37 visual lessons
Squash shots: see the path, choose the moment.
Explore 37 consistent trajectory lessons and learn when to play each shot, where the opponent should be and how to recover.
In short
Choose from the ball available, your balance, the opponent's position and the open space. Decide whether the aim is to rally, set up, finish or escape, then clear safely and recover for the likely reply.
Published by Squash Dog, a trading style of Fagan Consulting Limited. Reviewed 6 September 2026
Coverage note
All 37 canonical source-aligned editorial lessons are represented across six categories. The diagrams are representative tactical explanations, not governing-body endorsements or a substitute for a qualified coach.
How to choose a shot
- Read how the ball is arriving: height, pace, bounce, wall tightness and court area.
- Check that you are balanced and have a safe view, access and swing.
- Notice where the opponent is moving and which space they have left.
- Choose an intention: sustain the rally, build pressure, seek a finish or escape pressure.
- Anticipate the most likely reply before you strike.
- Clear safely and recover towards an appropriate T position, adjusted for the likely reply.
Outcome labels
| Label | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Rally | Prioritise control and make the opponent play again. |
| Setup | Create pressure or a weaker next ball. |
| Possible finisher | May end the rally, but plan for a good retrieval. |
| Emergency | Use time, height or angle to escape pressure and recover. |
Serves and returns: 5 lessons
Start the rally with purpose, then choose a return that reduces the server's attacking options.
Drives and lengths: 8 lessons
Use depth, width, height and early contact to move the opponent behind you.
Boasts and angles: 9 lessons
Change the angle when the straight channel is unavailable or another corner is open.
Drops: 5 lessons
Use touch from a balanced position to bring the opponent forward.
Kills and nick attempts: 6 lessons
Attack a genuinely loose ball while retaining balance for an excellent retrieval.
Lobs and height: 4 lessons
Use height to pass a forward opponent, buy time and move the next contact towards the back.
Recovery is a decision, not a dot
The T is the usual base because it shortens the average route to the next ball, but recovery is not automatic. First clear the opponent's direct access and swing, keep watching, then choose a balanced position that covers the most likely reply. A boast or drop often calls for a forward bias; a deep straight ball may call for a slight bias towards that side.
Start with three patterns
For a manageable first sequence, learn the straight deep return, straight attacking length and straight lob. Together they introduce depth, wall tightness, height and recovery without encouraging a rush for winners.
Forehand and backhand
Each lesson uses one base side so that the series stays visually consistent. The same approved geometry can be mirrored for the opposite side. A mirror view is not counted as another shot lesson.
Primary sources
Visible teaching is drawn from the cited source set and Squash Dog's canonical specifications. Source alignment is not personal review or endorsement by those organisations.