Validation of the Hunt Squash Accuracy Test used to assess individual shot performance

Abstract

This study examined the validity of the Hunt Squash Accuracy Test (HSAT) for predicting withingame shot performance and tournament rank. Shots from eight male junior squash players performing the HSAT and tournament match-play were analysed. A typical-error analysis from repeated trials showed the HSAT to be very reliable (1.82%). HSAT rank had significant correlations (p<0.05) to tournament rank (r=0.98) and tournament shot success (r=0.95). HSAT score showed significant correlations to the percentage of winning shots during match-play (r=0.88). HSAT shots with significant correlations to successful matchplay shots were backhand-drive (r=0.92) and backhand-volley (r=0.97). These results suggest the HSAT is a valid method of assessing the accuracy and performance of junior squash players. It could potentially be used to track shot improvements and predict match-play performance.