For many junior squash players, the backhand is an area that can feel particularly challenging; one of the most effective backhand techniques is the backhand loop swing drive.
Seen as a powerful and versatile shot that when executed well, allows you to control the court, put pressure on your opponent, and open up opportunities to win points.
What is the Backhand Loop Swing Drive?
In squash, a “drive” refers to any shot that is hit with the intent of sending the ball deep into your opponent’s back corner, keeping it close to the side wall. A well-placed drive is a staple of good squash play, allowing you to dictate pace and positioning. The “loop” aspect of the backhand loop swing drive involves a smooth, controlled swing that generates a bit of topspin, helping the ball to stay low while still moving deep into the court.
Why is the Backhand Loop Swing Drive Important for Juniors?
The backhand loop swing drive is an important skill for junior players for several reasons:
- Improves Court Position: It keeps your opponent in the back corners, giving you more control over the T position.
- Builds Accuracy and Consistency: Practising this shot helps juniors develop precision, an essential skill that will benefit all areas of their game.
- Develops Power and Balance: Learning to drive power from the legs and core with a backhand drive strengthens balance and core stability.
With practice, junior players can turn the backhand loop swing drive into a reliable weapon, creating more offensive opportunities and minimising defensive situations.
Step-by-Step Guide to the Backhand Loop Swing Drive
Mastering the backhand loop swing drive takes patience, practice, and attention to detail. Let’s go through the step-by-step technique to help you master this valuable shot.
1. Starting Position
Footwork: Begin with a balanced stance, ideally with your right foot forward if you’re a right-hander (left if you’re a left-hander), but be ready to adjust depending on the ball’s position.
Grip: Make sure your racket grip is firm but not tense. A relaxed grip allows for greater control. The standard backhand grip involves holding the racket with your fingers wrapped loosely, with the thumb positioned at the back of the handle for stability.
2. Backswing
Elbow and Wrist Position: Lift your racket, bringing it behind your body while keeping the racket head high. Aim to create a slight angle with your wrist to help with control and power.
Body Rotation: Rotate your upper body slightly to prepare for the swing. This rotation is important for generating the necessary power without relying solely on your arm.
3. Swing and Contact Point
Loop Motion: As you start the forward swing, aim for a smooth, circular motion rather than a straight line. This “loop” helps generate topspin and gives you greater control.
Eye on the Ball: Keep your eyes locked on the ball as you move through the swing, ensuring that your racket meets it at just the right angle.
Contact Point: Aim to hit the ball at waist height and close to your body, ideally with a slight forward tilt to encourage a low, powerful drive.
4. Follow-Through
Controlled Follow-Through: After hitting the ball, continue your racket motion in a natural follow-through, keeping it smooth and controlled. Your racket should finish high, allowing the ball to travel deep into the back of the court.
Return to Position: Once your swing is complete, be sure to get back to the T quickly. The backhand loop drive, when well-placed, will give you a few extra seconds to move back into a strong position on the court.
Tips for Junior Players Practising the Backhand Loop Swing Drive
1. Start Slow: Focus on getting the motion right rather than going for maximum power. Practise the loop swing motion with controlled, slower shots to build muscle memory.
2. Work on Footwork Drills: Effective footwork is essential for getting into the right position for the backhand. Practising movement drills that emphasise staying balanced while reaching back will help juniors execute this shot more consistently.
3. Visualise the Loop: Visualisation is a powerful tool. Imagine the “loop” in your mind before each shot to build a consistent rhythm in your swing.
4. Practice Against the Wall: Hitting backhand drives against a wall (without a partner) is a great way to practice consistency. Aim to keep each shot close to the wall to improve your accuracy.
5. Seek Feedback from Coaches: Working with a coach or an experienced player can help junior players make necessary adjustments to their swing and positioning. Small tweaks to form can make a big difference in shot quality.
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
1. Over-Gripping the Racket: Many junior players tend to grip the racket too tightly, which restricts movement. Remember to relax your grip; a looser grip allows for a more fluid swing.
2. Reaching Too Far for the Ball: Stretching out too far disrupts balance and decreases accuracy. Keep your body close to the ball, and use your legs to position yourself correctly before swinging.
3. Skipping the Follow-Through: A rushed or incomplete follow-through is a common mistake. A good follow-through helps ensure the ball travels deep, so don’t cut the swing short.
Building Confidence with the Backhand Loop Swing Drive
As with any squash skill, building confidence with the backhand loop swing drive takes consistent practice. At first, juniors might struggle with getting the right angle or maintaining power. But with time, patience, and regular feedback from a coach, this drive can become a foundational part of their game.
Encourage junior players to set small goals, such as hitting a target zone on the wall, or achieving a certain number of consecutive successful drives in practice. This helps make learning both fun and rewarding, fuelling their motivation to keep improving.
Final Thoughts
The backhand loop swing drive is a powerful technique that every junior squash player should aim to master. It’s not only an essential tool for controlling the pace and position but also a skill that fosters better control, precision, and consistency.
With a focus on proper form, mindful practice, and persistence, junior players can develop a reliable backhand loop swing drive that strengthens their squash game and prepares them for more advanced play. So grab your racket, hit the court, and start practising this essential backhand shot today!
