Serving
Serving The serve is one of the most important shots in the game. A weak, loose serve will put your opponent in an attacking position, whereas a tight well placed serve will put them on the defensive. Take your time – this is the only stage of your game that you actually have time to think about the shot. Get your feet right rather than walking through & rushing the serve, check your grip, look at your opponent & check where they’re standing, pick a spot on the front wall, then serve! Easy!! The question is – what kind of serve should you play & when. Work out your opponents weaknesses during the game, if they have a weak volley, play a high, soft lob serve, aiming to hit the side wall just below the top line & dropping into the back corner. If they tend to leave the ball rather than attacking it, try a hard low driving serve, aiming for the side wall or right at them, the danger with this serve is if it bounces out too far from the back wall it is too easy to pick up. Probably the best alternative to these serves is a nice mid paced serve, aiming for about 2 thirds of the way up the side wall, behind the service box. The important thing with any serve is that you try & hit the side wall as much as possible, get straight to the T and watch the ball all the time, especially when it is behind you. Whatever serve you choose, try & mix it up a bit by changing the pace every now & then to throw your opponent off guard – don’t get too predictable. Happy Squashing - Dawn