
Stand at the “T” and feed yourself the ball. Aim to hit drives (forehand or backhand) that bounce just before the back wall, landing in the back quarter. Focus on both accuracy and consistency, avoiding shots that are too short or overly powerful.
Work on Alternating Sides:
Alternate between forehand and backhand, ensuring you can achieve depth on both sides. Use the same target zone for both, aiming for the last quarter of the court.
Add Partner Pressure:
Once confident in solo practice, invite a partner to rally with you. Your goal is to keep them pinned at the back of the court with deep, controlled drives. Switch roles, allowing them to practice depth as well.
Challenge Yourself with Scoring:
Award yourself a point for every drive that lands in the back quarter. Deduct points for shots that fall short, hit the tin, or bounce too high off the back wall.
Tips for Success:
Focus on Height:
Depth often depends on how high your shot hits the front wall. A slightly higher trajectory increases your chances of the ball reaching the back of the court.
Use Controlled Power:
Too much power can make the ball rebound uncontrollably, while too little will leave it short. Find the right balance that works for you.
Perfect Your Footwork:
Proper foot positioning and balance are essential for hitting accurate, deep shots. Avoid rushing your movement and stay composed.
Watch the Pros:
Observe professional squash players to see how they use depth to dominate their matches. Take note of how they set up for deep drives and the angles they create.
Why This Drill Matters
When you can consistently control depth, your entire game changes. You’ll find yourself dominating rallies, controlling the pace of the game, and forcing errors from opponents who struggle to retrieve difficult balls. More importantly, depth isn’t about brute force – it’s a skill that rewards precision, patience, and practice.
Incorporating this drill into your training routine will sharpen your skills and build confidence in your ability to dictate the game. Remember, squash isn’t just about hitting the ball hard or tight; it’s about making life as difficult as possible for your opponent.
Take Your Game to the Next Level
Like most techniques in Squash, Depth is the foundation of a quality squash game. By mastering this skill, you’ll develop a style of play that consistently frustrates your opponents and puts you in the driver’s seat.
Overall, it is A GAME_CHANGING SKILL!!
So, the next time you’re on the court, don’t just aim for tightness or power – focus on depth, and watch your game transform.
Happy practising!
