Basics Of The Beginner Squash Swing - Squash For Beginners [011]

[@BetterSquash]

Hey Squashers, Yesterday, I was watching a video about making better videos and finished the video and realised that I couldn't remember the advice given. I watched it all the way through and listened carefully, but there was just too much information to absorb. I really enjoyed the video and was kept entertained all the way through, but it occurred to me that unless *I* made notes, I would forget everything pretty quickly. That then got me thinking about the video I have just posted. Was I guilty of the same thing? Perhaps. So I created a Summary Sheet of all the important points. It's a PDF and is linked to in the text description. (bit.ly/bttrsqsh-sfb011-ss). I plan to do this for all suitable future videos. I didn't mention it in the actual video because as I just explained, I created it after I finished the video. From now on, I will mention it in future videos. Use it to add your notes to, or just as a quick reference for yourself. Let me know how you feel I can improve this idea. Thanks for reading and have a great squash weekend.

[@thisaestheticlife]

brilliant, thanks

[@giuliananuzzo]

Philip, you're so organised, clean and clear with the information you present. It's pure excellence in what you do! Thanks also for this great pdf file! J'adore ❤

[@BetterSquash]

Giuliana, thank you for your kind words of support. I am glad to hear the PDF was appreciated too.

[@jsvanderwalt]

What a legend, I watched the 1st min and already know this is going to be great. Good practical advice. Keep pumping SfBs your new video's are on fire. Well done.

[@BetterSquash]

Thanks! Will do!

[@PapayaPunch_]

Mad respect for your work, mate. Besides your easy going aproach to the topic, I can tell you try to make it easy for non native english speakers to understand you. As a brazilian, I highly appreciate this. I've just started squash and I'm learning a lot from you!

[@BetterSquash]

Thank you for your kind words. i am happy to hear that I have helped you improve your squash. Let me know if you ever have any squash questions.

[@Mukbangeats01]

Amazing video, i have just recently got into squash and was feeling hopeless. However after watching your video i am looking forward to trying out these techniques. Keep up the amazing work!

[@BetterSquash]

I am very happy to hear that my video helped you look forward to squash. Let me know if you have any specific questions.

[@alfredbasters1927]

Great video, reall like the new effects in text and so on. You've put (as always) the right amount of humour in it and your presentation is calm and clear.

[@BetterSquash]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@patrickreincke2812]

Mate, I was looking forward to this video after you mentioned the amount of editing you were doing on your Insta. Looks really good, hats off to you! And great squash content as always!

[@BetterSquash]

Thank you Patrick. Still plenty of things I could have done to improve it, but i feel it's better than previous ones and if I follow my own advice, I'll Do Something Every Single Day To Improve My Videos!

[@Impossimole]

This video is awesome. Thanks gor the effort you are putting into this series. Really helping me improve.

[@BetterSquash]

Glad to help!

[@BecLuvOnew]

Hi Philip, I just picked up the squash racket for the second time in my life this week & just found your video. What a gem this is, the time and effort you’ve put into editing this is incredible, and your assuring and kind words is so very encouraging to a complete beginner like me. I think I will be referring to this video frequently as I pick up this sport more over the next few weeks, so thank you for making this!! 😊

[@BetterSquash]

Hi and welcome to squash! Thank you so much for you kind words. Be sure to watch the previous videos in the Squash For Beginners series. They may answers questions before they even appear. Let me know if you ever have any questions about squash.

[@ward9716]

It's like you were watching me playing. Great vid, thank you helped lots. Now more practice.

[@BetterSquash]

I was! I've been spying on you for ages. Seriously though, I am glad you found the video helpful. Let me know if you ever have any squash questions.

[@ward9716]

@@BetterSquash 😆, will do.

[@thisaestheticlife]

great video for me returning after many years away and never had any training...eye on the ball! many thanks

[@BetterSquash]

You are most welcome. Let me know if you have any questions. I am keen to address issues for people returning after a break, so feel free to share any with me.

[@gibraltarchan9750]

GREAT STEP BY STEP DRILL FOR BEGINNERS........I STARTED SQUASH WHEN I WAS AT COLLEGE IN LONDON, PLAYED AT NORTHWOOD SQUASH CLUB IN 1971..& PLAYED A GRADE IN SYDENY IN 1983....HAHAHA.......NOW AT 76 I COACH BADMINTON IN PHILIPPINE......& I MUST SAY ALL THE SQUASH TRAINING U PUT ON IS 200% APPLICABLE TO BADMINTON ( MUCH HARDER TO APPY TO TENNIS THOUGH.)........I NEVER ALLOWED MY STUDENT PLAY A GAME IN BADMINTON UNTIL THEY CAN HIT HIGH & DEEP 10 TIMES...............ITS SAD MANY COACHES DONOT FOLLOW THAT THINKING.....................THANKS AGAIN FOR PUTTING UP THIS VIDEO.I WILL SHOW MY STUDENT...SAVE ME TALKING TO THEM...............HAHAHHAHA

[@BetterSquash]

Thank you for your kind words. I used to coach at Northwood in the 1990s.

[@gibraltarchan9750]

THAT MAKES YOU TO BE ABOUT 45 YEARS OLD 👍👍@@BetterSquash

[@BetterSquash]

I'm 59.

[@Mic33399]

Nice 👍 Love your videos. I will play these drills next time

[@BetterSquash]

Glad you like them!

[@kbhatia76]

One of your best videos. Love it.

[@BetterSquash]

Wow, thanks!

[@ghostmutt4265]

I could play squash all day everyday. Such a great game

[@BetterSquash]

I remember the days when I did play every day - I miss them so much.

[@ghostmutt4265]

@@BetterSquash I've only just started playing a few months ago and I'm hooked already. What country are you from? I'm in Australia and unfortunately it's not very popular here

[@BetterSquash]

I'm originally from England, but I now live in Northern Spain. Australia has a rich history of squash and for a while had the best players in the world.

[@ghostmutt4265]

@@BetterSquash yeah nice! I didn't know that about Australia either. Well I just moved to Sydney NSW today. So I'll be on the hunt for an amateur sqaush competition around my local area. Let's hope I can find one. I had a look online and it's not looking too good.

[@jenloveapple]

@@BetterSquashI’m 46, only started playing with my son last year , but now I’m playing every day, and watch footage and next day trying to correct it. It’s so addictive , I now got two times meniscus tear…can’t play match but still love doing solo practice ❤

[@LukeYoung-g9e]

Great video, thanks so much for sharing.

[@BetterSquash]

Thanks for watching!

[@hannahzhang7849]

The best tips for beginners!

[@BetterSquash]

Glad you think so!

[@zanza108]

Thank you so much from Brazil! 🥰🍀

[@BetterSquash]

You are most welcome. Let me know if you have any questions.

[@msgesus4518]

I come from a tennis background, so used to doing full strokes with an angled grip which switches backhand to forehand to produce topspin. The squash swing and grip seems more like a open face slice as a comparison.

[@BetterSquash]

The backhand swing is very similar to a sliced backhand in tennis, that's true, although not as pronounced. It's becoming more usual for squash players to change their grip, but certainly not to the extent that tennis players do. I wrote an article about tennis players playing squash that may interest you: bettersquash.com/2022/20220707.html

[@antrikshgwal1089]

Very Informative Video !!

[@BetterSquash]

Glad you think so!

[@mohitarora7032]

Starting playing squuash today and evn it was my first video to watch as during solo practice my ball was going everywhere so i was sure i was not doing right. Your video help alot will practice that from tomorrow onwards. Just one silly query how long do u think it will take beginners go to next step after following this i mean how many weeks

[@BetterSquash]

Welcome to the world of squash! You've made a great decision to play and a very sensible decision to try hitting the ball alone. Your question is a difficult one to answer because it depends on some many factors: how old you are, your natural hand-to-eye co-ordination, how. committed you are, how often you play, whether you have coaching etc etc. What I can tell you is the consistent purposeful practice is key to improving. Don't worry about comparing yourself to others (some will improve faster, others slower) and as long as you feel that you are improving each week, then that is all that matters. Once you feel you can control the ball, start playing with other people. The variety of players will definitely increase the speed of improving. I want to finish with suggesting that you buy and use squash goggles. Squash is not dangerous, but our eyes are too precious to ever take chances with. In case you haven't seen it, I have a playlist called Squash for Beginners, that displays videos for new players - I recommend you watch those videos too. Please don't hesitate to ask any question about squash, no matter how silly it may seem.

[@rahuljindal2801]

Watch the ball hit the strings.. great advice! The contact between ball and string is so fraction of a second though that if you’re trying to ‘watch the ball hit the string’ you could think you might’ve missed it, even if you didn’t. It was getting a bit frustrating for me.. instead I replaced it with ‘always watch the ball’ in my head and felt much more comfortable. Thoughts on that please?

[@BetterSquash]

The problem is that you actually don't want to "always watch the ball". In fact, you can't. My next video will address the whole issue and explain everything in proper detail.

[@arolene]

Great video~!

[@BetterSquash]

Thank you!

[@pds3285]

Hi, when is the next video coming out? These are such great guides, thanks. Also, could you recommend a squash racket for a total beginner? I play badminton and prefer a super light Yonex racket at 68 gm. Will my preference for a light racket apply to squash as well? I’d like to get something with standard quality so that I don’t lose interest in the sport, which I am just starting, due to a bad racket. What do you suggest? Should I try getting one at Decathlon? I saw in a response where you said the 560 is one option. However, when I bought a Yonex, I immediately quit using my 560 badminton racket. So, by the same analogy, should I get a Dunlop, which will surely cost much more in India, or am I better off with the 560, which will suffice? Where does the Head brand figure in all of this? Or are Head and Decathlon about the same in technology and ease of use for a beginner?

[@BetterSquash]

The next video will be about serves. I have started planning it, but have no release date. It's possible that you will prefer a lighter squash racket due to your badminton, but rackets are very personal. I can't recommend a particular racket, and all big brands will be fine. Is it possible for you to borrow a few different rackets from friends or opponents to see which weight, balance and head shape you prefer?

[@timtolerton9813]

hello their I know that this might be a silly question but I was wondering if you are looking at the ball hit the racquet how do I know where I am going to hit the ball as when I hit the ball I am usually looking at the spot where I want to hit the ball while swinging the racquet sorry if this question is a bit silly or has a simple fix I just wanted to make sure!

[@BetterSquash]

Hello, there are no silly questions. The reality is that if you have to look up to know where the ball is going, you are not really in control of the ball. What you are experiencing is a natural fear that you need to see the ball at all times - and you don't. I make few guarantees, but I have NEVER coached a person that did not hit the ball better when watching it hit their strings. It may take a little time to feel confident that you can control the ball, but it will come. Let me know if you have any other questions - I'm here to help.

[@Acheron99]

Hi Coach, can you suggest a good warmup routine? Also some stepping drills on the court... I just started playing and my back is killing me with all the bending😅

[@BetterSquash]

I wrote this article about "Heat Ups": bettersquash.com/2022/20220809.html What do you mean by stepping drills? Also, if you back is killing you, then it might not be just not heating up or cooling down after you play. It would help if you performed some core and leg strength exercises. I haven't written any articles or made videos about that, but a quick websearch and you should find plenty.

[@Acheron99]

By stepping I meant footwork drills. I found the video for that linked on the article you have written and linked above. Thanks! For the back I have will build a small warmup and cooldown routine targeting core and legs @@BetterSquash

[@glenndavid8725]

Just started playing at 60 I appear to be a better player than my opponent is there a way to even things up please?

[@BetterSquash]

Yes, and exactly what depends on the size of difference between you both. What normally is done is that the better player is restricted in some way, for example by the choice of shot. The first thing to try is for you to not volley (hit it before it bounces) unless you absolutely have to. If you still win, then play a game where you can only hit the ball past the line on the floor, although I suspect that if you have only started playing, this may not be the best option. Try hitting the ball ONLY above the service line (the line on the front wall just about head height. With practice, you will still be able to move your opponent around and it will help you develop some soft control. Lastly, letting your opponen t start with more points than you, say 0-4 can ensure the games are closer and force you to concentrate for every point. Let me know how you get on and perhaps I can offer some other ideas.

[@hannahzhang7849]

I wish I knew these before getting to this point

[@BetterSquash]

I know what you mean, but now that you do, make the most of every moment on court.

[@AnshJain-xk6pi]

I have problem in bending knee I always forgot to bend while hitting ball what can I do

[@BetterSquash]

Hi Ansh, well a lot depends on *WHY* you don't bend your knee. Do you have any injuries or weakness in your back or knees? If not, then it might be because you are too close to the ball. My suggestion is to train yourself to be a little further away from the ball, so that you are forced to bend your knee.

[@AnshJain-xk6pi]

Thanks alot ,I am practicing many of the things that you taught and surely I will also focus on this

[@ryoalpha4207]

Great job, Philip. Time to remaster the video you filmed 10 years ago. These valuable material needs new way to let people know your wisdom.

[@BetterSquash]

Thank you, Ryo. Your point about remastering my older videos is interesting, because I have decided to do exactly that. The image and sound quality on some of them is very bad and an remastering might really help.

[@ryoalpha4207]

​@@BetterSquash Keeping both to be compared with each other. :)

[@Priya-fo2xi]

Great video. Thank you.. Btw, name your friend Ali but only if you’re gonna handle him with respect and care. Haha..

[@BetterSquash]

Hi Priya, thanks for your suggestion. I will do my best to treat my friend with kindness, respect and fairness. Although I will do everything in my power to beat them.

[@Priya-fo2xi]

@@BetterSquashlol.. Alright, squash him fair and square.. All the best!!

[@DeniseMundayi]

SQUASH 1E LEÇON

[@BetterSquash]

Eh bien, la première leçon porte généralement sur la façon de tenir la raquette et de faire rebondir la balle. Peut-être aussi sur la sécurité.

[@se4gio]

Our name suggestion is Thomas

[@BetterSquash]

Thank you for the suggestion.

[@elizabethmusiimenta9579]

Let's call him senîoré Squishy

[@BetterSquash]

That's a good name.

[@alanlin2780]

“Doddle”

[@BetterSquash]

I like that word.

[@pavinderdeyrpraabaanvrge7393]

Jannik sinner

[@BetterSquash]

I know who he is, but I don't understand the reference.

[@brettwilson3142]

This isn't for beginners.I would say more for short bus people. If a person can't hit a ball naturally. They are a lost cause..Within 10 min you should be able to pick it up..If not,it's not your game. Maybe dungeons and dragons..

[@BetterSquash]

I do not agree with your point of view. Yes some people are more naturally able to swing and hit the ball, but nobody is a lost cause.

[@brettwilson3142]

@BetterSquash I believe it would say the same thing if I was getting paid.The good thing is there getting exercise...

[@Frodo_Sagbag]

What a dumb gatekeeping comment

[@brettwilson3142]

@Frodo_Sagbag Did i hit a string?

[@aj6986]

Yeah this dude is a rage baiter, has really nothing to add to the world and gets his validation from annoying people with non-critical, half-baked, no nuance opinions like this.