Achieving the optimal strike in squash: Is the wrist involved at all?

Question

I am a sports enthusiast who has tried out many ball sports through-out my life with years of training in football (read: "soccer" if you are American) and basketball, as well as many hours of experience/play time in tennis and table tennis, although no formal training.

Several years back I decided to give a shot to squash with a friend, both never even watched a game at that point. By reading and watching and asking, I got to a level where I think I know the basics of the game. Since I am familiar with ball sports, I don't find it hard to follow the ball or use the walls/bounces to my best advantage. However I don't think I have the best technique.

So, the question; when I watch videos of pros or the people who compete in my town, I realize that they use the wrist to create a whip effect, or at least that's my interpretation of it. I believe I tend to be more stale in an effort to keep the racket in balance when striking the ball. I am not sure if I'd be able to deliver much power if ended up hitting the ball with a wrist-powered shot, compared to a whole-arm strike which puts much of the strain on the shoulders and the chest. Am I doing something wrong? Is it common practice to use the wrist in squash? Could it be so that my racket is simply too heavy for me (alt. I am not strong enough in my wrist to deliver proper shots with my racket?)

Thanks for any tips!

Answer 1

I'm a lifelong squash player and what I'd say is don't worry so much about the wrist. You're going to use the wrist naturally as you make a full swing. You can add a bit of wrist at the point of impact to impart a little extra power, especially if you've taken a short backswing or you want to surprise your opponent by flicking the ball cross-court at the last second. But by and large, the wrist is a small percentage of your power. The real power comes from your LEGS. Step into each shot, move your arms through as you hit, and sure, use a bit of wrist, and you'll have yourself a powerful squash stroke. Keep up the playing, glad to see squash players out there!

Answer 2

Yes, according to an excerpt from this UK squash tips page:

So compact your stroke by remembering to keep your elbow in and to use your wrist as much as possible. Raise your shoulders, making your head position lower between them. Keep your knees bent and stay in the crouch position. A good practice technique is to crouch and have your elbow and knee meet at the point of contact with the ball. Not all players can do this. But, with time and with good footwork, it can be done. Practicing volleys can also help shorten your swing. But, the wrist is the best mechanism in getting your swing and power to potential.

Other pages also mention footwork and positioning as being important.