Kills and nick attempts · Advanced
How to play the crosscourt nick attempt in squash.
See the representative arrival, strike, low front wall, first bounce, opponent cue and recovery for the crosscourt nick attempt.
In short
Consider the crosscourt nick attempt when the opponent is decisively wrong-footed and a very loose ball exposes the far sidewall-floor join. Use the open diagonal to seek a rolling far-side nick while accepting the risk of a loose miss.
Watch the trajectory
Blue dashed lines show realistic arrivals one at a time. Yellow shows the strike and outgoing path. The opponent and recovery zone provide tactical context. No players or rackets are shown.
Trajectory, in words
- The blue path or paths show how the ball can arrive before the strike.
- The yellow path reaches low front wall in numbered order.
- The first bounce enters the highlighted nick target; the recovery zone anticipates the likely reply.
Blue shows the representative arrival or alternatives converging on one strike. Yellow shows the crosscourt outgoing path for the crosscourt nick attempt. Numbered contacts, the target, opponent position and recovery zone explain the tactical sequence.
Read the opportunity
When should I play it?
- The opponent is decisively wrong-footed and a very loose ball exposes the far sidewall-floor join.
- You can reach the strike point in balance rather than forcing the shot.
- You have a clear view, direct access, a safe swing and an unobstructed intended ball line.
Opponent cue
Where should the opponent be?
The opponent has committed to the near side and cannot cover the far nick without reversing direction.
Intention
What am I trying to achieve?
Use the open diagonal to seek a rolling far-side nick while accepting the risk of a loose miss.
Plan the next ball
What is likely to come back?
- No return from a true nick
- A straight pickup from a near nick
- A counterattack if the ball rebounds centrally
Follow-up: Recover immediately because a half-nick can create an easy counterattack.
Where do I recover?
Re-centre with a forward bias and preserve the opponent's diagonal access route.
Common mistake
Attempting the far nick when a safer pressure shot would retain control.
Safety
Never hit the low crosscourt target through an opponent in the direct line.
Sources and review
This is a source-aligned Squash Dog editorial illustration, reviewed 6 September 2026. It represents one useful pattern, not the only valid trajectory, a governing-body endorsement or personal coaching advice.