By Chris Walker, World No. 12
www.chris.walker.net
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Chris Walker
Photo by Steve Line/squashpics.com |
People underestimate the value of solo practice. I believe in trying to get on the court by myself for an hour at least once per week. If there is something in particular that is bugging me about my game, then I am quite willing to venture on-court alone until I feel ready to conquer the world again.
To throw some ideas at you for a constructive solo session, I have listed some basic but important shot practices you can try:
1. Straight drives—short repetitions in front of the half-court line. Forehand/Backhand
2. Straight drives—ball landing in the service box. F-hand/B-hand
3. Straight drives—ball landing behind the service box. F-hand/B-hand
4. Straight drives—ball bouncing then coming off the back wall.
F-hand/B-hand
Note: Use targets along the side wall (see illustration). For example: a blue box, six floorboards from the wall, two floorboards from the wall!
5. Drops—self-feeds, throw off side walls or front wall. F-hand/B-hand
6. Volleys to yourself, standing in front of half-court line. F-hand/B-hand
7. Volleys to yourself standing behind the service box. F-hand/B-hand
8. Figure eight standing on the T, let the ball bounce.
9. Figure eight standing on the T, volleying ball.
Further tips to incorporate into your practice:For getting the shoulder around into the correct ‘start’ position, throw the ball between you and the side wall to practice drives and drops. Remember to get the racquet back early!
When you practice your drop shots, do so when the ball is warm.
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