This post is about the different shots that are used by pros and this serves as a guide for all the players learning or seeking to improve their game. This visual guide breaks down the technique, strategy, and complexity the various strokes used in squash.
Strategic Use of the Various Shots by Pros:
Strategic Use: Pro vs. Amateur
How players use the backhand reveals their skill level. Pros prioritize control and defense, while amateurs often attempt risky attacks.
Overall Shot Types
Drives (lengths) are the most fundamental shot, forming the backbone of rallies to control court position.
Squash Overall Shots Frequency used by Pros:
- Drives (Lengths): The “drive shot” (hitting the ball parallel and deep to a side wall) is consistently the most frequent shot played by professional players. One analysis indicated a high proportion of straight drives overall, around 41.76% of shots in a sample of matches.
- Backhand vs. Forehand Shots: Both male and female professional players tend to hit more backhand shots than forehand shots, often in a ratio of 2 to 1.
- In a specific analysis, Ali Farag played 62.21% of his shots to the backhand side, and Mohamed ElShorbagy played an “incredible 67.18% to the Farag backhand.”
- An older analysis from the 2003 Men’s World Team Championships showed 37.2% of shots were played deep to the backhand side, compared to 17.3% to the forehand.
- In a specific analysis, Ali Farag played 62.21% of his shots to the backhand side, and Mohamed ElShorbagy played an “incredible 67.18% to the Farag backhand.” (Source 1.6)
- An older analysis from the 2003 Men’s World Team Championships showed 37.2% of shots were played deep to the backhand side, compared to 17.3% to the forehand. (Source 1.6)
The Backhand Challenge
Key Shot Placement Targets
Elite players consistently aim for specific court areas to maintain pressure and force weak returns.
As seen in the visuals, Players almost universally agree that the backhand is the tougher stroke to master due to its awkward biomechanics and the precision required. It feels less natural, demanding more dedicated practice. Also the numbers tell that this is the most favored and played shots by the pros with a ratio of almost 2:1 as compared to backhand v/s forehand
Player Poll: Which Shot Is Harder to Master?
Hand Preference in Play
Professional players frequently engage the backhand side, often twice as much as the forehand.
The Backhand ‘Diamond’
A consistent backhand isn’t about arm strength; it’s a full-body kinetic chain. The “Backhand Diamond” is a key coaching concept for achieving the correct setup for power and control.
Visualizing the “Backhand Diamond” Setup
Racket Head Up
Top point of the diamond, above the wrist.
Shoulder Rotation
Side point, turned towards the back wall to load power.
Wrist & Grip
Side point, firm but flexible with a Continental grip.
Elbow Position
Lowest point, creating leverage for the swing.
Path to Backhand Mastery
Improving your backhand is a systematic process. Focus on mastering each component in order, from the foundation of your grip to the fluidity of your follow-through
Pillars of Power & Consistency
Success relies on multiple interconnected factors working in harmony. Each pillar is crucial for a repeatable, effective stroke.
Top Amateur Backhand Faults
Top 3 Amateur Backhand Faults
- Insufficient Shoulder Rotation: The most common error, leading to a weak “poking” motion instead of a powerful, fluid swing. This results in loss of power and consistency.
- Poor Footwork & Positioning: Being too close to the ball or having an improper stance prevents proper weight transfer and restricts the swing, leading to inaccurate shots.
- Incorrect Grip or Wrist Action: A grip that’s too tight or a “floppy” wrist leads to a lack of control, especially on delicate shots like drops or boasts.