Squash Shot (Defensive Forehand)
Also known as: squash shot, squash forehand, squash shot forehand, open-face defensive forehand, forehand on the stretch
Hit a squash shot when you are stretched wide on your forehand side and cannot set up. Open the racquet face, lead with the wrist laid back and whip the racquet under and across the ball. It floats back with slice and sidespin and buys time to recover.
A squash shot is a defensive forehand hit on the run. It gets its name from the whipping squash swing it copies. You use it when a ball pulls you far out wide and you have no time to turn and set your feet.
Reach with the racquet low and the face open. Lay the wrist back and swing across and under the ball in a quick whip. The ball leaves with underspin and some sidespin. It stays in the air long enough for you to get back into the court. Aim deep crosscourt, which gives you the most court and the most time.
The squash shot is not an attacking shot. Its job is to neutralise. If you can still set your feet, a normal topspin forehand or a defensive slice is usually better. Recover quickly after hitting it, because a weak squash shot invites an attack.
Tips by skill level
Have a partner feed wide balls to your forehand. Try a short, open-faced whip and aim high crosscourt.
Vary the height and spin. A low, skidding squash shot on a fast court can turn defense into a neutral rally.
Example
Pulled far wide on her forehand, she has no time to plant. She lays her wrist back and whips a low squash shot crosscourt. The ball floats deep and she gets back to the middle in time.
Why it matters
Without a squash shot, a wide ball often ends the point. With one, you can stay in rallies that would otherwise be lost.
Common mistakes
- Using it when there is time for a normal forehand
- Swinging flat, so the ball has no time to float
- Aiming down the line, which leaves little court and little time
- Admiring the shot instead of recovering at once
Frequently asked questions
What is a squash shot in tennis?
It is a defensive forehand hit on the run with an open racquet face and a whipping, squash-style swing. It floats back with slice and sidespin.
When should I hit a squash shot?
When you are stretched wide on your forehand and cannot set your feet. Aim it high and deep crosscourt to buy time.
Related terms
- Defensive SliceA defensive slice uses underspin to keep the ball low and floating with little effort. It helps an out-of-position player buy time and stay in the point.
- Loss of Balance on Stretch ShotsLoss of balance on stretch shots is reaching past a stable base for a wide, low, or hard-hit ball. The center of mass falls away from the shot at contact.
- ForehandThe forehand is a groundstroke hit on the dominant-hand side, swinging across the body. It is a player's most natural and usually most powerful shot.
- Recovery to Center CourtRecovery to center court is moving back to a balanced base position after a shot. That base covers the widest range of the opponent's likely replies.
Related guides & benchmarks
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