Squash is fast, intense, and requires more than just good shot-making. To win consistently, you need to think strategically and adapt to different opponents.
Junior players who develop strong match tactics early will have a big advantage as they progress in the sport.
Let’s break down how to plan your match, adjust to different opponents, and make in-game tactical changes to gain the upper hand.
The Foundation: Pre-Match Planning
Before your match, take a few minutes to prepare:
✅ Know Your Strengths – Are you good at volleying? Do you move well? Do you have accurate drop shots? Play to your strengths.
✅ Spot Your Opponent’s Weaknesses – If you’ve played them before, what worked last time? If not, watch their warm-up and look for clues (e.g. weak backhand, slow to the front).
✅ Set a Game Plan – Decide how you want to play. Will you attack early? Play a patient-controlled game? Make them run?
A solid game plan gives you confidence and a clear focus from the first rally.
How to Tactically Adjust During a Match
Not every match goes as planned, so you need to make quick tactical changes. Here’s how to adjust based on different types of opponents:
A) Facing an Aggressive, Hard-Hitting Opponent
🚀 Their Strengths: They like to attack early, hit hard, and dominate the T.
⚡ Your Adjustments:
Keep your shots tight to the walls to reduce their attacking chances.
Play higher and deeper—use lobs to move them back.
Be patient—wait for the right moment to counter-attack.
B) Facing a Defensive, Fit Opponent (Retrieves Everything!)
🏃 Their Strengths: They are incredibly fit, chase down every ball, and rarely make mistakes.
⚡ Your Adjustments:
Don’t get dragged into their long rallies—increase the pace when possible.
Use variation—mix in drops, boasts, and attacking volleys to disrupt their rhythm.
Try to endpoints at the front rather than trading endless deep shots.
C) Facing an Opponent Who Controls the T
🎯 Their Strengths: They are always in the centre, taking the ball early.
⚡ Your Adjustments:
Play accurate deep shots to push them off the T.
Use deception—fake a straight shot and then play cross-court.
Increase your volleying to prevent them from settling into position.
D) Facing an Opponent with a Weakness
💥 Their Weaknesses: Every player has one! It could be a weak backhand, slow movement, or poor front-court play.
⚡ Your Adjustments:
If they struggle with backhand drives, keep attacking that side.
If they are slow to the front, play more drop shots.
If they don’t handle high balls well, throw in lobs and high cross-courts.
Never let your opponent get comfortable—exploit their weakness over and over!
Mid-Game Adjustments: Recognising & Changing Tactics
Even if you start well, your opponent might adjust their tactics. Stay aware and be ready to change.
Signs You Need to Adjust:
❌ Your opponent is winning too many points easily.
❌ You’re constantly under pressure and not controlling the T.
❌ Your shots are being picked off too often.
How to Make a Quick Tactical Change:
🔄 Change the Serve – Try a lob serve, body serve, or a fast and low serve to disrupt their return.
🔄 Adjust the Pace – Slow it down with lobs or speed it up with quick volleys.
🔄 Target a Different Area – If deep shots aren’t working, attack the front more.
Great players don’t wait until the match is over to make changes—they adjust in real time!
Closing Out a Match: The Winning Mindset
If you’re winning, stay focused! Many players lose concentration when they are ahead.
✅ Stick with what’s working—don’t try unnecessary risky shots.
✅ Stay calm—control the pace and make your opponent work harder.
✅ Play smart—keep shots tight and focus on accuracy over power.
If you’re losing, don’t panic—make a change!
🔥 Slow down and take control of the rallies.
🔥 Play with variety to force errors.
🔥 Stay positive—believe that a small tactical shift can turn the match around.
Mastering the Mental Side of Tactics
Squash isn’t just a physical battle—it’s a mental one too. The ability to stay calm under pressure and think clearly during a match is what separates good players from great ones.
A) Staying Composed in Tight Matches
🧠 Keep a clear mind – Don’t rush shots just because the score is close.
💨 Breathe & reset – Take a deep breath before each serve or return.
🔄 Stick to your plan – Don’t let panic force you into reckless attacking.
B) Adapting to the Opponent’s Mindset
🛑 If they get frustrated, slow the pace – Let them make mistakes.
⚡ If they are confident, disrupt their rhythm – Change tactics to break their flow.
🎭 Use deception – A simple fake or delay in movement can make them second-guess themselves.
Common Tactical Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced players fall into these traps. Here’s what to watch out for:
❌ Forcing Winners Too Early – If you go for risky shots before setting up the rally, you’ll lose easy points.
❌ Ignoring the T-Position – If you keep getting caught behind your opponent, you’re giving them control.
❌ Playing One-Dimensional Squash – If your game is too predictable, your opponent will adjust and shut you down.
✅ How to Fix It: Focus on playing tight, controlled squash with good length, variation, and patience.
How to Practise Match Tactics
Tactical awareness doesn’t just develop in matches—you need to train it. Try these drills:
- Conditioned Games – Play practice games where you can only win points using a certain tactic (e.g. only volleys or only front-court shots).
- Targeted Drills – Work on deep drives, volleying, or deception in isolation to improve accuracy.
- Practice Adjusting – Play a set using one strategy, then switch halfway to another.
The more you train your ability to adapt, the more confident you’ll be in matches!
Final Challenge: Next Time You Play…
Try to:
- Identify your opponent’s strengths & weaknesses early.
- Adjust your tactics mid-match if something isn’t working.
- Stay mentally strong and avoid common mistakes.
Squash is not just about hitting the ball—it’s about playing smart. The best players think ahead, adapt quickly, and stay in control.
Next time you step on the court, remember to play with purpose, adjust with confidence, and outsmart your opponent!
What’s one tactical change that helped you win a match? Let us know in the comments!
Final Thoughts: Always Keep Learning
Squash is a game of constant adjustments. Even the best players don’t win just by hitting good shots—they win because they think, adapt, and outplay their opponents strategically.
Next time you play, don’t just react—have a plan, make smart adjustments, and stay one step ahead!
What’s your go-to tactic in a tough match?