DU Squash Ladder

Hi fellow squash-mates! Professor Hughes has emailed me, searching for answers to several squash related questions...

Jeff:

Here's a common question. Perhaps you can post an answer to the website. . . .?

Q: Is this a let?
My opponent is near the left wall at the service line and hits the ball to me at the tee. He doesn't move, until I hit my return. My return lands near the service line on the right. My opponent asks for a let, because to reach the ball, he would like to run through the tee, where I am standing.

A: Here is a simple way to determine whether you should play a let or not; if you remove the person who is in the way (in this case yourself), did your opponent have a legitimate chance of getting to the ball before the 2nd bounce? Regardless of how early or late they got started towards the ball, if they had a legitimate shot at the ball (this is established during play), then you should play a let. Squash IS a gentleman's sport, right?

Q: Also, how does one improve one's footwork? I recall you saying it's what you watch when you watch a match, but I neither know what to look for or how to make mine any better.

A: Yes, when I watch the pros play, I almost only focus on their footwork. Try it sometime, you'll be amazed!! "Star Drills" will help your footwork. It seems like a simple thing, but will have an amazing effect on your footwork. If you do them 5-10 minutes before you play and 5-10 after you play, I guarantee you will see results in no time!

Video link to demo of the Star Drill.