Great footwork is the foundation of great squash. This guide covers essential movement patterns that will help you reach more balls, recover faster, and control the court like the pros.
Basic Stance
The Ready Position
- Knees slightly bent
- Feet shoulder-width apart
- Racket in front
- Weight on balls of feet
The Split Step
- Jump slightly as opponent strikes
- Land with knees bent
- Be ready to move
- Timing is everything
Basic Steps
Small Adjustment Steps
- Quick lateral steps to adjust
- Stay low throughout
- Small adjustments for positioning
- Keep racket ready
Lunge Steps
- For distance movement
- Extend racket for ball
- Recover quickly
- Land on bent knee
Crossover Steps
- For faster movement
- Cross one foot over other
- Use for speed
- Recover after use
Recovery to the T
The most important movement in squash.
- Return to center after every shot
- Track the ball while recovering
- Stop at T, don't overrun
- Be ready for next shot
Court Movement Patterns
Movement to Front
- Approach ball directly
- Get racket to ball early
- Play shot and recover
Movement to Back
- Use controlled steps
- Set up for overhead
- Prepare for low returns
Movement to Corners
- Take direct path
- Use efficient movement
- Recover immediately
Conclusion
Good footwork takes time to develop. Practice these patterns until they become automatic. Focus on returning to the T after every shot, and your court coverage will improve dramatically.