When you’re a junior squash player, it’s easy to fall in love with smashing the ball as hard as possible. Hitting hard feels powerful, and sometimes it wins points – but if you watch the best players in the world, you’ll notice something important: they don’t just rely on power. They use variety. They use a disguise, and above all, they know when to take the pace off the ball.
That’s where the lob and the drop shot come in. These two shots might not look as flashy as a thunderous drive, but if you learn to master them, you’ll have the tools to outsmart any opponent.
Think of the lob as your shield and the drop as your sword. One protects you, the other strikes. Together, they’re unstoppable.
The Lob: The Art of Escaping in Style
Picture this: your opponent has just hit a tight shot to the front corner. You’re stretched, scrambling, and the rally feels like it’s slipping away. Instead of panicking, you calmly open your racket face, send the ball high, and watch it drift beautifully into the back corner. Suddenly, the tables have turned — you’ve bought yourself time, and your opponent is the one under pressure.
That’s the magic of the lob.
Why the lob is so powerful:
- It’s your lifeline when you’re under pressure.
- It forces your opponent to move back, creating space for you.
- It slows the pace, helping you reset and regain control.
How to nail the lob:
- Soft hands – don’t grip the racket like you’re smashing. Relax your hand for control.
- Open the racket face and tilt it upwards so the ball lifts smoothly.
- Smooth swing – guide the ball, don’t snatch at it.
- Think height and depth – aim above your opponent’s head and into the back corner.
Motivation tip: The lob is like a superhero move. One second you’re in trouble, the next you’re safe and back in charge. Practise it until it feels natural, and you’ll never feel stuck again.
The Drop Shot: Your Silent Assassin
Now, imagine the opposite situation. You’ve just pushed your opponent to the back of the court with a long, tight drive. They’re waiting for another length. That’s when you strike with your secret weapon: the drop shot.
The ball touches the front wall, stops just above the tin, and your opponent sprints forward helplessly. Few things in squash feel as satisfying as a perfectly executed drop.
Why the drop is so dangerous:
- It catches your opponent off guard.
- It forces them to run hard into the front.
- It can end rallies instantly if you execute it with precision.
How to perfect the drop:
- Disguise it – set up as if you’re going to drive, then soften your swing at the last moment.
- Use your fingers – let your hand guide the ball with touch and control.
- Stay balanced – keep your body stable to avoid overhitting.
- Aim low and tight – the closer the ball is to the side wall, the harder it is to return.
Motivation tip: The drop shot isn’t just about skill — it’s about courage. It takes confidence to go short. But when you do, and it works, you’ll feel like you’ve just stolen the point.
Combining the Two: Playing Like a Chess Master
Here’s where things get exciting: the real power of the lob and drop shot comes when you mix them together.
- If your opponent is hanging around the front? Lob them deep.
- If they’re camping out at the back? Slice in a drop.
- If you really want to make them sweat? Use the same preparation for both shots. Keep your opponent guessing until the last second.
That’s not just playing squash. That’s playing chess with a racket.
Drills to Build Your Skills
The best way to master the lob and drop is through consistent practice. Here are some fun drills to try:
1. The Lob Ladder
Stand in the front court and practise hitting lobs.
Set a target in the back corner (like a cone or even your water bottle).
See how many out of 10 you can land close to.
Try to beat your score every session!
2. Drop Shot Targets
Place a towel or marker in the front corner.
Practise hitting drop shots so the ball bounces as close to the target as possible.
Start with easy feeds, then add pressure by moving first.
3. Lob vs Drop Game
Play a game with a friend where you can only hit lobs and drops.
It forces you to practise touch, control, and decision-making.
Plus, it’s a lot of fun.
4. Pressure Drill
Have a partner feed you tough balls in the front.
Your challenge: escape with a lob 5 times in a row without losing control.
Great for building composure under pressure.
Mindset: Playing Smart, Not Just Hard
Here’s the secret that great players know: squash isn’t just about speed or strength. It’s about choices. Every shot you play should have a purpose.
The lob gives you time.
The drop takes time away from your opponent.
Together, they turn you into a player who can adapt, control, and outthink anyone.
Remember: power wins points, but touch and brains win matches.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a junior squash player looking to level up, make the lob and drop your best friends. Practise them, trust them, and most importantly, use them in your matches. Don’t be afraid to try — mistakes are part of learning, and every drop that clips the tin or lob that goes out is one step closer to mastery.
Next time you’re on court, challenge yourself:
- Can I hit one lob that really gets me out of trouble?
- Can I play one drop that forces my opponent to sprint?
Do that, and you’ll start to see squash in a whole new way. You won’t just be playing hard — you’ll be playing clever squash.