As the year’s final months arrive, many young squash players look back at how far they’ve come — the rallies they’ve won, the matches they’ve lost, and all the hours spent training hard. But the season isn’t over yet.
In fact, this is the perfect time to set clear, realistic goals to help you finish the year stronger than ever.
Goals for each ability
Whether you’re just starting or playing competitively, setting goals gives you something to focus on, keeps your training purposeful, and helps you measure progress.
Here are five achievable goals every young player can work towards before the year ends.
1. Perfect Your Footwork
If you ask any professional squash player what makes the biggest difference in performance, they’ll almost always mention footwork. Being fast isn’t just about sprinting; it’s about moving efficiently, staying balanced, and getting into the right position for every shot.
Footwork drills don’t need to be complicated. “Ghosting” — moving around the court without a ball — is one of the best ways to improve. Focus on smooth, controlled movement, and always return to the ‘T’ position after each imaginary shot.
Try this:
- Spend 10 minutes at the end of each session on ghosting drills.
- Record yourself once a week to check your technique and positioning.
- Aim to make every movement purposeful, not rushed.
By improving your footwork, you’ll move faster, reduce fatigue, and feel more confident under pressure.
2. Improve One Key Shot
It’s tempting to want to improve everything at once — but real progress comes from focusing on one area at a time. Choose a single shot you’d like to make more reliable. Maybe it’s your serve, your backhand drop, or your cross-court volley.
Once you’ve chosen your focus, dedicate a few minutes in every session to that shot. Ask your coach for advice, and don’t be afraid to video your progress. Watching yourself play can reveal small habits you didn’t even know you had.
Try this:
- Pick one shot to improve between now and December.
- Practice it consistently for a few weeks, with both drills and match play.
- By the end of the year, test yourself under match pressure — can you play it confidently at 9–9?
A single improved shot can completely change the outcome of your matches.
3. Build Match Confidence
Playing matches can feel nerve-wracking, especially when points start to matter. But confidence comes from experience — the more you play, the calmer you’ll become.
Make it your goal to play more competitive games before the year ends. They don’t have to be official tournaments; friendly matches with club members or schoolmates are just as valuable.
Each match teaches you something — how to handle momentum shifts, how to adapt your strategy, and how to stay positive after mistakes.
Try this:
- Schedule one practice match each week.
- After every game, reflect on what went well and one area of your Squash skills you wish to improve.
- Focus on the process, not just the results.
Confidence is built one rally at a time, and by the new year, you’ll find yourself more composed in every match situation.
4. Get Physically Stronger
Squash is one of the most demanding sports out there — quick bursts of speed, deep lunges, and constant direction changes. To stay sharp, you need strength, endurance, and flexibility.
The good news? You don’t need a gym membership to improve your fitness. Bodyweight exercises like squats, lunges, planks, and burpees can all be done at home. A stronger body helps you hit the ball harder, move faster, and recover more quickly between rallies.
Try this:
- Create a simple fitness routine of 3 short sessions per week (15–20 minutes each).
- Focus on good form and gradual progress rather than pushing to exhaustion.
- Track your progress — how many push-ups or lunges can you do now versus December?
Building strength isn’t about looking strong — it’s about playing strong.
5. Keep a Squash Journal
If you really want to see your progress, start writing it down. A squash journal helps you understand your game more deeply and keeps your goals on track. After each session or match, write a few quick notes:
- What went well today?
- What could I do better?
- What’s one thing to focus on next time?
It doesn’t need to be long or detailed — even a few sentences per session can make a big difference. Over time, you’ll notice patterns in your play and start to understand how your mindset affects performance.
Try this:
- Keep a small notebook in your kit bag.
- Write at least one entry per week.
- Look back at older pages every month to see how far you’ve come.
A journal turns your training into a story of growth — and you’re the author.
Final Thoughts
The end of the year isn’t just a finish line — it’s a chance to refocus, reset, and refine your game. Setting goals helps you stay motivated and ensures every training session counts.
So before the year runs out, pick one or two of these goals and go after them with energy and intent. Whether it’s perfecting your movement or improving that key shot, stay committed, and you’ll finish the year on a high note!