We are constantly told that repetition is the key to learning. In squash, this rule can be a trap. By repeating the same movement over and over, the brain eventually goes into standby mode and fatigue takes over. The result: you aren't perfecting your technique; you are training your nervous system to reproduce a clumsy compensation. This is what is called "signal degradation."

When the brain goes into standby mode

There is a fundamental difference between conscious repetition, which engages neuroplasticity, and automatic repetition. After a few dozen shots, the player stops "searching" for the target or adjusting their positioning. They end up just "swinging" the racket. In a match, under pressure, this "tired" movement is the one your body will bring out, not the pure technique you thought you had integrated.

Why your session is destroying your technique

Neuromuscular wear and tear is unforgiving. The danger is major: if your 400th drive is slightly off-center due to fatigue, you anchor this mistake into your motor memory. While you think you are working on your volume, you are actually practicing your flaws. You are no longer in a progression phase, but in an anchoring phase of a bad habit.

Identifying the saturation threshold

Every player has a threshold beyond which the session becomes counterproductive. To avoid this, watch out for these warning signs:

• Loss of relaxation: Your shoulder tenses up.

• Late preparation: You shorten your swing out of laziness.

• Drop in accuracy: Consistency collapses.

As soon as these signs appear, the quality of your training drops. Continuing to play means damaging your game.

The short-cycle strategy

Break away from the classic format of an hour of monotonous repetition. Favor ultra-intense work blocks of 3 to 5 minutes, followed by a complete break. The goal is to force your brain to stay on maximum alert. It is better to have 15 minutes of absolutely demanding work than 60 minutes of mediocre volume that pollutes your muscle memory. Progress is not measured by the number of balls hit, but by the quality of the signal maintained.