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VolleyDrop

The top player in my club is a very solid A player who is able to adapt his playing style to all opponents. I can hold my own against him for a while, but he's fitter and can wear me down - I can't beat him. I don't mind losing to better players, but this guy exploits my weaknesses with impunity. No matter how tight I hit my drives (I hit to good length and tight) he can hold his shot to the last second and then either hit a very low, very hard, tight drive or a blistering crosscourt into the nick (he hits the nick at least 90% of the time). These shots are most often only 1 or 2cm above the tin, and I've never seen him hit the tin. I can handle the drive or the crosscourt but not against someone who can so easily play either shot from the same spot, every time... you get the idea.

Oh, and if you're inclined to say, "Watch the ball," know that I am watching and please tell me how I can do it better (increase my reaction time).

I am determined to improve. Can you help me out? Bear in mind that there are no local pros from whom I could take lessons.

Thanks for the advice!

Pedro · Posted: Sat Dec 15, 2007 10:29 pm Post subject:

That is tough to answer without seeing him play, but I would suggest watching him play others. Especially against players who are able to beat him or at least give him a good run. Everyone has flaws in they're game, it is up to you to pinpoint them and exploit. If he is beating you consistantly from the same position then you must not let him get there, put him under pressure as much as possible and he won't have as many oppotunities to hit those nicks, tight crosses or hold on the ball. Look for tells in his posture or his racquet position and anticipate his next move, by doing this you will get on to the ball faster or force him to change his shot selection at the last second. Either way you are now dictating his play. He most likely uses the same strategy against you every time you play so try to play a more diverse game, do not make it easy for him to anticipate your next shot.
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Mad Dog · Posted: Mon Dec 17, 2007 8:46 pm Post subject:

Get yourself fitter than him and then wear him down the way he does to you.

Oh, and don't hit the ball back to him! Very Happy

Pass the Stripe · Posted: Tue Dec 18, 2007 9:56 am Post subject:

Mad Dog · Posted: Tue Dec 18, 2007 11:21 am Post subject:

Yes, you are right enough. That is a much better suggestion.

In fact, why not just accidentally whack him on the side of the head with your backhand follow through as well.

Evil or Very Mad

VolleyDrop · Posted: Tue Dec 18, 2007 12:59 pm Post subject:

Ah, now these are some real suggestions!! Confused

off the wall · Posted: Tue Dec 18, 2007 8:53 pm Post subject:

Well from your description

"No matter how tight I hit my drives (I hit to good length and tight) he can hold his shot to the last second and then either hit a very low, very hard, tight drive or a blistering crosscourt into the nick (he hits the nick at least 90% of the time). These shots are most often only 1 or 2cm above the tin, and I've never seen him hit the tin."

This guy would give Shabana a run for his money.

If you hit a tight length bouncing just beyond the back of the sevice box, I assure you that the above is not true.
Is your length as tight as you think it is?
Is he dangerous on both sides?
Can he do it if you take away/add pace?

bendi36 · Posted: Tue Dec 18, 2007 11:06 pm Post subject:

off the wall is now my new favorite poster. He is the only one here who has given good advice. Getting fit and hitting your opponent aren't that good. Are you a pro? I agree, hitting it harder or faster will generally put him under more pressure and he certainly won't be able to hold his shots if you are volleying and taking the ball early putting them away tight. Also look to playing to his weaker side. No matter how many times people tell you that you hit higher you won't need to hit hard, if your playing the top guy I would start looking at hitting low hard length, the only time you hit high is for defensive tight length, that skims the wall.
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VolleyDrop · Posted: Wed Dec 19, 2007 3:24 am Post subject:

Mad Dog · Posted: Wed Dec 19, 2007 11:08 am Post subject:

I was only joking!

Where is your sense of humour?

Shocked

nmc8 · Posted: Thu Dec 20, 2007 11:08 am Post subject:

Volley Drop,

You said that you may not be hitting your drives with enough pace but at the same time the ball is bouncing of the back wall 30 to 40 cm that means that your opponent is getting a free hit as he is under no pressure when setting himself for the return.

Have you tried hitting the ball with your normal pace but slightly slicing or cutting it so the spin cuts in to the wall and floor on contact which will naturally slow the ball down into the back corners.

Also (a bit riskier) but have you tried to slow your opponent in getting in to the back corners by the angles that you return to the T.

If you hit your drives harder and lower he will simply step across from the T and boast you to the opposite corner using your pace.

The idea of watching some one else play him is a good one.

Good luck and keep trying one day you will do it.

nmc8

bendi36 · Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2007 10:57 pm Post subject:

Bad idea. If you haven't been playing cutting shots before don't do it now. Just hit the ball lower and hard still, but not so hard that you'll get tired. If he boasts from the back corner get to it early and put pressure on him. A boast isn't a winner after all in general.
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Versanis · Heavy Contributor Joined: 01 Aug 2007 Posts: 27

As Bendi has suggested, hitting the ball harder and flatter will not only give him less time to prepare for his shots, but also give him less opportunity to play the ball into the nick as to hit nicks consistently you need the ball to sit at least above the height of the tin. You said he is dangerous on both sides? This may be true, but no-one is ever equally as dangerous on both sides. Usually most players will have a greater variety of more deadly shots on their forehand, but will hit their backhand attacks more consistently because they won't aim for as impressive a shot. The method you should take to beat this players depends almost entirely on your game. What are your strengths? Are you tall and like to volley? What do you feel you do the best at?

There are a lot of different options for attacking. If you have ever seen Mike Corren play, you will know exactly what I talk about. He has a great mix of attacking squash, but rarely hits the ball hard. He uses lobs to great affect, especially to the backhand side where most people are weakest overhead due to the angles involved in volleying overhead.

If you have good touch and aren't as fit as him, my suggestion would be to hit firm and flat to the backhand side deep, looking for the opportunity to volley straight and short. If he places you under pressure, lob overhead to his backhand and see what he does with it. Don't be deterred if he places the first few for winners, as he begins to tire, aggressive shots played off the lob will begin to spray and become looser against a player of the level you describe. Just be careful and don't overhit the drive, it should be hit at a comfortably hard pace, not one where you are going to wear yourself out.

Hope this helps you some.

nmc8 · Posted: Mon Dec 24, 2007 6:53 am Post subject:

This concept of hitting the ball flatter and harder is all fine and well but the lower you hit the ball at the front the sooner it bounces on the floor. to put continuous pressure you are going to have to aim for the service line as most pros do and be sure you are tight on the wall to stop the opponent stepping in and volleying.

If you drive low and hard (just above the tin) it will naturally bounce around mid court thus defeating the object of getting the opponent in the back corners. It also gives him the option of dropping you straight.

The idea of lobbing to take pace away is good but accuracy is the key, get height and you will test his bottle on the volleys.

on the subject of cutting and slicing, all i would say is practice practice because it will add a dimension to your game. Bendi says don't do it know, why not, go and practice because hitting the ball flat and hard will not solve your problems by itself. I will add that cutting and slicing may not either but it is a new skill the opponent hasn't seen.

nmc8

VolleyDrop · Posted: Mon Dec 24, 2007 1:50 pm Post subject:

Thanks for all the advice so far, guys. I'm working on it.

bendi36 · Posted: Tue Dec 25, 2007 2:00 am Post subject:

bny768 · Prolific Contributor Joined: 27 Dec 2007 Posts: 89

Well, sounds like any reply you have an argument against. I think you may have it in your head you can't beat him, so just give up.

drop.shot · Posted: Thu Dec 27, 2007 7:07 pm Post subject:

VolleyDrop, it is very hard to answer correctly to your post as you mention you can hit good length and width... It's hard to answer as I do not know more details about your game (and everybody above gives you opposite hints) Embarassed

Although I dare to say few things about improving your game against the specific player:
T (you are in control of that spot);
Volley (volley-Drop is a good solution Razz

)
attack when given loose shot;
stand flexible and sharp on your toes (remember to keep your balance down) especially when he holds the shots;

But first of all - stop him hurting you – improve your fitness (skipping rope) and "reaction time" (ghost the drills)

With a bit of discipline given you may improve rapidly.
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Marro · Prolific Contributor Joined: 04 Jul 2007 Posts: 77

How about taking the ball a bit earlier? Hitting harder is not the only way to deprive your opponent of time. Try to step up the court a bit and rush him that way perhaps.

VolleyDrop · Posted: Wed Jan 16, 2008 6:48 pm Post subject:

UPDATE:

I'm doing better now. Mixing up my shots more and making extra effort to step across and volley seem to be working!

Thanks again for the advice!

Pedro · Posted: Wed Jan 16, 2008 11:00 pm Post subject:

Good to hear! Keep applying that pressure and eventually you will get him.
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IN SQUASH WE TRUST.