Let's Talk Squash - SUSPENDED

VolleyDrop

Ok guys, talk to me about changing your grip during a rally.

Check out Gaultier's grip here: Gaultier at the TOC It looks like he's gripped all the way down past the end of the grip to reach out. Other shots show he's holding the racquet in a more normal position.

Do you do this? When? Technique?

Also, I remember Power seemingly changing grip position often - kinda looked like he was shaking the head a bit.

nmc8 · Posted: Wed Jan 16, 2008 8:15 pm Post subject:

Volley Drop,

I move my hand up and down the grip depending on what shot I want to play and where i am on court.

If I am struggling in the back forehand corner and want to play the ball up the wall rather than boasting i move my hand up the shaft to shorten the racket and therefore can shorten the swing plane and if required use a more flicking action. This has the effect of normally wrong footing players expecting the boast.

I lengthen the grip simply for power, usually from the back of the court.

If I am looking for accuracy and have time I will shorten the grip slightly for drop shots or touch shots simply to remove error on the racket swing.

The remaining time I would say I use a standard grip but will tighten or soften pressure.

nmc8

neil13 · Posted: Wed Jan 16, 2008 11:23 pm Post subject:

Most of the time I keep the same grip, but if I'm struggling to get to a ball I will let the grip slip back to lengthen the racquet.

drop.shot · Posted: Sat Jan 19, 2008 9:39 pm Post subject:

It's kind the same question as "racket up" or " racket ready (down)".

Majority of Professional Coaches (level 1 and up) will tell you - never change the grip; they will show you thoroughly how to place your palm on the handle etc. But late on, reality takes control and suddenly you can't hit proper boast or drop-shot, because you were told to not change the grip during the game. With all due respect to all the coaches all over the world - STOP telling your students such a naive wisdoms. Generally you are all right, but if we discuss detail, we have problems like neil13 ... Idea

I can't agree more with Gaultier on the picture (reaching out for the drop/flick drop) and with nmc8. Every time you are back to the glass - shorten your grip on the shaft and you're able to respond with straight-drive... You know what I mean. put your hand at the end of the shaft and suddenly you but 10-12 cm more on the length of your bat...

I say - know the rules but be willing to break them
(regarding the racket preparation and racket grip)
_________________
>>drops hot<<
the nastiest shot

off the wall · Posted: Sun Jan 20, 2008 12:17 am Post subject:

The grip is changed often and in many ways by top players.

1. Shortening grip to help dig out of corners (rare at top level)
2. Lengthening grip to help reach balls almost of of reach.
3. Opening grip to help reach balls behind them.
4. Closing grip to hit balls that are far in front, or balls they want to keep low.
5. Most importantly, most pros will shift (some only subtlely) between BH and FH to help keep it open.

My advice as a professional coach, is in solo practise experiment with different grips. Work out how
the grip reacts with racket face angle and how that plus wrist angle and steepness of swing affects the
path of the ball - lots of variables to consider!

wasted24/7 · Posted: Thu Jan 31, 2008 1:48 am Post subject:

I definitely hope noone encourages juniors or beginners to do this. Its pretty unecessary to keep changing your grip in squash. Its basically just an indicator of improper technique or footwork. But, yes, some pros do it sometimes. Does it really give them an advantage over maintaining one grip? Probably not much, unless they usually have an extreme grip like way up high or at the very bottom of the handle. But whatever works or you're comfortable with.

Paul_SW_London · Prolific Contributor Joined: 13 Nov 2007 Posts: 82

I only time I really change grip is by gripping it at the bottom in an "emergency" situtaion to retrieve drop. (although I'm not sure I can stretch like shown in the picture of the first post, ouch!)
I think it comes down to what works for you.

Paul
_________________
England Squash Level 3 Coach.
UKRSA Club Stringer.
Based in and around SW London.

drop.shot · Posted: Thu Jan 31, 2008 9:44 am Post subject:

am I having deja vu or we have discussed that topic before? Smile

My opinion has not change at all since then (we talked about "racket up-down);

Changing/adjusting the grip is good as long as it works to your advantage;
Obviously you must have some experience behind you;
Retrieving the ball from the back corner is easier when you shorten the shaft and hit straight drive;
GENERALLY I do agree - keep your grip constant during game, but be able to react to the situation.

So, Know the rules but be willing to change them.
_________________
>>drops hot<<
the nastiest shot