Paul Coll's FULL training session with Rob Owen

Overview

Paul Coll and Rob Owen run a full squash training session as preparation for the upcoming London Classic (PSA). The session emphasizes footwork and executing attacking patterns consistently from the same balanced positions.

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Session structure & key drills (in order)

1) Rotating drives into attacking position

• Paul starts with simple rotating drives, emphasizing:
  • Balanced footwork
  • Getting into the correct position
• Owen/Paul highlight a core strategy:
  • Use the right foot to create an attacking setup.
  • If you shift to the left foot, it tends to create a more defensive mindset/positioning.
• Framed as fundamental: repeated, “simple” mechanics that many squash players overlook.

2) Add deception: two drives + drop shot

• Progression to “two drives and then a drop.”
• Key focus: keep racket preparation and footwork identical for the drive and the drop, so the opponent can’t read the shot easily.

3) Drop can happen anytime (same technique, two options)

• Paul explains the next phase: drop at any time while keeping the same setup.
• Goal: hold the opponent on the T and present two options (drive or drop) from the same technique.

4) Fundamentals that changed Paul’s game

Paul reflects on what Rob taught him:

• Previously: big lunges into front corners with fewer options.
• Now: more balance, better footwork, and more aggression in the corners while keeping swings more consistent and less “fancy” or overly deceptive.

5) Volleys and volley-drop patterns

• They add rotating volleys, then include:
  • touches in the wall
  • volley drops
• Paul highlights backhand volleys as a key control area, emphasizing repeated practice of the “technical key position.”
• Then they incorporate movement with shot-and-go:
  • volley → move → touch the wall again
  • controlled pace, focused on coordination and mobility.

6) High repetition under longer duration (about 50 shots)

• A 50-shot sequence combining controlled intensity with sustained concentration.
• Paul notes it’s intentionally not the most physically brutal, but built to make tournament fundamentals automatic through repetition.

7) Volley-drive + volley-drop (front patterns)

• Practice two volley drives and a volley drop, repeating the drop frequently.
• Tournament logic:
  • Confidence comes from having hit these positions many times.
  • “Flashy” techniques may lead to more mistakes under pressure.

8) Pattern play under pressure: choose drop on straight/cross options

• They add a scenario where both players can choose volley-drop.
• Focus is on pattern construction, not just chasing winners:
  • Keep the ball tight (especially straight) to set up opportunities
  • Use straight drop and tight wall feeds to create openings
  • Be cautious with crosscourt nicks, since mistiming can open the court for the opponent

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Second half: one-on-one and front-left / mobility work

After the first half, Paul transitions to a one-on-one segment with Rob. Naylor cools/stretchs while Paul returns to the court.

9) Front/backhand work with straight feeds and drop/drive setup

• Rob feeds straight and crosscourt balls.
• Paul replies with a forehand drive, then crosses to get set for a:
  • straight drop or
  • straight drive
• Owen varies pace and height to force constant footwork adjustments while staying balanced.

10) Addressing frustration: wrist position and technique execution

• Paul briefly gets frustrated because he misplaces his wrist position, rather than simply missing the ball.
• He refocuses on:
  • getting his hand below the ball
  • not becoming lazy with movement
  • executing the correct technique, since he believes he knows where the ball is going

11) Counter-drop then ghosting back

• A shot-and-ghost drill:
  • Paul plays a counter drop in the front right
  • immediately ghosts back (toward/behind the service box)
• Presented as both:
  • pattern grooving
  • physically demanding—especially for Paul’s right-foot full-lunge balance under pace.

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Closing

Paul reports the work as beneficial and tournament-focused, sharpening footwork and front-court positions for the London Classic.

The session ends with Paul saying it was intended to be a “light session”, despite being mentally demanding and leaving him still standing (productive without fully exhausting him).

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Presenters / sources

• Paul Coll
• Rob Owen
• Naylor (mentioned as another player/participant in the session)