This week we welcome back Lee Drew, a man of many talents in the squash world including elite coach, professional referee consultant, and PSA TV co-commentator. He’s put together a comprehensive new series for us, covering all of the what’s, why’s, and how’s of the boast.
Lee had a very solid career as a pro, and this coupled with the multiple hats he wears in the sport makes him a fantastic reservoir of knowledge. We’re delighted to have Lee join us again this week, this time to break down a shot that’s perhaps the most unique to the game of squash. Learning to utilise the boast and effectively use the sidewall, is a huge advantage whatever level you play at.
In this deep and fascinating series, Lee explores the foundations of the boast and how it works within the context of the game. Starting with the basics, the playlist moves on to examine more advanced boasts variations including the trickle boast, the Aussie boast, and the skid boast.
It is a shot often used a little too randomly, particularly at an amateur level. Discover more in this series about how to properly set it up, how you can disguise it, and how to get into the mindset of following up the boast to capitalise on your opponent’s response.
The playlist also features a sprinkling of great examples from the elite, showing how the best players in the world use the different types of boast in various situations and circumstances. It’s one of the most versatile shots in the game, and watching its utilisation at the top level adds another level of insight.
The aim of this blog is to give you some ideas of drills and practices you can use to start exploring the key fundamentals of the boast and help you more effectively use the shot in your matches.
We’ve put together a selection of brand new solo and pairs sessions for you to try, built around the main technical points that Lee discusses. Watch through the videos from the playlist and then click through the links to the sessions below to check them out, and discover how developing a better understanding of this shot can really add an extra edge to your game.
Put it into practice
This session consists of a number of solo drills to practise on your own, to hone the fundamentals of your boasts.
This pairs session contains a selection of pairs drills and conditioned games to practise, to help you better utilise the boast as discussed by Lee in the playlist.
This challenging repeat-sprint session is a great way to work on your movement in and out of the corners, to help you move more efficiently to the T and be better able to cover your opponent’s response to your boasts.
Related content
Jethro takes you through the different types and explains how to perform them and when to use them.
In this playlist, Peter explains what a boast is and discusses some of the different varieties.
The two wall boast with Paul Carter
Paul Carter explains the main purpose of the shot, to drag your opponent forward, as well as how to make your shot look similar to the drive.
Let us know how you get on with the sessions, we’d love to hear your feedback!
Haven't seen the full series yet?
Lee Drew takes us through the boast, with analysis of when to play the shot and in-depth demonstrations of how to execute it.
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