Lobs and height · Advanced
How to play the straight volley lob in squash.
See the representative arrival, strike, high front wall, first bounce, opponent cue and recovery for the straight volley lob.
In short
Consider the straight volley lob when a controllable airborne ball meets an opponent moving forward and soft height can reverse pressure. Take the ball early but use height and softness to send the opponent deep on the same side.
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 high front wall in numbered order.
- The first bounce enters the highlighted deep lob 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 volley lob. Numbered contacts, the target, opponent position and recovery zone explain the tactical sequence.
Read the opportunity
When should I play it?
- A controllable airborne ball meets an opponent moving forward and soft height can reverse pressure.
- 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 moving towards the front or committed below the straight high line.
Intention
What am I trying to achieve?
Take the ball early but use height and softness to send the opponent deep on the same side.
Plan the next ball
What is likely to come back?
- A straight length from the back
- A defensive boast
- An overhead volley if the lob is low
Follow-up: Rebalance near the T and prepare to attack the opponent's pressured back-court reply.
Where do I recover?
Stay near the T rather than following the ball backwards, while leaving the opponent clear access.
Common mistake
Punching the volley too flat and feeding an easy overhead interception.
Safety
Use touch only from a stable volley position with a clear high 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.