In Squash, timing is everything; the more time you have, the more options you can explore. But what if you flipped that idea and took time away from your opponent instead?
Enter the technique of hitting the ball on the rise. It’s a high-level skill that can completely shift the momentum of a rally. By striking the ball just after it bounces—before it peaks—you force your opponent to react quicker, reposition faster and often make mistakes under pressure.
So, what makes this such an effective tool, and how can you start adding it to your game?
Why It Works: The Key Advantages
1. Relentless Pressure
Imagine you’ve just hit a decent length, and your opponent scrambles to retrieve it and sends back a loose return. Instead of waiting for the ball, you pounce, cut it off early, and hit a tight drive or drop. Suddenly, they’re on the run again, with no breathing room. That’s the power of hitting on the rise—it keeps them guessing, chasing, and off balance.
2. More T Control
In squash, dominating the T is like holding the high ground. By taking the ball early, you naturally stay forward on the court. This means you’re better positioned to intercept volleys, respond to boasts, or punish weak returns.
3. Disrupts Rhythm
A lot of players settle into a rhythm, waiting for the ball to come up to their ideal striking point. When you start taking it early, you force a change in tempo. It can throw off even experienced opponents.
4. Opens Up Your Options
Whether you’re going for a quick volley, a tight early drop, or a low drive into the corner, hitting on the rise gives you more attacking possibilities, especially off weaker balls.
When to Use It
It’s important to note that this isn’t a technique to apply blindly. The best moments include:
- Loose boasts that don’t die in the front
- Weak lengths that land short or pop up
- Crosscourt that floats and sits up near the side wall
When your opponent is out of position and you want to capitalise quickly.
What Makes It Difficult
Like anything high-reward, there’s risk. Here’s what makes it tricky:
You’ve Got Less Time to React
You’re taking the shot much earlier, so preparation has to be rapid. Footwork, racket prep, and decision-making all need to happen in a split second.
Timing is Everything
Hit too early and you’ll mistime or frame it. Too late, and you’ve missed the window. Precision counts for a lot.
Footwork Can’t Be Lazy
You need to stay light, balanced, and quick. One slow step and the opportunity’s gone.
How to Train It
Here are some ways to start building this into your game:
1. Shadow and Solo Drills
Drop the ball and practise hitting just after the bounce. Keep your swing compact and stay low. Visualise taking time away from an opponent, even when training alone.
2. Mini-Court Rallies
Work with a partner and rally in the front half of the court, aiming to take everything early. Focus on control and clean striking.
3. Conditioned Games
Play games where you’re only allowed to hit on the rise in certain scenarios—off-boasts, for example. This helps build tactical awareness alongside technique.
4. Watch the Pros
Players like Ali Farag, Paul Coll, and Nour El Sherbini use this technique beautifully. Watching how they step up, stay low, and take balls early can give you visual cues to apply in your unique style of play.
Confidence is Key
Many players hesitate to take the ball early because it feels risky or unfamiliar. But with time and practice, hitting on the rise becomes second nature. It’s about confidence, timing, and believing in your ability to control the rally from the front foot.
Incorporating the skill of hitting on the rise into your game takes patience and practice, but once you start seeing the rewards, it becomes one of your most effective tools. It’s about confidence in your own timing, getting comfortable with a fast pace, and learning how to read your opponent’s weaknesses.
The key is not just mastering the technique, but also integrating it into a broader strategy—taking the ball on the rise is as much about mindset as it is about technique. The next time you find yourself facing a loose ball, remember to take it early, step forward, and take control.