SQUASH BASICS | The Grip

In this video, we'll be exploring the fundamentals of the grip in squash and how it can impact your game. We'll cover everything you need to know, from the different types of grips and their benefits, to how to properly hold your racket and maintain a secure grip during play. With clear demonstrations and detailed explanations, you'll learn how to position your hand and fingers correctly, how to adjust your grip for different shots, and how to avoid common mistakes that can negatively impact your game. By mastering the basics of the grip, you'll be able to improve your accuracy, control, and power on the court, and take your squash game to the next level. Whether you're a beginner or a more experienced player looking to refine your technique, this video is a must-watch for anyone looking to improve their grip and dominate on the squash court

[@MatthewHiggs]

This is the best video I've found for clearly explaining the grip fundamentals. I've been playing for around 4 years now and I still naturally find myself falling back into a beginner grip and it's really frustrating.

[@richkingcoaching]

Glad to hear you found it useful and best of luck with finding that consistency with your grip. With some players also I occasionally mark a V on their grip were the v shape is between the index finger and thumb so they can always keep checking and re aligning it during practice or games in case it slips or reverts to old habits. Good luck 👍🏼

[@Dcp0001a]

Thanks for the videos! My biggest question mark on my grip is the thumb. I find my thumb moving around a bit particularly on the backhand and particularly on volleying on the backhand. I feel I need a bit more pressure from my thumb holding the grip on the backhand side to get more control. I fear I may be not strong enough in the wrist or forearm or something and hence need to compensate for that a bit by using my thumb. I think the other aspects of my grip are all ok and match up with what you demonstrate. But do you have any tips on the thumb or concerns that I shouldn't be moving it around? Thanks!

[@richkingcoaching]

So firstly if your thumb is moving around a lot it would say to me that the majority of your grip strength or where most pressure In your hand could be is more focused on the lower part of the hand say the bottom fingers more than the top. Try to focus the most pressure and feel the most sensation in the index finger middle finger and thumb as this is the main area you should support your grip from as it stabilizes your wrist and therefore racket particularly when in extension and at the same time it also allows mobility in the wrist when the pressure in the hand is softened to allow for more movement like when playing angles etc. The bottom 2 fingers should just be for extra support not the dominate gripping area. Practice putting more pressure into that area of the grip and the strength will improve. Also consider how big your grip is on your racket, sometimes the bigger the grip the more challenging it can be to hold effectively and to develop feel in the fingers. Be aware also that the backhand volley area demands more balance as it’s challenging and that you may grip fine on the forehand side and differently on the backhand. Good luck 👍🏼

[@Dcp0001a]

@@richkingcoaching thanks so much for your reply! Interesting that you mention that I may be focusing pressure on the bottom fingers rather than my index finger etc. Because a while back I read a tip somewhere about the idea of gripping more firmly with the bottom 2 fingers. Anyway I tried doing that, but wasn’t really convinced by the idea. I think I prefer your idea of applying more pressure with the index, middle finger and thumb instead so you’ve provided me the confidence to try it! Thanks!

[@dowtingtomas.695]

Have been trying to play around with grip for a while now , i cannot work out how to position the bloody index finger . If i try to place it higher up the racket / further from the thumb , it manages to works it's way down. On the left hand I can hold this position perfectly. Is it possible that years of lifting heavy weights and other grip work has changed the biomechanics of my hand? Like I can't even spread the fingers out on the racket . 😢😢

[@richkingcoaching]

Hey thanks for your reply. So I think firstly one of the reasons of coaches stating to spread the fingers out in my opinion is to gain more sensation and feeling in this area at the top of the hand which is vital for stability in the wrist and increasing feeling and support when needed. Maybe it could be a case that your weight work has added to this but Im not so sure that would be the main cause. It could be that the grip sits more in the palm of your hand or over time in the game you start gripping the racket harder creating a more fist like grip or slipping fingers? I firstly wouldn’t be too focused on the precise position of the fingers if you say the index finger slips but whether the pressure feels like it comes more from the top of the hand (index finger/middle finger/thumb) if that is the predominant sensation that is already a good start to developing the right feedback and connection within your grip 👍🏼

[@dowtingtomas.695]

@@richkingcoaching oh wow! Thank you for such a thoughtful answer ! I am trying to sit the racket as you suggest , not in the palm of the hand . But , I think it is slipping and ending up at times as a hammer type fist . I read over your comment a few times and then give it more thought. Mate, thanks!