Kills and nick attempts · Advanced
How to play the straight nick attempt in squash.
See the representative arrival, strike, low front wall, first bounce, opponent cue and recovery for the straight nick attempt.
In short
Consider the straight nick attempt when a very loose ball, clear sidewall-floor target and stable base justify the smaller margin. Aim for the sidewall-floor join so a true nick rolls out or a near miss stays difficult.
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 straight or angled outgoing path for the straight nick attempt. Numbered contacts, the target, opponent position and recovery zone explain the tactical sequence.
Read the opportunity
When should I play it?
- A very loose ball, clear sidewall-floor target and stable base justify the smaller margin.
- 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 is displaced or behind and cannot comfortably cover the same-side front nick.
Intention
What am I trying to achieve?
Aim for the sidewall-floor join so a true nick rolls out or a near miss stays difficult.
Plan the next ball
What is likely to come back?
- No return from a true nick
- A reflex pickup from a near nick
- A counterattack if the miss sits up
Follow-up: Move into an attacking position but never assume the rally is over.
Where do I recover?
Hold a balanced forward T position while watching for a rebound from the near miss.
Common mistake
Treating the nick as a target from an ordinary or pressured ball.
Safety
Only attempt the precise low target with clear sight, access and swing.
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.