As part of our Squash player tips series, we look at the 3-player rotating drill that allows for more time rallying and movement.
The 3-player rotating drill is a favourite among juniors and coaches—and for a good reason. It keeps you active, improves your skills, and adds a fun, competitive twist to your training.
But when you’re sharing the court with more than two players, staying safe is crucial. Let’s dive into how the drill works, why it’s brilliant, and how to play it safely.
What’s the 3-Player Rotating Drill?
The name says it all: three players, rotating in and out after each rally. It’s a simple format that creates non-stop action and helps you practice under pressure.
Here’s how it works:
1. Player A serves to Player B – they play a normal rally.
2. Player C waits just outside the court (or safely in the back corner).
3. As soon as the rally ends:
- The loser comes off.
- The winner stays on to face the new challenger—Player C, who serves next.
And the rotation continues like that, with one player always watching and getting ready to jump in.
Safety First: What You Need to Know
When playing with three people on (or near) a squash court, safety must always come first. Here are some important tips to follow:
- Only Two Players on Court at Once: The third player should wait outside the court or well behind the back wall if space allows. This avoids the risk of accidental collisions or being hit by the ball.
- No Rushing In: Wait for the point to end completely before stepping onto the court. Always make sure the previous players are clear before entering.
- Be Aware of Others: If you’re standing near the back wall, keep your eyes on the rally and be ready to move safely.
- Use Eye Protection: Juniors should always wear squash goggles, especially when playing close to others or during fast-paced drills.
- Respect Each Other’s Space: Play fair, play safe, and give your partner room to hit the ball when needed.
Your squash development is important, but nothing is more important than staying safe and injury-free.
Why Juniors Love This Drill
Beyond the action, this drill has loads of benefits for junior players:
- It’s High Energy: You’re never out for long, which keeps the heart rate up and your mind focused.
- It Builds Match Sharpness: The constant rotation makes you think fast and make smart decisions under pressure.
- Everyone Gets Involved: You don’t have to sit out long, and everyone gets equal chances to play and win rallies.
- You Learn to Compete Respectfully: Winning lets you stay on the court longer—but it’s all in good fun and great for friendly rivalries.
Try These Fun Variations
- King (or Queen!) of the Court: The winner stays on until someone beats them. Count how many wins in a row you can get!
- One-Shot Challenge: You’re only allowed to win the point with a volley or a boast—pick a shot and commit to it!
- Themed Rounds: Every few minutes, change the focus: movement, length, volleying, or attacking boasts.
Comparing the 3-Player Rotating Drill to other All-Around Training Methods
The 3-player rotating drill is a fantastic all-around training method, but how does it compare to other common squash training techniques? Each method has its strengths, and understanding when to use each can help junior players develop more effectively.
Compared to solo practice training, which focuses heavily on technique and consistency (like straight drives, ghosting, or volley drills), the 3-player drill adds a whole new layer of intensity and realism. While solo sessions are great for repetition and building muscle memory, they lack the pressure and unpredictability of playing against real opponents. The rotating drill, on the other hand, demands fast decision-making, sharp movement, and competitive focus—more like what players experience in actual matches.
Then there are pair drills or conditioned rallies, which usually focus on specific tactical situations, such as boast and drive or crosscourt versus straight. These are excellent for honing particular patterns of play and understanding positioning. However, they can become a bit repetitive if not varied, and the pressure is often lower because the outcome is more predictable. In contrast, the 3-player rotating format keeps everyone on their toes—it’s dynamic and mentally engaging, rewarding players who can adapt quickly and stay sharp.
Conditioned games (like “only play to the back corners” or “every rally must include a volley”) are another useful method to build tactical awareness. These are great fun and help players develop strategic thinking in a game-like setting. However, the 3-player drill stands out for its built-in competitiveness. The challenge of playing on the court by winning rallies adds an extra full match that pushes players to focus and fight for each point.
Full-match play is essential for preparing for competition. It tests every part of a player’s game—fitness, strategy, focus, and nerves. But with three players, traditional match play can leave one person waiting too long. The 3-player rotating drill solves that by keeping everyone involved, offering high-intensity rallies with short rests, which closely mimic tournament conditions where players need to perform under pressure, recover quickly, and be ready for the next challenge.
Final Thoughts
In short, the 3-player rotating drill is an excellent all-rounder. It combines match play, fitness, pressure, and fun in a way that’s ideal for junior players. While it shouldn’t completely replace technical or tactical drills, it works brilliantly alongside them as part of a balanced squash training programme. Whether you’re working on your stamina, sharpening your reactions, or learning to cope under pressure, this drill helps you do it all—with a smile on your face and sweat on your brow.
The 3-player rotating drill is a fantastic way to keep squash fun, challenging, and fast-moving. You’ll work on your fitness, reactions, and shot-making—all in a short space of time.
Just remember, while it’s a great competitive game, playing safely and looking out for each other is the number one rule. So keep your goggles on, give each other space, and enjoy the rally.
Ready to step up your game the smart way? Call up two mates, hit the court, and rotate your way to better squash—with skill, speed, and safety.