By Chris Walker, World No. 7
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Chris Walker |
In this month's article I want to talk to you about space. Based on my experience of running clinics throughout the US and from a lifetime of watching club players all over the world, most people get closer to the ball than is absolutely necessary.
What does that mean for your game? It means you are at a disadvantage for a number of reasons.
First, if you're too close to the ball it also means that, if the ball is in any of the four corners of the court (and usually it is'isn't it?), then you have moved or run further than you need to. Add this up over the course of a match and it becomes significant. It is effectively more efficient to give yourself space between you and the ball.
Secondly, being too close to the ball restricts your swing. You can't have a consistent swing if the ball is at various points close to your body, and ideally you want to have the same 'smooth' relaxed swing every time you hit it. So keeping that space between you and the ball means that you can always have an unrestricted swing, giving you consistency, especially under pressure!
Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Study the two photos of my approach to the ball (Figures 1 and 2), one on the backhand and one on the forehand, and find the ball in the photos. Notice it is well away from my body in each case. I would rather be stretching a little to a ball than have it right by my hip. I can prepare a full back swing with the ball at a distance and time the release of my arm to get a smooth, consistent swing at the ball'excellent!
So how do you give yourself the best chance to create that space? Imagine there is a channel down the middle of the court, starting near the front wall and running to the door at the back of the court. Look at it as a 'carpet' on which you like to roam. Figure 3 shows you what I mean, and I hope will help you to visualize it for yourself.
When practicing and playing, try to ensure that there is always one foot on the carpet as you play each ball. Generally it will be your back foot that remains on the carpet as you put your front foot forward off the 'carpet' to reach toward the ball and take your swing. It shouldn't matter where the ball is down the wall, at the front of the court, in a back corner or at a short length. You should be able to position yourself better if you move up and down the court staying on the carpet area and reaching to the ball from it. This should give you the opportunity to groove your swing with the comfort of space to make it work, thus developing yourself that perfect swing every time!
Anyone who has been on court with me will know what I am saying. If you are anywhere within ear-shot of a clinic I'm running, you'll almost certainly hear me shouting 'space', 'more space', or 'get away from the ball' to the unsuspecting victims who decided to sign up! It is an important part of your game.
Good luck and give yourself SPACE!
Please continue to email me at chris@walker.net or Squash Magazine (editor@squashmagzine.com) if you have more questions.
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