Muscle Memory, or not? :)

“Muscle memory” is a common phrase in sports, but it’s not the best way to talk about how learning actually happens in squash. Muscles don’t have memory, your brain does. What players are really building is a set of neural pathways that help coordinate movement, decision-making, and timing under pressure.

In squash, the game is constantly changing. No two rallies are ever exactly the same. Players need to adapt in real time to the opponent’s shot, to the bounce, to the court conditions. Thinking in terms of “muscle memory” can create a false sense that movements should become robotic or automatic, when in fact the best players are constantly adjusting and staying mentally present.

This is especially important for junior players. When they focus too much on repeating a move perfectly every time, they may resist variation when variation is exactly what squash demands.

At Squash Tigers, we encourage athletes to develop movement intelligence, not just repeatable habits. Through varied practice, matchplay, and guided feedback, players learn how to apply their skills in unpredictable, competitive situations not just memorize routines. The goal isn’t perfect repetition. It’s adaptable, confident performance when it matters most!