Boasts and angles · Advanced
How to play the three-wall volley boast in squash.
See the representative arrival, strike, side wall, then front wall, then third wall, first bounce, opponent cue and recovery for the three-wall volley boast.
In short
Consider the three-wall volley boast when you have balance on the volley, the opponent is deep and the far front corner is open. Change the angle, move the opponent forward and create uncertainty through the third wall.
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 side wall, then front wall, then third wall in numbered order.
- The first bounce enters the highlighted short boast 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 three-wall volley boast. Numbered contacts, the target, opponent position and recovery zone explain the tactical sequence.
Read the opportunity
When should I play it?
- You have balance on the volley, the opponent is deep and the far front corner is open.
- 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 behind and must cover an extra sidewall rebound before reaching the front.
Intention
What am I trying to achieve?
Change the angle, move the opponent forward and create uncertainty through the third wall.
Plan the next ball
What is likely to come back?
- A straight drive
- A counterdrop
- A lob
Follow-up: Recover centrally and watch for a third-wall rebound that sits farther into the court.
Where do I recover?
Hold a forward-central base while leaving direct access to the far front corner.
Common mistake
Using too much pace and making the third-wall rebound easy to reach.
Safety
Do not cut across the opponent's direct path to the front corner.
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.