Short description:

Originally published in 1949, in Squash Rackets, Mr Hankinson produced something that was outstanding. The written description was reduced to a minimum, and the teaching was built up round the photographs – and these were remarkable for the time. For the first time action photographs illustrated all the strokes in squash rackets.

Long description:

Originally published in 1949, in Squash Rackets, Mr Hankinson produced something that was outstanding. The written description was reduced to a minimum, and the teaching was built up round the photographs – and these were remarkable for the time. For the first time action photographs illustrated all the strokes in squash rackets, and the young player who acted as model did his work excellently. Not content with that, the author and his photographer, used their ingenuity in providing excellent photographs to illustrate the tactical side of the game. A model court was constructed, and, as players, two realistic puppets were used. The result was a series of photographs which not only explain the tactics, but also looked most convincing.

The author’s previous titles had been very successful, and this attractive and ingenious book was a welcome addition to the series. Today it can be enjoyed in its historical context.

Review for the original edition:

“This book should be read by all club players, schoolboys and newcomers to the game. Even the first-class player can learn something from the parts dealing with service.” – Manchester Guardian

Table of Contents:

Preface  1. The Principles of the Basic Strokes  2. The Development of Spin and the Use of the Side Walls  3. Tactical Play  4. The Strokes that Count  5. How to Watch a Game  6. Description of the Squash Court and Some Definitions  7. The Rules of Squash Rackets.