Squash Terminology: Boast Forehand

Generally this is a shot used too often and at inappropriate times. The boast should be used to exert pressure and to attack your opponent. As a defensive shot it should be your last option. The two wall (side wall – front wall) boast should be the most common shot in your boasting armoury. The three wall (side wall – front wall – side wall) boast should only be used as a last resort when you are unable to straighten the ball.

Squash Terminology: Skid boast

The Skid Boast is a very difficult shot to master. Although, can be very useful shot when used correctly.

Skid boast is a shot that is played from the back corners. The idea is to hit high on the sidewall , very close to the front wall intersection. It is best to hit this off a deep rail shot. The ball will hit the front wall high and lob itself into the opposite back corner. If hit correctly, huge amount of spin will be imparted to the ball

Squash Terminology: The Nick

"The Nick" is a term commonly used among squash players. Although not everyone completely understands what is meant by it.

"The Nick" is the intersection of the floor and any sidewall. If the ball hits this 'crack' it will immeadietely roll parallel to the floor and the rally will be over. This is the only kill shot in Squash that lets you finish a rally in one shot. It is the most difficult shot to hit with consistency. Understand that if you miss the nick, then the ball will bounce up right back towards you resulting in a stroke. So do not attempt the nick shot if you are close to the T. Best to try it if you are close to one of the sidewalls and then you can aim for the opposite corner nick.
To practice this shot, extend the line where the floor and sidewall intersect to behind the front wall. Aim for that line and as low to the tin as possible. If the ball is sitting up higher than your waist level with a lot of air around it, then you can attempt this shot. The closer you are to front wall the better.

Squash Tips - Hashim Khan's Nine Simple Rules

(1) Keep eye on ball.
(2) Move quick to “T.” [Center court position.]
(3) Stay in crouch.
(4) Take big step [to reach ball].
(5) Keep ball far away from your opponent.
(6) Have many different shots ready so opponent does not know what you do next.
(7) Do not relax because you play good shot; maybe opponent retrieves that ball; better you get ready for next stroke.
(8) Soon as can, find out where opponent has idea to send ball; then quick take position for your return shot.
(9) Have reason for every stroke you make.

WATCH THE BALL

All professionals say "watch the ball". But, did you know that there is a certain way of watching the ball. During a rally your opponent will be either in front, behind, or parallel to you. There is only one way to watch in each of these circumstances.When your opponent is in front of you, it is easy to see where and when your opponent is going to hit the ball. The secret is to stay as close to your opponent as possible, without crowding, as he or she is striking the ball.This adds mental pressure to your opponent because by doing this your opponent knows you're ready, especially for a drop. If your opponent is in front, remember the drop is the most likely shot to be executed. And this means trouble. So get close to your opponent when he or she is in front of you.When your opponent is next to you or behind you, try not to look directly at the ball. Use your peripheral vision. The reason to do this is that it may be physically impossible to follow a fast crosscourt and turn your head at the same time. Use your eyeballs instead of your head and neck. A good reference point is the serve line that runs across the floor of the court. Follow the ball with your eye to this line and then lock your eye at the serve line area and let your peripheral vision track the ball to your opponent's racquet.The only exception is if you've hit a high length shot that comes off high on theback wall. In this instance you need to watch your opponent closely. Just make sure you're watching from the front while on the "T".

The Importance Of A Good Serve

START TO WIN: THE SERVE. The point starts with a serve; it continues into a rally for position; and then either you or your opponent finishes the point with a winner or a mistake. Let's discuss how you should start a point.The point starts with a serve. This makes the serve important, but many squash players focus on the wrong aspect of the serve. I have seen players try to get their serves tighter and tighter. But, you should know that developing an ace serve is a waste of time. A good serve should be hit close to the walls to restrict your opponent's swing. That is all. Nowhere will you find that you need to develop a service ace. You should concentrate more on your opponent's return. You need to differentiate a rail return from a crosscourt or a drop. What I'm getting at, is that, squash serves don't count as much as reading your opponent's return of serve and the way you prepare for the return.The best way to prepare for a service return is to get in the crouch position. Get ready to pounce on the ball and make sure your opponent sees this.It'll add mental pressure to his or her return. Mental pressure works best when your opponent sees you hovering on the "T" in the crouch position right after a tight serve. Try it!

Squash Tips!!!!

Play and practice regularly, not sporadically. Playing or practicing once a week can help you improve. Playing or practicing three times a week, or every other day, will help you improve much more quickly.

Keep learning and set goals for improvement. You can always get better at squash since it is a very deep game. Set yourself some challenging goals, and then define some achievable milestones along the way to your goals.