In modern Squash, the ability to effectively play off the back leg has become a vital skill. It allows players to maintain control, generate power, and stay engaged in rallies, even in defensive situations.
This technique offers versatility, enabling strong shots even from challenging positions on the court. However, mastering play off the back leg can be tricky, especially for players who are used to always leading with the front foot.
If you want to improve your rear leg play, here are some key tips and drills to help you harness the power of this technique and add it to your Squash arsenal.
Understand Why the Back Leg Matters
Playing off the back leg is not just a defensive manoeuvre; it is also a tactical choice that helps you hit shots with greater control and accuracy, especially in situations that require quick reactions. This skill helps you maintain balance and control of your centre of gravity, allowing for smoother movements and faster recovery.
Modern Squash is characterized by a faster pace and a focus on tight shots. As a result, players often find themselves forced onto the back foot, requiring them to stay in the rally while preparing for the next shot. Mastering the back leg is essential for balancing defence and attack.
Foot Positioning: Perfecting the Stance
Good foot positioning is critical when playing off the back leg. The back leg should be positioned slightly behind the body, with your weight shifted onto it. The angle of your foot can affect the power and control of your shot. A slight outward turn of the back foot provides stability, helping you control your balance as you lean back and strike the ball.
Drill: Back Foot Pivot
- Stand in the Squash stance with your back foot in position.
- Practice leaning back while pivoting slightly on your toe to improve balance and control.
- Work on quickly moving from a neutral position to the back leg stance, aiming to replicate game situations.
Generating power through the core and hips
One of the more challenging aspects of playing off the back leg is generating power in a shot without overcommitting your body weight. The key lies in using your core and hip rotation. As you hit the ball, turn your hips and engage your core to achieve a controlled yet powerful shot.
Drill: Back Leg Rotation
- Stand with your weight shifted onto the back leg.
- Practice rotating your hips to mimic a backhand or forehand shot.
- Focus on using your core as the driving force behind the motion.
- Repeat this with a Squash ball, practising against the wall to improve your feel and coordination of power from the back leg.
Balance and Stability
Balance is crucial for controlling shots off the back leg, especially during deep-corner rallies. Staying stable on the back leg requires a strong lower body and awareness of your centre of gravity.
Drill: Wall Lean Balance
- Stand with your back to a wall and practice hitting back-leg shots.
- Ensure your weight is balanced.
- Imagine pushing against the wall with your back leg, which will reinforce your stability without leaning too far forward.
This simple yet effective drill builds muscle memory to help you maintain balance during real matches.
Practicing in Match Scenarios
A key aspect of becoming proficient at playing off the back leg is learning when to use it in a match. Set up scenarios where you deliberately position yourself on the back leg, focusing on staying calm and balanced under pressure. You can practice rallying with a partner and intentionally placing yourself on the back leg to replicate defensive situations.
Learn from the Pros
Top Squash players have perfected this skill to remain competitive, especially in the current fast-paced game environment. Study videos of players like Mohamed ElShorbagy or Nicol David, who are known for strategically using their back legs to maintain control in rallies. Observe their back leg positioning, how they generate power, and how they maintain stability and balance even under intense pressure.
Bringing It All Together
Mastering back leg shots in Squash takes time, but with regular practice, it can become a natural part of your game. This skill can transform your play from being vulnerable to being in control, even in hard-to-reach backcourt positions.
To recap, focus on:
- Positioning your foot correctly for maximum stability.
- Engaging your core and hips to generate controlled power.
- Practising balance-focused drills to stay grounded and consistent.
Playing off the back leg effectively can open up new opportunities on the court, helping you stay competitive in the ever-evolving game of Squash. Start incorporating these drills into your training routine and watch your rear leg play become a powerful asset in your Squash strategy.
