Coaches Corner - May 2026

Thanks Paul Kershaw!

Juniors – Why Movement Matters

If you want to improve quickly in squash, the first thing to focus on is not your swing - it’s your movement.

Good movement allows you to:

• Reach the ball earlier and in better balance
• Play more accurate, controlled shots
• Recover faster for the next shot
• Use less energy during rallies

Simply put, move well, and you will play well.

At junior level, movement is the foundation of everything. Strong players are not always the hardest hitters - they are the ones who get to the ball in the best position.

The Golden Rule – The T

• Always return to the T after every shot.
• Start your movement from the T.
• Controlling the T helps you control rallies.

Key Movement Skills

• Split Step – small jump before opponent hits
• Fast First Step – push off quickly from the T
• Efficient Movement – fewer, purposeful steps
• Balanced Lunge – stay low and controlled
• Recovery – always get back to the T

Simple Drills

• Ghosting – movement without a ball
• Four Corners – move to each corner and return to T
• T-Recovery – always recover before next movement
• Agility Ladder – improve speed and coordination

Common Mistakes

• Standing still on the T
• Forgetting to recover after shots
• Too many small, wasted steps
• Lunging without balance

Final Message: Get there early. Hit in balance. Get back to the T.

Check out squashskills.com for loads of videos about movement and more.