Free DVD
Get your free compilation DVD of the 2001 Super Series Finals
held in London. Perhaps the best squash ever filmed. Learn from the
fantastic examples of top shots.
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Including action from:
1. The Dramatic Power v Palmer semi-final.
Brilliant controversial action plus the most exciting squash rally that has
ever been filmed at 14 all matchball in the fifth game. The Squash Player
2. Nicol v Heath
Nicol dominates but lets it slip to come under threat from all Heaths easily
hit shots in this four set clash. The Squash Player
3. Nicol v Palmer
Palmer lost but no one will want to play him after this. He has come of age
and it took all Nicols brilliant retrieving skills to hold him at bay. The
Squash Player
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Top Shots
As well as deriving excitement and pleasure from watching the best players
in the world we can learn so much from watching squash on video.
Our experts have picked ten great shots and compiled a special video for
Squash Player readers. Below is an explanation of each shot which you can
use as you view, replay and slow down the images of them before you try them
out for yourself! Perhaps some of the skill of these players, if not their
full power and virtuosity, can be incorporated into your own shotmaking.
We recommend you get this video and watch it over and over. The ten top
shots are just some of the gems you will find on it. This video, part of the
Super Series Finals Collection, is free and can be ordered on
www.squashplayer.co.uk/videos.
Top shots
1. Nicol’s forehand lob
(Nicol v Heath. Game 1: 6-4.)
Nicol recovers Heath’s backhand straight drop in one long wide open lunge
from the T preparing the racket low as he travels so that it waits under the
ball even when he is under pressure. A quick flick lifts the ball high and
wide into the side forcing Heath across to attempt a volley off the wall.
Notice that while Heath, with the lights in his eyes, miss-hits Nicol has
recovered the T.
2. Nicol’s forehand touch volley drop
(Nicol v Heath. Game 2: 8-5.)
Nicol lines this shot up perfectly, cutting down across the back of the ball
to take the pace off it which allows him to aim high enough above the tin to
have a good margin for error.
3. Palmer’s long counter drop
(Power v Palmer. Game 5: 3-2.)
Palmer’s long lunge for a counter drop, with perfect racket preparation,
demonstates excellent control through the racket head that you can see in
the grip, wrist and arm. The drop leaves Power nothing but a despairing dive
and confrontation with the referee.
4. Nicol’s low crosscourt volley drop
(Nicol v Palmer. Game 3: 2-0. )
Watch how early Nicol recovers the T each time and when Palmer’s drive
squirts out how easily his low touch forehand volley drop is caressed into
the gap and fades into the side out of his opponent’s reach.
5. Palmer’s disguised forehand volley
(Nicol v Palmer. Game 3: 13-8)
Palmer demonstrates one of his strengths, the ability to put his opponents
back and then hang into the side and intercept with powerful volleys. Here
from similar set-up positions he is able to hit a strong forehand straight
volley kill and then a deep dying crosscourt that forces the error.
6. Palmer’s full strike on a
backhand kill
(Nicol v Palmer. Game 3: 13-10.)
Palmer’s excellent preparation allows him to play this backhand kill with a
full swing but he does it so quickly that Nicol has no chance to get there.
7. Power’s forehand straight drop
(Power v Heath 3/4 Play-off. Game 1: 5-3.)
Power takes a long lunge forward on the right to the side of the ball,
reaches for and impacts with the ball behind the right angle with the side,
and angles it into the side, tight.
Note how the wrist holds the racket head back to achieve the correct angle
for this excellent touch shot inches above the tin that gives Heath little
chance as it hits a straight nick.
8. Heath’s held cut backhand drop
(Power v Heath 3/4 Play-off. Game 1: Score 4-5.)
Heath holds a backhand in a disguised position from which he could drive
either side but he chooses to cut down on the ball to caress it for a drop.
9. Power’s flick trick recovery shot
(Power v Heath 3/4 Play-off: Game 1: 5-6.)
Power plays consecutive forehand flicks from behind his head to avoid
boasting which gives him time to recover the T.
10. Power’s double swing forehand drop from backhand deep.
(Power v Heath 3/4 Play-off: Game 2: 12-12.)
Heath unwinds a backhand volley corkscrew with confidence. As the ball
bounces straight from the side in the left back corner Power swings at it on
the backhand, misses, follows through to a forehand backswing preparation
position and as the corkscrewing ball continues to bounce out horizontally
past his body, his swing comes around on the forehand to caress it straight
just above the tin. |
