Defensive Skills to Stay in the Rally

Using Height to Reset the Rally

One of the best ways to defend and reset under pressure is the lob. A well-executed lob, straight or cross-court, forces your opponent to wait for the ball to drop, giving you time to recover to the T.

Key factors:

• Height is crucial – if your opponent can volley, the lob fails.
• From the front, a lob neutralizes pressure from an attacking drop, boast, or kill.
• Cross-court lobs should be wide enough to avoid easy volleys and deep enough to reach the back corner.
• Straight lobs must be tight but not too close to the wall, or they risk going out.

From the back, a high, deep lift lets you reset rather than attempt a weak straight drive or risky boast. Ideally, it should land deep, fade into the sidewall, and “die” in the corner. If it’s too short, your opponent can volley and keep you under pressure.

At the highest level, players use height not just to survive but to regain control, lifting the ball strategically to turn defence into offense.

Using the Boast to Buy Time

The boast is a versatile defensive tool, particularly from the back corners. Understanding the difference between two-wall and three-wall boasts is key:

• Two-wall boast: Can disrupt an opponent’s rhythm but is risky under pressure. If under-hit, it sits up for an easy attack; if over-hit, it bounces too high.
• Three-wall boast: A safer defensive option, as it takes longer to travel, giving you more time to recover to the T. Pros use it regularly to escape pressure.

The Counter Drop: A Smart Defensive Option

A well-timed counter drop neutralizes an aggressive opponent and can shift momentum in your favour.

• Take the ball early to prevent it from bouncing too high.
• Use it sparingly to stay unpredictable—if overused, opponents will anticipate it.
• Prioritize accuracy over aggression—aim for a safe placement rather than an impossible winner.

If your opponent’s drop is too tight, lifting the ball may be the better option to reset the rally.

Adding Pace to Disrupt Your Opponent

While lifting the ball is the go-to defensive move, injecting pace can sometimes disrupt an opponent’s rhythm.

• Fast drives or cross-courts can force rushed responses.
• Use when opponents expect a soft shot (e.g., if they are positioned forward on the T).
• Be precise—too much power without control can lead to errors.

How the Pros Turn Defence into Attack

Top players don’t just defend; they look for opportunities to counter. Recognizing when an opponent is out of position or fatigued is key.

• Counter drops are increasingly common in pro squash, proving their effectiveness in turning defence into attack.
• Lifting the ball is a staple for players like Ali Farag, Paul Coll, and Nour El Sherbini.
• Squash IQ is crucial—knowing when to defend vs. when to counter comes with experience.

Drills to Improve Your Defensive Game

• Lob Practice: Boast-lob routine, then front vs. back drill (one player attacks, the other must lob).
• Retrieving Tight Shots: Use broken racquets to practice scraping shots off the side wall or do a straight-drive drill with a partner.
• Digging Out the Back Corners: Straight-length rallies above the service line, progressing to defensive play under pressure.
• Counter-Dropping: Start with straight counter-drop rallies, then add pressure by incorporating boasts, drops, and lobs.

Defensive skills are often under-practiced but are essential for staying in the rally. Mastering them helps you not only survive under pressure but regain control of the game.