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Squash isn’t only about raw power; it’s about touch—the silky ability to feather a drop just above the tin or caress a volley deep into the nicks.
10 Solo Squash Drills to Sharpen Touch in 20 Minutes lets you polish that finesse even when partners bail at the last minute. These drills squeeze maximum gains into a coffee-break-sized window, so there’s no excuse to skip skill work.
You’ll notice better ball control, more attacking options, and newfound confidence inside three weeks.
A rushed hit often means clunky swings. Start every session with heel flicks, hip rotations, and ten gentle forehand-backhand soft taps off the service box. Keep the grip loose; you’re waking the wrist, not bench-pressing.
Safety First
Wear non-marking shoes, eye protection, and clear stray balls. No point sharpening touch if you’re nursing a rolled ankle.
Drill 1 – Soft Straight Drives (2 min)
Stand a racket’s length from the side wall. Hit mid-pace straight drives that die before reaching the back glass. Focus on shoulder relaxation and finishing high.
Drill 2 – Mini Drop & Lift (2 min)
From the T, chip a gentle drop to yourself, then lift it back to mid-front wall height. Aim for two bounces before the service box—touch over force.
Drill 3 – Half-Court Volleys (2 min)
Volley alternating forehand/backhand to targets taped halfway up the front wall. Keep knees soft, elbows in, and “kiss” the ball.
Drill 4 – Short-Target Drives (2 min)
Place a coin on the short-line. Hit drives that land within a racket-length radius. Fine motor memory skyrockets.
Drill 5 – Figure-of-Eight Volleys (3 min)
Many pros swear by this. Swing from the T, volleying corner to corner in a lazy eight. Phillip Marlowe calls it “a great exercise for building strength and control.”
Drill 6 – Two-Wall Boast-Drop (3 min)
Boast softly so the ball kisses the opposite side wall, then drop into the nick. Emphasize wrist cut and minimal follow-through.
Drill 7 – Front-Wall Flicks (2 min)
Stand two metres away. Flick the ball up, cushioning on the strings before pushing it back without bounce. Great for deception.
Drill 8 – Ghost-Step Drops (2 min)
Shadow-step to front corners, pretend to hit, then actually play a soft drop to yourself on the second lunge.
Drill 9 – Volley-Kill Ladder (2 min)
Mark five dots ascending the front wall. Start highest, work down a step each clean kill.
Drill 10 – Side-Wall “Catch & Release” (2 min)
Tap the ball into the side wall, catch on the strings, release at half speed—teaches feather-light contact.
After the final rep, slow-roll shoulders, deep-breath, and stretch calves to avoid stiffness.
How often should I run these 10 solo squash drills to sharpen touch in 20 minutes?
Three times a week balances gains with recovery.
Can beginners use these exercises?
Yes—reduce speed, aim for clean contact over pace.
What ball should I choose?
A single-dot ball stays lively enough for continuous rallies.
Does string tension really affect touch?
Absolutely—lower tension enlarges the “sweet spot,” boosting touch.
How do I prevent elbow strain?
Warm properly, keep wrist firm, and string below 26 lbs.
How soon will I notice court improvements?
Expect crisper drops and steadier volleys within two weeks of disciplined practice.
Consistency beats complexity. Stick to the plan, log results, and sprinkle creativity once fundamentals solidify. When a partner is free, translate your refreshed touch into game-winning shots. For more expert insight, explore PSA pros’ training clips. See you in the nicks!
