Mastering the Art of Hitting Into Open Space – with Laura Massaro

Creating Space: The Basics

Laura begins by addressing the common misconception about the squash court’s size. While it might seem small, effectively using the available space can make it feel enormous for your opponent. The key is to find a balance where you can manoeuvre comfortably while forcing your opponent to cover more ground.

Combination Shots: Building from the Back

A fundamental tactic Laura emphasises is the combination of a deep drive followed by a short shot. This approach is not only simple but highly effective. For example, Ramy Ashour, known for his exceptional short game, builds his attacks on the back of precise, deep drives. By hitting a dying length into the back corner, you set up the opportunity for a straightforward drop shot, making it tough for your opponent to recover.

Attacking from the Front: Flipping the Script

Laura also discusses the importance of reversing the approach by attacking the front to open up the back. This method is particularly useful when you’re locked in a length battle. By introducing a short ball, you can pull your opponent forward, creating space at the back for a subsequent deep shot. This tactic forces your opponent to cover the court diagonally, a challenging movement that can quickly tire them out.

Utilising the Boast: A Favourite Weapon

One of Laura’s preferred shots for creating space is the forehand boast. This shot can be particularly useful when you’re less confident about hitting direct short shots. The boast drags your opponent into the front corners, opening up the back of the court for you to exploit. Whether it’s a two-wall or three-wall boast, the key is to mix it up and keep your opponent guessing.

The Power of the Lob

Laura also highlights the often-overlooked vertical space on the court. Using a lob effectively can disrupt your opponent’s rhythm and force them to reposition, giving you time to reset and prepare your next shot. This tactic is especially effective on courts with high ceilings, allowing you to use the full three dimensions of the playing area.

Mental Clarity: Adapting and Reacting

Finally, Laura stresses the importance of maintaining mental clarity. In the heat of a match, it’s easy to become reactive and lose sight of your strategy. By keeping a clear head and focusing on hitting the ball where your opponent isn’t, you can create opportunities even in the most challenging situations.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of hitting into open space is about more than just using the right technique. It requires strategic thinking, precision, and the ability to adapt your tactics on the fly. Laura Massaro’s playlist provides a comprehensive guide, helping you make the court feel as small as possible for yourself while turning it into a vast expanse for your opponent. Embrace these strategies, and you’ll find yourself controlling the game and dictating the pace more effectively.