Deception can be an effective tool when done properly; forcing opponents to look elsewhere for cues on the court and tiring out their body at once.
To practice deception, try standing in a position where only boasting is possible, and switching up at the last moment to play straight drives instead – this simple deception technique can prove extremely successful.
1. The No-Looker
Deception in squash can be extremely effective against opponents who prefer difficult shots, keeping them guessing while giving you control of the game. Deception requires mastery over several elements such as movement/positioning/use of wrist/shot selection/timing; master these skills and your opponent won’t know where the ball will land and won’t have an effective way of returning it back.
One effective method for using deception in squash is through the no look technique, in which players glance briefly at the ball before hitting it – giving your opponent the impression that you’re going for one type of shot (such as boasts) but then unexpectedly switch into straight drives off of the back wall.
One effective deception technique is playing a volley drop from behind, forcing your opponent into the front corner and keeping them from returning into position for difficult shots.
Deception in your squash game depends upon having an array of shots at your disposal, giving you plenty of options depending on your opponent and where the match stands. For instance, adding in some lobs and drops can keep them guessing while also helping prevent them from finding their rhythm.
2. The No-Fake
Deception in squash can be key. Beguiling an opponent into thinking you will play one shot when, in reality, they should expect another is at the core of its definition. Be it through headfakes or sudden crosses from behind; creating uncertainty in your game puts their returners at a distinct disadvantage when returning your shots.
One proven way of doing this is the No-Fake technique, a straightforward yet effective straight net shot disguise. Once prepared for an ordinary straight net shot, simply withdraw your racket for a softer stroke before reintroducing it for impact on the shuttle ball. While this requires patience and discipline from players who may be unfamiliar with detecting deceptions, this strategy has proved highly successful when used against opponents who do not pay close attention when looking out for deceptive moves.
Looking at your shuttle after striking it will provide your opponent with a clue as to which shot was actually played, and over time they may figure out exactly what you are up to. Therefore, experts in deception should avoid looking back after hitting it, using this technique only when the shuttle hasn’t yet been returned back into play.
An advanced form of this technique involves covering your line of sight when aiming to shoot. As this is a complex skill that should only be attempted under guidance from a coach and with your opponent located where they can easily be concealed without risking losing the ball, proper timing must be applied when taking this approach.
3. The Cross From The Front
Utilizing deception to disguise your shot is an invaluable skill. This allows your opponent to commit without concrete evidence of where you’re headed with the ball – especially effective when the shooter has a quick postural setup and is capable of changing direction on demand with only an arm or wrist movement. However, practicing such shots with friends or coaches is necessary so as not to leave too much of a trail behind when making shots like these.
Benefits of this form of deception include keeping an opponent pinned back against their back wall, forcing them to work for the point, and can be combined with volley drives and drops for maximum effect. It can be especially effective during key points or high stress situations as opponents often become more alert during these times, often prompting hasty counter attack movements from them. Deception should only be used in key moments of points as it tends to tire opponents more.
One effective technique for deception is known as the ‘Power Load’ which involves taking a short backswing before flicking the wrist at the last moment to either crosscourt shots or straight drives. This strategy has proven popular and powerful among tennis players alike due to its unpredictability – it requires great postural set up as well as wrist control during contact phase to avoid lateral rotation revealing one’s intent.
4. The Back-To-Back
Back corners can be an ideal place for striking deceptive shots from. From there you can use boasts, drop shots or lobs to surprise opponents and advance the ball towards the front court. Practice these techniques in training to refine your technique and footwork. Also remember that depending on your opponent and situation different shots might work more effectively – such as boasts from back wall may work while dropping shots may not.
When making this type of shot, it is key to delay your timing at the beginning of your swing in order to create the illusion that the ball is headed in a cross-court direction when in fact it is actually heading straight down court. Be sure that your body faces in the direction of the drive while using your wrist snap for power.
Deception-based shots can be particularly powerful during key points in a game. Deceptiveness could put off opponents and force them into more hasty behaviors than usual, making it harder for them to react fast enough against your shot selection.
Be wary not to overuse this technique during games as your opponent will quickly realize you are trying too hard at being deceptive, leading to less successful deception when it matters most. Furthermore, using too many tricks at once may tire yourself out physically and cause mental performance to decrease later in the game.
5. The Back-To-Front
One of the keys to successful squash is being able to play an array of deceptive shots. To be effective at this, however, one must only rely on deception sparingly; otherwise your opponent will quickly figure out what you are attempting to achieve. One way of developing a good arsenal of deceptive shots is practicing different combinations with a partner; even something as basic as playing drives and straight drops or boasts and cross court lobs will help.
One key to successful deception shot is taking your eyes away from the ball briefly just before striking it, to catch your opponent off guard as they won’t have any visual clues as to where you plan on striking the ball. Furthermore, don’t follow it after striking as this would provide your opponent with another major hint as to your plans.
For instance, when playing volley drop and your opponent lunges forward to attack a backhand drive shot, use your wrist to flick the ball high up onto the front wall with enough speed that they are unable to follow it and might miss their winning shot altogether.
An adept deceptive player can be extremely difficult to play against. Their speed can often force you off-court, leaving your opponents scrambling for control. In order to remain calm and focused on your own game without becoming overly concerned with what their rival is doing. Patience will also be key when facing off against tricky opponents who take longer to hit their shots off.