In my opinion, the return of service is the second most important shot in the game of squash. Miss it and your opponent scores a point with virtually no effort on his/her part. Squash Court picture The safest return is tight and deep down the wall. Easier said than done as this shot must be executed well. If hit well this allows the returner to return to the T and take advantage of a possible weak return. If executed poorly it results in your opponent volleying your return and attacking your shot. At times it can also result in a stroke if your return angles out to the T and you get caught. To keep your opponent “guessing” another effective return is to volley drop the return down the wall to the front of the court. Once again if played well you can win the point or at least have your opponent hit a defensive shot that allows your to attack the next shot. If not played well it can cost you the point or result in you scrambling to cover your return. Just remember that if your opponent is easily getting to your drop volley then it is time to abandon that shot.
Danny’s favourite
My favorite service return is the cross court lob. This shot is risky because your opponent may be able to volley the return and that results in running and being defensive. However, if hit well it forces your opponent to boast their shot allowing you to anticipate that shot and counter with a fast drop in the opposite corner. Beautiful, now you have your opponent scrambling and using up precious energy. Good luck in your future squash matches and put some practice into that all important service return. Danny Shannon Pacific Rim Open Men’s Singles and men’s doubles champion
