JIM'S SQUASH TIPS

Ten basic tactics

1. Keep the ball mainly straight, aiming to keep the ball in the back corners, what is known as "good length".
   
2. Return your opponents serve straight the majority of the time. Keeping the ball close to the side wall prevents your opponent volleying.
   
3. Aim your own serve as close to the side wall as possible, forcing him into the back corners.
   
4. After every shot return immediately to the 'T', keeping your eye on the ball.
   
5. Look for opportunities to take the ball early on the volley.
   
6. Hit the ball away from your opponent.
   
7. If he's stranded in the back, put the ball short with a volley, drop or boast. If he's in the front, then hit the ball to the opposite back corner.
   
8. Attack when your opponent is out of position and you have an easy ball.
   
9. Return to defence when you are under pressure and are out of position. Make effective use of the lob.
   
10. Vary the pace of your shots preventing your opponent reading you're game.