Gameplan Series: Chapter 7 – Playing the Fifth and Deciding Game
Gameplan Series: Chapter 7 – Playing the Fifth and Deciding Game
There’s no moment in squash more intense than the deciding game of a match. After four hard-fought games, both players are physically and mentally drained, yet the finish line is within reach. This is when champions rise—when every rally, every decision, and every ounce of effort can determine the outcome. To play your best in the fifth game, you need to embrace the pressure, find the right balance between attack and defense, and make smart decisions under fatigue.
Embrace the Tension
A fifth game brings an undeniable level of tension. Some players thrive on it, while others crumble under the pressure. The key is to accept the situation rather than fear it. Nervous energy is natural, but instead of letting it consume you, channel it into sharp movement and focused execution. Think of the greats who have won epic deciders—not because they avoided pressure, but because they embraced it.
One way to stay composed is to control your breathing between points. Taking deep, measured breaths slows your heart rate and keeps your mind clear. Another is to remind yourself that your opponent is feeling the same pressure. If you can stay calm and composed, you’ll already have a mental edge.
Balance Aggression and Control
At 2-2, the temptation might be to go all-out on attack or, conversely, to play overly safe. Neither extreme is ideal. The best approach is a controlled aggression—looking to play positive, attacking squash without taking unnecessary risks.
This means continuing to apply pressure but being selective about when to go for winners. If your opponent is leaving the ball short, take your chances, but don’t force the issue too early in the rally. Equally, don’t fall into a purely defensive mindset. If you stop looking for opportunities and just focus on retrieving, you give your opponent too much freedom.
Winning the fifth game is about staying disciplined, making smart shot choices, and maintaining a strong presence on the T. The moment you become reckless or too passive, you hand control to your opponent.
Focus on an Early Start
The opening points in a deciding game often set the tone. A fast start doesn’t just give you a lead—it builds confidence and places immediate pressure on your opponent.
To achieve this, approach the first rallies with extra intensity. Get onto the T as quickly as possible, take the ball early, and look to dictate play. If you can put your opponent on the back foot from the outset, they’ll be fighting uphill for the rest of the game.
Don’t Ignore Physical Condition—Yours or Theirs
By the fifth game, fatigue is a major factor. Whoever manages their physical resources better often comes out on top. This means recognizing when to push the pace and when to conserve energy.
Watch for signs of tiredness in your opponent. Are they slower getting back to the T? Are their lengths dropping short? Are they breathing heavily between rallies? If so, apply pressure—extend the rallies, make them move, and force them to work for every point.
At the same time, be aware of your own condition. If you’re feeling fatigued, focus on efficiency—take an extra half-second to recover between points, use your movement wisely, and avoid playing overly ambitious shots that require too much energy. Managing your fitness smartly can be the difference between closing out a win or fading when it matters most.
Don’t Overthink—Stay in the Moment
The fifth game is not the time for overanalyzing every shot. The best way to play under pressure is to stay in the present moment—one rally at a time, one shot at a time.
Overthinking can slow your reactions and make you hesitant. Trust the instincts and skills you’ve built through training and match experience. When stepping up to serve or return, have a simple focus—hit your target, move well, and stay in control. Overanalyzing past points or worrying about what happens if you lose will only distract you.
No Freebies—Make Every Point Count
In a deciding game, every unforced error is a gift to your opponent. Unnecessary tins, loose lengths, or reckless shots can turn the tide against you. Instead, force your opponent to earn every point.
This doesn’t mean playing defensively—it means playing smart. Stay disciplined with your shot selection, maintain good depth on your drives, and avoid giving your opponent easy attacking opportunities. If they want to win the match, make them work for it.
Closing It Out
When you reach the final few points of a deciding game, it often comes down to mentality. The player who believes they will win usually does. Confidence, composure, and execution under pressure are what separate winners from those who fall short.
Remind yourself why you deserve to win—because you’ve trained for this, because you’ve fought hard to get to this point, and because you’re ready to seize the moment. Trust your game, embrace the challenge, and step up to claim victory.
The fifth game isn’t just about skill—it’s about resilience, decision-making, and the mindset to finish strong. Play with conviction, and make sure when the final point is won, it’s yours.