You can learn a heck about your opponent's mindset by observing their actions and body language, whether before a match, during a match, or even in between games.
This is where mindset and psychology come into the game of squash, and, I find it an incredibly interesting topic.
Some players are a lot better at hiding their emotions than others, however, if you keep an eye out for small giveaways or telltale signs that they're perhaps struggling mentally, it can give you yet another weapon to use against them on the court.
So, in this article, I'll be going through some of the things to look for in your opponent's body language before, during, and in between games.
Whether it's their facial expressions, their posture, their positioning, or, even the things that they say, these are all things that you should take into account when considering your tactics.
Let's dive in...
Before The Match
Long before the first rally begins, your opponent is already giving away clues about their mindset, energy levels, and overall preparedness. If you know what to look for, you can gain an early psychological edge before even stepping onto the court.
Even the time they turn up to the club plays a factor.
If they arrived early, perhaps that means they're going to be well prepared and mentally ready for the match, or, if they're a little late, it could mean that they're either rushed and unfocused, or, perhaps that they're not taking the match seriously.
However, once they're at the squash club, this is when you can really start observing them. Of course, don't make it too obvious by just staring at them constantly... unless you really want to try to psych them out!
One of the most obvious things that you can observe is whether your opponent is actively warming up or just going through the motions.
Are they stretching, doing mobility work, or doing light ghosting movements with intent?
A player who takes their warm-up seriously is often confident, prepared, and physically ready to go. On the other hand, if they’re casually chatting, scrolling on their phone, or only doing a few half-hearted stretches, it could indicate they’re not fully engaged.
Perhaps you've played this player before and already have a good idea of their pre-match ritual, however, if you've never played, or seen them play, before, then you need to take every opportunity to observe them.
Another key factor is their body language when moving around.
Do they walk with energy, bounce on their toes, and seem light and fluid? This often signals readiness and relaxation.
Conversely, if their movements seem stiff, slow, or hesitant, they may be carrying an injury, feeling nervous, or simply not in peak condition.
A player who repeatedly rolls their shoulders, shakes out their hands, or stretches a particular muscle may also be dealing with tightness or discomfort—something you can exploit later in the match.
You can often tell when a player is nervous before their match by the expression on their face.
However, just because they have a stern face on and aren't really chatting to other players much, doesn't necessarily mean that they're nervous, it might mean that they're incredibly focused and mentally preparing for the match.
This is when you need to look for smaller telltale signs. You could even go and introduce yourself and chat to them personally. This can work wonders for showing them that you're ready and confident for the match ahead, plus, you can get a closer insight into how they're feeling.
They may try to brush it off and act as though they're not too bothered about the match.
They may also try to get excuses in early saying that they haven't played much recently, that they're playing badly at the moment, they're slightly injured, or didn't sleep well.
These are all good signs.
Going back to the more general body language signs, eye contact and facial expressions are also revealing. Some players will display confidence, standing tall with relaxed shoulders and a steady gaze.
Others might avoid eye contact, fidget, or seem overly focused on their own thoughts.
While some players naturally have a more intense pre-match demeanor (as I mentioned before), excessive signs of tension, such as clenched fists, deep sighs, or pacing can hint at nerves creeping in.
If you spot this, you can start the match aggressively and proactively to test their composure and show that you mean business.
Finally, try your best to be mindful of your own body language in this phase.
You don’t want to give away any signs of nerves, fatigue, or uncertainty.
Even if you’re feeling stiff or anxious, move with confidence, keep your posture upright, and don’t fidget excessively. By projecting calmness and readiness, you might subtly put doubts in your opponent’s mind before the first ball is struck.
During The Warm-Up
The warm-up isn’t just about getting a feel for the ball, it’s also an opportunity to gather valuable insight into your opponent.
Every shot they play, every movement they make, and even what they choose to focus on can give you insights into how prepared they are and what style of player they are.
This is something my first ever coach taught me as a junior, and, I must say that it's a really valuable lesson to learn.
So many players neglect their warm-up when it's actually a huge change to gain an advantage over your opponent before the game even begins.
One of the first things to observe is how varied their warm-up is and how much purpose they're hitting with.
Are they hitting a mix of drives, volleys, boasts, and drops? Are they varying the pace?
A player who works through a range of shots is usually taking the warm-up seriously and preparing properly.
On the other hand, if they’re just hitting basic straight drives with no variety (which is something I see so often at the amateur level), it could mean a few things.
They might not be fully engaged, they could be underestimating you, or they may not be properly warming up their touch and shot selection.
If that’s the case, you can take advantage of their limited preparation as soon as the game begins by attacking early with shots they haven’t even practiced yet (just as an example).
This isn't necessarily body language related, however, it's still important to mention... if they are hitting a variety of shots, it gives you the chance to spot small weaknesses in their technique and accuracy for each shot.
If they have a bit of an unorthodox backhand swing, or, they're struggling to volley accurately, it can give you things to focus on with your own tactics.
Back to body language.
Next, pay attention to how composed they look when striking the ball. Are they balanced, relaxed, and hitting with controlled precision? Or do they seem a little stiff, mistiming the ball, or taking extra swings as if trying to find their rhythm?
A player who struggles to find their groove in the warm-up may take a few rallies to settle into the match, meaning that you can come out strong and put them under pressure right from the get-go.
You can also learn a lot by observing their posture and movement between shots.
Are they bouncing on their toes, staying light and active, and even doing some extra stretching while you hit?
These are signs of a player who is physically and mentally engaged.
But if they stand flat-footed, drag their feet, or lean against the back wall between shots, it could suggest sluggishness or a lack of energy. This is just another weakness to target when the match begins.
Another subtle but telling detail is whether they are watching you while you hit too.
Using your peripheral vision, you might notice if they’re studying your technique, footwork, or shot selection.
This can indicate an opponent who is tactically aware, fully engage in the match, and already analysing your game. If they aren’t paying much attention, they may be focused on themselves rather than adapting to what you bring to the court.
Ultimately, the warm-up isn’t just a chance to loosen up, it’s a brief window where you can pick up crucial information. By staying alert to these details, you can walk into the first rally already a step ahead.
Image credit: Steve Cubbins
During Rallies
Once the match begins, every movement your opponent makes can be a giveaway. I will try my best to keep this related to body language, however, it may sometimes slip into the technical side of things. However, I guess it's all related!
Anyway, while shot quality and tactics play a huge role, their body language during rallies can reveal their level of confidence, fitness, and how much pressure they’re feeling.
If you’re paying attention, you can spot signs of fatigue, discomfort, or hesitation before they even realize they’re showing them.
One of the first things to watch is how they hold themselves while on the T.
I do fully appreciate that this can be very hard to do in the heat of a squash match, however, if you can just take a brief moment to glance at them perhaps during the slower stages of a length rally, you'll get a good insight.
Do they stand upright, balanced, and ready to move in any direction? Or do they appear hunched, heavy-footed, or slightly off-balance as they wait for your shot?
You should also look at how far back from the T that they're standing. If they're over a step and a half behind the mid-court line, it could be an indicator that they're hanging back and starting to tire.
A player who looks poised and engaged, on the other hand, will be harder to break down, so perhaps upping the pace isn't the right approach here. Maybe mixing things up is the way to go...
Also, technically speaking, if you notice them leaning too far in one direction or shifting weight awkwardly, you may be able to expose their weaker movement patterns by moving them into uncomfortable corners with deceptive shots.
Their movement to and from their shots is another key indicator of their physical and mental state.
A fluid, controlled mover will glide between shots, staying light on their feet and adjusting smoothly to changes in direction.
But, if you see them stumbling into lunges, stopping suddenly before changing direction, or dragging their feet back to the T, it could mean they’re slightly off the pace, fatigued, or maybe even injured.
This may also be due to fitness limitations, poor footwork, or even just nerves causing them to rush.
If you pick up on this, extend rallies, change the pace, and make them move in ways that exaggerate their struggles, such as using holds or flicks to force sudden direction changes.
Pay attention to how good their recovery back to the T is after each shot, especially if they're moving out of the front corners.
A strong player will lunge with control and push back to the T quickly, staying engaged in the rally.
A struggling opponent, however, may take an extra split second to recover with their lunge perhaps falling in forward, making it more difficult for them to push back out backward.
If you see this pattern, take advantage by attacking early, if they’re slow to return to the T, your next shot can put them in even more trouble.
A final thing to watch is their body language in the moments just before they strike the ball.
A confident player will step into their shots with purpose and conviction, whereas a nervous or struggling player may look hesitant, straining to reach for the ball instead of moving efficiently into position.
If you notice that they’re tentative in certain situations, such as on the volley or when hitting off the back wall, you can exploit this by forcing them into those scenarios more often.
By staying observant and making adjustments based on what their movement and posture reveal, you can break down an opponent physically and mentally, sometimes without them even realising it.
Image credit: Steve Cubbins
In Between Rallies
The time between rallies is just as important as the rallies themselves when it comes to reading your opponent.
While rallies test physical ability, the moments before each serve are where emotions can slip through, but only if you’re paying attention!
One of the clearest giveaways of frustration is facial expressions.
If they shake their head after losing a point, sigh audibly, or mutter under their breath, they’re likely battling internal doubt.
Even subtle signs, like clenching their jaw or glaring at the floor, can indicate growing frustration.
A composed opponent, on the other hand, will reset quickly, keep a neutral expression, and give away very little, showing that they're ready for the next point.
Another telltale sign is how they move between points. Do they stand tall and walk back to receive the service with purpose? Or do they slump their shoulders, drag their feet, or look deflated?
A player who paces quickly, looks rushed, or slaps their thigh or the wall might be struggling to keep emotions in check.
Alternatively, if they move sluggishly, they could be feeling the physical toll of the match. Either way, these small cues can help you decide whether to slow things down to frustrate them further or push the tempo to take advantage of their fatigue.
Racquet abuse is another major indicator.
If your opponent starts tapping their racket against their leg, shaking it in frustration, or hitting it against the wall or floor, they’re showing signs of mental fragility that you can capitalise on.
Some players do this as a way of firing themselves up, but more often than not, it means they’re struggling to control their emotions. It's often quite easy to tell the difference between these two emotional reactions.
If you see this happening, stay composed yourself and keep the pressure on, you want them to dwell on their frustration rather than regrouping.
If you’ve just won a rally and are about to serve, pay attention to how they prepare to return.
Do they have their racquet up, body positioned correctly, and eyes focused? Or, are they still resetting when you’re ready to serve?
A player who isn’t getting into position quickly or keeps their racquet down is likely feeling mentally or physically drained. If this occurs, try your best to get to your service box as soon as possible to show that you're ready and willing to engage in the next rally.
If they won the previous rally (but are perhaps down in the scoreline) and display poor body language, do the very same thing and try to get into your ready position as soon as possible to show your positive and willing to fight for every point.
Ultimately, how your opponent carries themselves between points gives you key insight into their mindset.
If they look rattled, frustrated, or disengaged, it’s a sign that you’re in control. The key is to remain unreadable yourself too, don’t let your own body language give away confidence or fatigue.
The less they can read you, the more pressure they’ll feel trying to figure out how to turn the match around.
In-Between Games
This one can be a little more tricky, especially if they're getting tips and advice from a friend or teammate, as they may go into a different room for this.
But, the body language giveaways start as soon as that final point is finished.
If you won that particular game, then look out for them displaying signs of anger such as throwing their racquet down or shouting out in frustration.
These are all good signs and now is the perfect time to walk to the door first and hold it open for them, and, as they walk past, try to display confidence and focus in your own body language too.
They may also be fatigued or struggling physically, in which case you'll see them rush off of the court to grab their water bottle and sit down as soon as possible.
It's usually pretty easy to tell if someone's tired, just see if they're panting, sweating heavily, and struggling to get words out.
Now you're off the court, keep a close eye on their body language. Do they sit slumped over, elbows on their knees, staring at the floor? That’s often a sign of fatigue or frustration.
If they’re hunched over and breathing heavily, they might be struggling physically more than they’d like to admit. Conversely, a player who remains upright, stretches, or paces confidently is signaling that they’re still mentally engaged and ready for the next game.
Pay attention to what they do with their time between games too.
Some players take a deep breath, reset, and listen to coaching advice. Others will seem distracted, checking their phone, fidgeting, or staring blankly into space, however, a more sneaky player may do this on purpose to show that they're not phased by the match, so don't let this get into your head.
If they look disengaged, they might also be mentally struggling too.
If they’re receiving coaching, try to pick up on any adjustments being discussed if they're within your eyesight.
Are they nodding in agreement or shaking their head? Do they look confident or unsure? These clues might help you predict how they’ll approach the next game.
Another subtle yet telling sign is whether they make eye contact with you before stepping back on court. Some opponents will avoid looking at you, a sign that they may be doubting themselves or trying to mask frustration.
Others will smile at you or even stare you down to show their confidence. My advice is to smile right back!
Finally, as you both step back onto the court, watch how they move.
If they walk slowly, take their time to pick up their racquet, and hesitate before stepping in, they may be feeling the pressure. If they bounce back onto court with energy, they might have shaken off the previous game and are ready to reset.
Either way, you need to make sure that your own body language exudes confidence and control. Walk with purpose, get into position quickly, and keep your posture strong.
Even if you’re tired or frustrated, never let your opponent see it, because if they sense weakness, they’ll feed off it.
I think the main thing to note in this is that you can learn a heck of a lot from your opponent's body language, however, do not take it as gospel. Squash is a mental game and those who are more experienced may be playing mind tricks or trying to get into your head too.
Although you can learn a lot from body language, you never know 100% what's going on in someone's head, so, if your tactics based off of your opponent's body language don't seem to be working, then go back to the basics and give yourself a bit of a reset.
Anyway, happy mind-reading!
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