Squash on ckp

Cold balls in squash

Sun, 20 Jan 2019 00:00:00 +0000

We all use the wrong ball

Go to most squash clubs in the country and you’ll see the double yellow dot ball everywhere. They’re on sale in the club shop, nestled in players bags, and in action on courts. They’re the default ball choice, but should they be? I believe that most people use the wrong ball. Cold courts, short rallies and low shot power lead to balls failing to reach and stay at playing temperature (45°C). Changing to a faster ball would allow players to reach and maintain the desired temperature of the ball, for the benefit of the players, their match and the sport in general.

How to solve the big problem in squash

Sat, 19 Jan 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Squash has a problem

There’s not much data available for squash membership, but read the (squash) news and you can see that the game is facing challenges. Members clubs are closing, leisure centre courts are being converted, and the average age of members is increasing. The game itself hasn’t worsened in this time, if anything it has improved. Squash TV produces exceptionally high quality coverage of tournements. Squash Skills provides world class coaching online for a low fee. Squash Levels produces fascinating ratings of players according to their match results. So what’s happened?

Squash Lesson Notes

Sat, 11 Aug 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Exercises to practice

Stand midcourt on one side. Hit a high loop, then drop it using the new technique.

Aim to practice dropping the ball with no back swing
Extension: practice hitting a high volley to the back with the same “no backswing” shot

Practice fast hands by standing close to the front wall and hitting the ball up, then down off of the front wall.

Practice cutting the ball
Become familiar with hitting with no backswing

Things discussed

Using the outside cut
Dropping the ball by just stretching for it. No back swing
When volleying both sides, keep the swing shorter and more punchy. Move more slowly to arrive in time for the ball (not before)
Regardless of which foot you hit off, rotate to ensure you have options to hit both ways.

New dropshot technique

No backswing
reach out to touch the ball, then direct it in.
See Nick Matthew for an example.
Slightly rotate arm to apply cut

The Winning Mindset

Wed, 19 Jul 2017 00:00:00 +0000

“Think Positive”. I’ve heard it multiple times. It can make a big difference in what you’re doing. I recently had a memorable experience of it at squash training.