If you’re a young squash player and want to get better at your Forehand Volley, you’re already on the right track. Volleys help you take control of rallies, attack earlier, and keep your opponent under pressure.
And when you master them? You’ll feel like a total boss on court.
Let’s explore simple tips to help you improve your forehand volley and feel more confident during your matches.
Get in the Right Position
The best time to hit a volley is when the ball is still high in the air—ideally around shoulder height. This gives your opponent less time to recover.
Try this:
- Always stay on your toes—bounce lightly and be ready to move.
- If the ball is coming towards the middle of the court and it’s high, step in and take it early before it drops.
Pro Tip: The sooner you take the ball, the more pressure you put on your opponent!
Hold Your Racquet the Right Way
Your Squash grip matters. If you’re holding the racket like a frying pan, volleys will be tough. Use the continental grip (ask your coach to show you if you’re unsure).
Focus on:
- Keeping your racket up and ready—don’t let it drop by your knees!
- Having a short and smooth swing—no need to take a big backswing. Quick and controlled is better.
Move Your Feet Like a Pro
Your feet help you stay balanced and in control when volleying.
Here’s how:
- Do a little split step (a small hop) just as your opponent hits the ball. It helps you react faster.
- Step into your volley with the foot opposite to your racket hand. This helps you stay balanced and add a bit of power without forcing it.
- Volleying is about balance as much as technique.
Aim for Accuracy, Not Power
You don’t need to hit your volleys super hard. Sometimes a softer volley placed in a tricky spot is way better.
Try aiming for:
- A tight volley to the front corner (called a volley drop).
- A strong, controlled volley straight down the wall.
- A cross-court volley if your opponent is stuck on one side.
Think: “Where can I hit the ball to make it hard for them to get it back?”
Practise with Fun Drills
Here are a few easy drills to help build your volley confidence:
Volley Target Practice (solo or with a friend)
- Stand on the T, and hit forehand volleys towards a target on the front wall (like a cone or tape).
- Count how many volleys land near your target in a row.
Moving Volleys
- Have someone feed you balls as you move side to side across the T.
- Try to volley each ball with control as you go.
Volley Game
- Play a mini game where you and a friend can only hit volleys.
- First to 5 points wins. Great for fast reactions!
Watch and Learn from the Pros
Watching top players helps you understand how the volley is used in real matches.
Watch players like:
- Ali Farag – super smooth with his volleys.
- Nour El Sherbini – great at taking the ball early.
- Paul Coll – fast feet and smart volleys.
Watch their forehand volleys—how early they take the ball, how short their swing is, and where they place their shots.
Train Your Brain – Volleying is Mental Too!
Volleying isn’t just physical—it’s about staying mentally sharp. You have to spot opportunities quickly and make fast decisions. That’s something you can train to do!
Try this: When you’re playing a match, say in your head, “Can I volley that?”
This simple question helps you look for volley chances more often.
Watch your opponent’s body language. Are they off balance? That’s your chance to attack with a volley.
The more you think like a volleyer, the more chances you’ll see during a match.
Make Volleys Part of Your Routines
To improve your forehand volley, you need to include it in your regular routines—not just do it now and then.
Here are some ways to build it into your weekly squash training:
- Warm-Up Volleys: Start every session with 20–30 forehand volleys on your own or with a partner.
- Volley Every Second Shot Drill: During rallies or conditioned games, aim to volley every second shot. It trains your anticipation and timing.
- Volley-Only Games: Play a game where you can only win points if your shot is a volley!
Make volleying feel natural, like brushing your teeth—it’s just part of what you do!
Mini Challenges You Can Try
Kids (and grown-ups, too) learn faster with goals and games. Try these challenges to track your progress:
Solo Volley Streak
- How many forehand volleys can you hit in a row without messing up?
- Try to beat your score each week!
Volley Hit Zones
- Stick post-it notes or cones on the front wall in different corners.
- Aim to hit those targets with your forehand volley—5 hits = level up!
One-Minute Challenge
- Set a timer for 1 minute.
- See how many clean, controlled forehand volleys you can do. Focus on form over speed.
- It’s like turning practice into a game. The better you get, the more fun it becomes.
What to Do During Matches
It’s one thing to volley in training—it’s another to try it when you’re nervous in a real match. Here’s how to feel more confident:
- Choose your moments: Don’t try to volley every ball. Look for weak or high shots.
- Don’t panic if it goes wrong: Everyone misses sometimes. Smile, shake it off, and try again next point.
- Be brave! Volleying means taking the ball early—it might feel risky, but it shows you’re in control.
Even the pros mess up volleys—it’s part of learning. What matters is that you keep trying.
Set Your Volley Goals
Want to stay motivated? Set simple weekly goals, like:
- “This week I’ll try 10 forehand volleys in matches.”
- “I’ll practise 5 minutes of solo forehand volleys every day after school.”
- “I’ll hit 3 volleys in every rally drill today.”
Write them in a squash notebook or tell your coach. Goals keep you focused and proud of your progress.
Final Thoughts
Like many Squash techniques, getting better at volleys takes time, patience, and lots of practice. But every time you step on court and try, you’re one step closer to being a stronger, more confident player.
Remember:
- Be brave—take the ball early!
- Stay balanced and controlled.
- Practise smart, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes.
By honing your positioning, refining your racket preparation, and practising with purpose, you’ll start to feel more confident and effective with this crucial shot. As with any skill in squash, consistent practice – both in drills and match play – is the key to real progress.
In time by keep working on your forehand volley, and soon enough, you’ll be surprising your opponents and winning more rallies!