Teaching/coaching squash using a game-based approach

 Squash is one of my favourite sports. I was playing regularly for fun and fitness not competitively, until a few years ago. I have been invited to do coach development with squash coaches a few times, including recently where I worked over two days with squash coaches on a game-based approach to coaching using the Play with Purpose framework.

Coaching squash through the Play with Purpose framework shifts the focus from isolated technical drills to developing "thinking players" who understand the why behind their shots. This approach utilises the game sense philosophy, where game form practice is central to learning to play the game.

Central is the idea that Squash is a series of tactical problems to be solved, not just a series of swings to be perfected.

In a match, how many times does a player know exactly where the ball is going before the opponent hits it?

If we remove the 'read' and the 'decision’ element by having players mainly learn through pattern drills, what is really being coached?

Key Insight: Movement and technique in squash are reactions to tactical situations.

A few years ago I elaborated upon Tim Hopper's 'game intelligence' model: Read-Respond-React-Recover framework (diagram below). The model aligns pretty world with the World Squash model of player intelligence.

Some years ago, Roger Flynn described squash player game intelligence within a Game Sense coaching approach

Flynn, R. (1999). Tactics and strategy in squash. 

Here is a breakdown of how to structure a squash session using the Play with Purpose model:

Instead of starting with a line of players hitting drives, start with a modified game that highlights a specific tactical problem.

• The Setup: Use a "restricted court" game. For example, play a match where all shots must land behind the service line (lengthening the game).
• The Purpose: This immediately forces players to realise that if they don't hit with length, they lose control of the "T."

2. Tactical Awareness & "The Hook"

Once the players have experienced the challenge, pause the play. Use Purposeful Questioning to guide their understanding rather than telling them what to do.

• Ask: "Where is the safest place to hit the ball if you are under pressure in the back corner?"
• Expected Insight: "High and soft on the side wall to get back to the T."
• The Goal: You are anchoring the technical need (the lob or the length drive) to a tactical necessity (recovering the centre).

3. Skill Refinement (The "Practice" Phase)

Now that players understand the tactical need, they will be more motivated to refine the mechanics. Keep these practices representative of the game.

• Conditioned Drill: One player is the "Feeder" who can hit anywhere, but the "Worker" must try to hit every ball into a target zone (e.g., a floor marker in the back corner).
• Technical Focus: During this, provide feedback on the swing path or body position, but always link it back to the outcome: "Notice how a shorter backswing helps you find the side wall when the ball is tight?"

4. Game Application (Progressive Competition)

Return to a game format but add a scoring "incentive" that rewards the purposeful play you just practiced.

• Bonus Points: Play a standard game to 11, but any winner hit from behind the service line or any successful "drop" after a good length drive counts for 3 points.

5. Reflection and Review

End the session by circling back to the initial tactical problem.

• Final Inquiry: Coach may ask: "When we started, we were struggling to get off the side walls. What did we change in our shot selection to find more time?"
• Action Plan: Coach asks players to identify one "purposeful" habit they want to bring into their next competitive match.

Below, an illustration how game design changes as players progress in their game development

In summary, traditional drills remove the "Search and Decide" (Read and Respond) phase of play. The Play with Purpose framework doesn't remove drills from the coaching toolkit, but makes game play or game form practice the main focus of learning. Here, "Game Form” is understood as the design of modified playing conditions that maintain the integrity of squash while exaggerating specific tactical problems.

Thanks for stopping by and reading this post. If you would like to connect with me about a project to do with this blog or any of the other ideas that I have blogged about, you can contact me by the email link available here