Generic Movement Patterns Part 1

Generic Movement Patterns 

Instinctively, if the elite player while waiting on The T does not known the direction of the ball the player has to jump step just prior to the opponent hitting the ball. This allows the player to react in the direction of the ball.

When the elite player knows the direction of the ball the player Steps with either foot in that direction. (Please visit Menu Introduction to see examples for Step reaction)

If possible this generic early movement should be done while on The T, however, if the player is late returning the player can still jump and move in the required direction. Depending on how late and what direction the player is moving the player may not be disadvantaged.  

The Jump Step (Solo Ghosting)

Just before the player identifies where the ball is going the player lowers the centre of gravity by slightly flexing the knees and transferring weight to the feet before jumping upwards and spreading both feet. Then on identifying the direction of the ball reacts with a change of direction (if required) of the feet and after landing with either the left foot or right foot (depending on the direction) pushes off in that direction.

The Lateral Jump Step (Solo Ghosting)

Just before the player identifies where the ball is going the player lowers the centre of gravity by slightly flexing the knees and transferring weight to the feet before jumping upwards and spreading both feet. Then on identifying the direction of the ball reacts with a lateral change of direction of the feet and after landing with either the left foot or right foot (depending on the direction) pushes off in that lateral direction. 

 The Forward Jump Step (Solo Ghosting)

Just before the player identifies where the ball is going the player lowers the centre of gravity by slightly flexing the knees and transferring weight to the feet before jumping upwards and spreading both feet. Then on identifying the direction of the ball reacts with a forward change of direction of the feet and after landing with either the left foot or right foot (depending on the direction) pushes off in that forward direction.

 The Backward Jump Step (Solo Ghosting)

Just before the player identifies where the ball is going the player lowers the centre of gravity by slightly flexing the knees and transferring weight to the feet before jumping upwards and spreading both feet. Then on identifying the direction of the ball reacts with a backward change of direction of the feet and after landing with either the left foot or right foot (depending on the direction) pushes off in that backward direction.

 

More examples of the Lateral, Forward and Backward Jump Steps.


The Lateral Jump Step.

The Lateral Jump Step allows the player to move sideways.


This encourages the player to take the ball early from The Attacking Zone.

The Forward Jump Step.

The Forward Jump Step allows the player to move forward to retrieve the ball.


Furthermore, it may also encourage the player to take the ball early.

The Backward Jump Step.

The Backward Jump Step allows the player to move back to retrieve the ball.


This discourages the player to take the ball early from The Attacking Zone.

 

Copyright South Australia Squash Academy Michael Nash All Rights Reserved