Notational analysis on game strategy performed by female squash players in international competition

Abstract

In recent times, the general performance standard of women’s squash has progressed to very high levels as demonstrated by several ‘spectacular’ world championships final matches. Our aim was to identify successful game strategies of female squash players at the international level via notational analysis. 25 matches were obtained for analysis from several international competitions, including the Women’s World Championship 2014, the Women’s World Team Squash Championship 2014 and the Malaysia Circuit Squash 2015. The analysis was based on observation of the type of stroke performed and the rally outcome. The mean total number of shots performed per game was 337 (SD=189.6) shots. The most preferred strokes performed were drive (47.1%) followed by cross-court (19.9%), volley (12.7%), drop (11.1%), boast (5.8%), with the lob (3.4%) as least frequent occurring shot. Meanwhile, rally outcomes were categorized as winners, errors, stroke, and let. There were more winners produced (58.5%) compared to errors (24.8%) and lets (16.69%). The findings indicate that defensive long rallies together with offensive endings (using for example, well-timed drop shots) are characteristic of points played in elite women’s squash. The practical implications of this analysis could help coaches and female players to enhance their tactical strategy and performance.