Let's Talk Squash - SUSPENDED

bendi36 · Posted: Fri Dec 28, 2007 12:26 am Post subject: Answer to Pedro

Is it better to lead with left or right foot on the forehand? I think whatever comes easiest is best. If you have time to prepare for your shot or not trying to rush your opponent I try to step with my left, but if I'm trying to get a tough shot back I'll usually stretch out with my right for better recovery to the T. If you do chose to use your left foot try to keep your shoulders parrallel to the side wall, especially if you struggle with your drives.
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Pedro · Posted: Fri Dec 28, 2007 2:57 pm Post subject:

That is my thought also and many others in my club as well. But there are some who will not let go of "traditional" tecniques they were taught to them in the past. That is why I'm hoping for a reply from a high level coach who works with pros and newbies alike for a more modern approach.
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nmc8 · Posted: Sat Dec 29, 2007 6:57 am Post subject:

Pedro,

I am sorry but I am not the Pro or high level coach that you are wanting a reply from but I am coached occasionally by a Pro who is active on the world circuit.

He has me playing the ball from my wrong foot most of the time - not because this is some new trendy approach but because as Bendi alluded to you need to be able to play acurate shots under pressure. You need to be able to get to a ball with with confidence of being able to play it of either foot and understand the swing plane of the racket to keep it straight or cross court with width. Also if you can step across and take a ball early more ofen than not you will be one step or half step from normal therefore you take it of the wrong foot, this is particularily so on the backhand side.

I only really take a ball on the traditional right (Forehand) or Left (Backhand) when I have time to set my self as i am looking to force the pace and keep the tempo high therefore being confident to take the ball of either foot and still keep it straight is something that i have worked on with the Pro.

On another issue being able to volley of either foot and keep it staight is something that I also practice.

I think that with the game being played faster and the ball in general being hit harder you have less time to set yourself therefore you need to be able to play the ball of either foot without thinking about it.

NMC8

Pedro · Posted: Tue Jan 01, 2008 9:06 pm Post subject:

Thanks guys, I'm feeling a little more secure with argument now. If anyone else has a strong opinion on this subject I would love to hear it.
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IN SQUASH WE TRUST.

bendi36 · Posted: Tue Jan 01, 2008 11:34 pm Post subject:

I've had two coaches who both thought that left foot forehand and right foot backhand is the best way to go. Just explain to your coach respectfully you disagree and that their are others who are probably better than him who agree with you and you want to be taught your way.
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If the doors of perception were cleansed, everything would appear to man as it is, infinite

Versanis · Heavy Contributor Joined: 01 Aug 2007 Posts: 27

You need to be comfortable doing both, however as has been previously suggested, I believe that when given time the traditional approach will give you the best result of shot. When stretched, it is often best to use the open stance in order to be able to recover faster to the T. There is also what is known as a neutral stance whether neither foot is forward to the ball, but you transfer your bodyweight with your feet almost in a line, moving forward towards the front wall. This approach has been used at the AIS I believe to help them with striking the ball (That's what the well respected coach who told me said, and he is heavily involved with Squash Australia).

manus · Prolific Contributor Joined: 12 Jul 2007 Posts: 202

The coach at my club taught me at first to always use left foot on forehand and right on backhand, no exceptions. however, about a year later he said its ok to take the shot of either foot as long as your shoulders are paralell to the wall although leading with the "correct" foot leads to better results because the shoulders turn into the shot much more naturally. He originally coached me the "correct" way because this gets a beginners shoulders turning towards the side wall, which is one of the first things a beginner should learn to do in order to get accuracy and correct movement to the ball. leading with the left foot on the forehand also makes the player create space more easily between them and the ball, again leading to better accuracy and technique

bendi36 · Posted: Thu Jan 03, 2008 12:48 pm Post subject:

Manus where do you come from? Who is your coach?
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If the doors of perception were cleansed, everything would appear to man as it is, infinite