Playing Squash: How To Play The Boast Shot

Hi, my name is Bob Jaffe. I'm the director of coaching at Dulwich Squash Club in London. I'm going to talk to you about the equipment you are going to need, the etiquette you are going to use on court and the sort of shots you are going to need to play and how you are going to play them.

The shot that sets squash apart from the other major racket sports is the boast shot, the shot that goes in to the side wall. Key things to look out for here, again crimp grip, racket up and ready, turning this time approximately 90 degrees facing the back wall. Striking the ball always ahead of the foot.

Make sure the ball can see the whole of the front wall and putting it in the opposite corner of the court. Your aim is the opposite corner of the court. So once again, turn, left leading of your left foot on the forehand, racket head up, make sure the ball can see the whole of the front wall, and your target area is in to the opposite corner.

Now, where a lot of beginners fall down is when you get in to the back corner, and this is where the boast can get you out of all sorts of trouble. So if you have got a shot that is going in to the back corner, the boast gets it back in to play. And all you are looking for here, is a deffencive shot, is to hit the ball abut 45 degrees with height on to the side wall.

Don't worry about the front wall. Also, hold you're position so you're just looking for that, and the ball will go through. Avoid trying to pull away from the shot.