Squash

Willows has squash courts available for casual use by our members and for the general public. Please speak to our staff at Reception to register your interest.

Successful squash players combine fitness, co-ordination, balance as well as skills specific to squash like ball control and deception. Here's an acrostic of six tips to help you improve your game, which together spell out
S-Q-U-A-S-H to help you remember them!

1. Solo sessions - The good thing about squash is that you can play against yourself! Solo practice sessions are especially useful for improving your service.
2. Quickness - Speed, of both body and mind, will be necessary if you want to cope with the frenetic nature of the squash court.
3. Understand the opposition - By studying your opponent's game, you will be in a position to modify your own to exploit his or her weaknesses. Also, look for clues during the pre-match warm-up period and decide how you will avoid playing to your opponent's strengths!
4. Alternate between high-impact and low-impact training - try organising your training in cycles, so that you build up and then wind down. This applies both to daily sessions and over longer time periods. Trying to do too much will result in burnout and possible injuries.
5. Skipping - Even when you can't get to the squash court, you can boost your fitness by jumping rope. As for boxers, skipping helps improve co-ordination and speed for squash players.
6. Harder opposition - Try playing against opponents who are better than you. Willows provides opportunities for social squash which you can register your interest with staff at Reception.