It’s not always necessary to hit harder or aim for spectacular wins if you want to win more rallies in Squash – the Forehand counter is among the most clever and efficient shots you can learn.
Elite players widely use it, and juniors who pick it up early have a big advantage. Maintaining rallies, applying pressure to your opponent, and converting defence into control are all made possible by the forehand counter.
How so? Let’s break it down.
What Is a Forehand Counter?
A forehand counter is a controlled shot played on your forehand side using your opponent’s pace. Instead of swinging hard, you absorb their power and send the ball back with accuracy.
It’s usually played when:
- Your opponent hits a strong drive
- You’re under some pressure
- You still have time to play a controlled shot
Think of it as saying:
“I’m not panicking – I’m resetting the rally.”
Why Junior Players Should Learn the Forehand Counter
At the junior and grassroots level, many rallies are won because one player:
- Hits too hard under pressure
- Makes unforced errors
- Panics when pushed into the back corner
The forehand counter helps you:
- Make fewer mistakes
- Keep the ball tight to the wall
- Recover back to the T
- Force your opponent to hit one more shot
Often, that extra shot is where they make the error.
How the Forehand Counter Helps You Win Rallies
1. It Buys You Time
A good straight counter to the back corner gives you time to:
- Recover your balance
- Get back to the T
- Be ready for the next shot
Time = control.
2. It Uses Your Opponent’s Pace
You don’t need a big swing. The harder your opponent hits, the easier it is to counter if your technique is right.
This means:
- Less effort
- More consistency
- Better accuracy
3. It Frustrates Opponents
Nothing annoys an opponent more than hitting a hard shot and seeing it come straight back, tight and deep.
Over time, they:
- Go for too much
- Take bigger risks
- Make more mistakes
That’s how rallies are won.
How to Play the Forehand Counter (Junior-Friendly Tips)
1. Get Your Racquet Ready Early
As soon as you see the ball coming to your forehand:
- Turn your shoulders
- Prepare the racquet early
- Keep the swing short
Late preparation is the biggest problem for juniors.
2. Short Swing, Soft Hands
You do not need a big backswing.
- Keep the swing compact
- Let the ball hit the strings
- Guide it back, don’t force it
A smooth swing beats a powerful one.
3. Aim Straight First
When learning the forehand counter:
- Aim straight down the wall
- Focus on height and length
- Forget winners
A tight, straight counter wins more rallies than flashy shots.
4. Recover to the T Immediately
The shot isn’t finished until you:
- Push off the back corner
- Move back to the T
- Get ready again
Good recovery is what turns a good counter into a winning tactic.
Common Mistakes Junior Players Make
- Swinging too hard under pressure
- Hitting the ball too late (behind the body)
- Trying crosscourts too early
- Watching the shot instead of moving back to the T
- Fixing these mistakes will instantly improve your results.
Simple Drill to Practise the Forehand Counter
Solo or with a partner
- Feed or hit a steady forehand drive
- Focus on:
- Early preparation
- Short swing
- Straight length
- Recover to the T after every shot
Coaching focus:
Accuracy before power
Safety Tips for Playing the Forehand Counter
1. Always Check Your Opponent’s Position
Before swinging:
- Know where your opponent is
- If they’re close, hold the shot or play a softer, higher option
Never swing blindly under pressure. Safety comes before winning the rally.
2. Use a Short, Controlled Swing
A forehand counter should have:
- A compact swing
- Controlled follow-through
Big swings increase the risk of:
- Striking your opponent
- Losing balance
Hitting the frame and sending the ball dangerously
3. Keep Your Head Up After the Shot
Junior players often:
- Watch the ball too long
- Forget where the opponent is
Get into the habit of:
- Hitting
- Looking up immediately
- Moving back to the T
Awareness reduces collisions.
4. Communicate Clearly
If there’s any doubt:
Say “Let” early and clearly
Don’t try to force a shot through traffic
Asking for a let-me-squash, not a weakness.
5. Wear Proper Eye Protection
For juniors, eye protection is essential, not optional.
Use approved squash goggles and make sure they fit properly and don’t slip.
Many junior injuries are avoidable with correct eyewear.
6. Don’t Counter When Fully Stretched
If you’re:
- Off balance
- Reaching behind you
- Running flat out
Choose safety:
- Play a higher defensive shot
- Or ask for a let
Trying to counter from a bad position is risky and often ineffective.
7. Respect the Swing Space
Both players are entitled to:
- A clear swing
- Safe access to the ball
If space isn’t available:
- Stop
- Ask for a let
Learning this early builds good habits and prevents injuries.
Coaching Reminder for Juniors
> “If you’re not sure it’s safe, don’t swing.”
Winning rallies is important — protecting players is more important.
Final Thoughts
The forehand counter is one of the most valuable shots a junior squash player can learn. It doesn’t rely on strength or speed, but on good decisions, sound technique, and calm thinking under pressure. By learning to use an opponent’s pace and play with control, juniors can stay in rallies longer and give themselves more chances to win points.
At the grassroots level, matches are often decided by consistency rather than by winners. A reliable forehand counter helps players recover to the T, reduce unforced errors, and force opponents into taking risks. Just as importantly, when played with awareness and good habits, it’s a safe and responsible shot that supports long-term development.
Master this shot early, practise it regularly, and trust it in matches. Over time, the forehand counter won’t just help you survive pressure — it will help you take control of rallies and win them the smart way.