Squash courts are reopening in the UK. I think I can speak for every single British squash player when I say it – Finally!
As the magic date – the 25th of July draws closer, the eagerness to get back on court is building. Just imagine the feeling as you step back on court after 125 days away from playing. The familiar sense of excitement returns as you open the door. You take in the surroundings. The bright lights, the smell of the court, the feel of the racket in your hand. You suddenly realise you’ve forgotten how to hit the ball, but you don’t care, you’re back on a squash court.
It’s been long awaited, and it’s probably made a lot of people realise just how much they need our wonderful sport in their life.
So, what exactly will playing look like once squash courts reopen?
The bad news is we’re still in a pandemic (if you weren’t already aware). It’s easy to forget the potential for chaos as bars, pubs, shops and sports facilities open their doors to eager customers.
As such, England squash have released their full guidelines for squash clubs to reopen their doors once again. Part of this guidance is ‘ways to play’. This includes examples of how players can take to the court while maintaining a safe distance. Spoiler – squash isn’t going to be the same as what you remember the last time you stepped on court, not at least until we’re in the clear.
Ways to play – here’s what you need to know
- Regular squash matches are only permitted for players living in the same household, or are part of each others’ ‘Support Bubble’.
- Players not from the same household or support bubble must keep 1m distance at all times. England Squash suggests playing ‘sides’ (see below)
- Two players not from the same household will have to follow certain hygiene rules. Only one person is allowed to handle the ball and open the door throughout the entire duration of the match.
- Coaching can proceed (almsot) as usual, with a maximum of two players on court at the same time. There’s an entire section for coaches in the full reopening guidelines pack.
What is ‘sides’?
Sides is an adaptation of squash designed to allow 1m distance between each player.
Each player takes up one half of the court (left or right), and you switch sides after each point. The idea is you can only play shots into your opponents half. This in turn limits your options to cross courts and/or boasts.
If you step into your opponents half, you forfeit the point. If you hit the ball into your own half, you lose the point. If there’s a risk of moving within 1m of the other player, a let is called and you replay the point. One person serves throughout the entire match, and the other player isn’t allowed to touch the ball with their hands at all.
Yes – I know what you’re thinking. I won’t say it. Bluntly – it’s this, or no squash at all. I’m sure all of us would take this over a closed squash club any day of the week.
What else can you do? Try some drills and routines.
Let’s face it, four months without playing means we’re going to be rustier than an old watering can. It’s everyone’s interest to gently easy ourselves back into playing squash. One good way to do this is by practising different drills and routines with another player.
I’m going to quickly throw in a disclaimer – England Squash haven’t specifically advised players to do this, though they haven’t advised against it either. The following drills are exactly what I would include a safely distanced guided coaching session (which is permitted as per the new guidelines). As long as you stick to the rules about only one person handling the ball and opening the door, and being careful to retain 1 metre distance at all times, I can’t foresee this breaking any rules.
There’s a couple benefits to doing drills instead of playing matches
- It’ll ease you in gently – going hell for leather on a squash court after four months off is asking for injury. With drills, you tend to know where the ball is going, so there’s less chance of uncomfortable twists and turns that could damage muscles, bones and ligaments.
- You’ll have a chance to get your touch, control and accuracy all back up to scratch. Time away from playing will undoubtedly have resulted in a slight dip in these key attributes. Everyone will be back up to speed in no time at all, but it might take a few practise sessions before you’re fully comfortable again.
Three shot routines
These short routines allow you to script a rally, and plan it out so you aren’t in close contact with your opponent. An example of this is drive / boast / cross court (and repeat). You could also try something like boast, drop, lob. There’s countless variations and this will really help fine tune your specific shots.
Boast and drive / Drop and drive
Tried and tested. Two staple routines for squash players. One player at the back of the court, one at the front. The player at the back plays a boast or a drop, the player at the front plays a straight drive. It’s as simple as that. You can stick to either boasts or drops, or you can mix the two together.
Again, there’s an opportunity to mix things up a little if you want. An example of this could be Player 1 (at the back) plays a drive to themselves, then plays a drop. Player 2 (at the front) then plays a counter-drop to themselves, followed by a drive back to player 1. And repeat.
Front vs back
An evolution of the boast/drop and drive. This makes the game a little more competitive as you’re playing against one another, where the person at the back can only play short shots, and the person at the front can only play long shots. Use the same rules as sides.
Fast volleys
One person stood in the service box, one around half way between the service box and the front wall. You’re literally volleying the ball to each other, aiming to keep it straight, fast paced and tight to the wall. See this video from PDH Sports with Mohamed Elshorbagy that demonstrates what this is.
Solo practise
What’s the easiest way to keep a good distance from people? Solo practice. We all hear and read about how it’s the best thing for our games, but rarely do we do it. Here’s your chance, take it! Squash Coach Phillip (YouTube) has a fantastic series of videos on solo practice that will help bring your game on leaps and bounds.
Other useful information
How you can prepare yourself for a return to squash – An article on SquashGearReviews.com that gives some quick and easy tips on how you can get in the best shape to avoid injury when courts reopen
England Squash COVID-19 Guidance page – Follow this link to find the full ‘return to play’ guidance pack and information for squash clubs
Keep boasting my friend
Very well analysed
Great news. Well done getting some amended plans over the line. Not easy! Thanks