Coaching the serve

What is the serve?

The serve starts the game. Players must have one foot in the service box and hit the ball above the service line on the front wall (or anywhere above the tin on the front wall in Squash 57), landing in the opposite back corner of the court. It can be tricky to master, so we recommend using these variations to help players to build up confidence:

• Let the ball bounce before hitting it (this is a Squash 57 serve).
• Let players start further forward when serving.
• Use a target on the front wall to help players to aim.

Coaching points

• Grip: Keep good tension on the grip.
• Racket preparation: Keep an open racket face and hit around waist height.
• Swing: Swing through the intended path of the ball, encouraging players to hit under the ball to create height.
• Throw: Hold the ball gently to release upwards.
• Move towards the T: Once the player has served, remind them to move towards the T.

Potential challenges

• The throw: Lots of players throw the ball too high, too far in front or behind them, or drop the ball, meaning they don't impact the ball at waist height. Encourage them to release the ball upwards gently so they can hit it at waist height.
• Swiping across the ball: Instead of swinging around the ball, encourage players to follow through the intended path of the ball.
• Moving backwards after the serve: Encourage players to practice moving towards the T and getting in a position where they can play a return that goes to either side of the court.