The problem with having a great camcorder and computer video editing software is that it takes time to get the video ready for playback to athletes – a real problem if you are coaching multiple (usually 10 at Smith College) squash players, playing im multiple matches (total of 50 matches this upcoming weekend at the [...]

In parts one and two of our three part series on Teaching Racquet Sports (such as squash) to Large Groups we covered the rationale for using adapted or modified (”mini”) racquets, balls and court size to enhance the learning of very young or non-athletic adults.  We also covered the importance of using a “Rallying” versus [...]

Part one of this three part series covered the rationale behind using a Progressive Approach when introducing players, young or old, to squash and the other racquet sports.  In this second video, we  make a recommendation  to use a racquetball racquet as the starting “implement” no matter what racquet sport you coach.  It has the [...]

We have blogged about appropriate physical training for squash before – both for juniors and adults. Just to punctuate the point, here is a video demonstrating three not so good strength training exercises, along with a brief review of the three  Core Performance books and other product offerings.  In my travels I am still observing [...]

In an earlier post we wrote about the general method for doing a biomechanical analysis of  a squash stroke by breaking the stroke down into five phases and using seven biomechanical principles to analyze it.  I also posted an example of an analysis of a squash forehand drive, and a video of a tennis forehand [...]

I am  the lead coach in charge of the curriculum at the Premier Performance Squash Training in Mercdersburg PA going on this week – this is an update report on the curriculum – which is based on recent posts on designing a camp, Egyptian squash, and developing deceptive players.

After initial uncertainty and some hesitancy over [...]

In our first and second examples of coaching deception from the front using the Games Approach we looked at two of the most common situations: pairing a drop option with a cross-court drive and pairing a drop option with a lob – both force the opponent to cover the largest territory – the diagonal.  In [...]

In this second video example of a Games Approach coaching session, the objective of the session is to work on the game situation where the player in the front is working on her deception by lobbing or dropping straight off a boast from the back of the court.
In this example, Shona Kerr, the player in [...]

Here is a video example of a coaching session using the Games Approach method to teach deception in the front court. Notice the following in comparison to a “usual” technique-based coaching session:

Start with a game to assess the squash player before any coaching takes place.  This assures a minimum of talking (boring) and an active [...]

Most squash coaches agree that deception, AKA disguise, faking, holding your shot, etc., is an important part of the modern squash game – thanks in part to the reign of Canada’s Jonathon Power and the current ascendancy of the Egyptians at the top of the world squash rankings.  So now what:  what deception shots and [...]

I was attending a squash coaching conference presentation on deception a few years ago, and at some point the presenting coach stated that “Deception should only be introduced and taught once the basic strokes are fully developed”.  Although we cannot ascertain the exact age or stage of development that was meant, I disagree with the [...]

What does a squash sport scientist do for a vacation?
Well, first he (or she) looks for a conference, course or workshop related to one of the racquet sports or sport science disciplines near a tropical beach, so that his (or her:) employer can pay for the vacation with professional development money. Last year I went [...]

How will the sport of squash and in particular squash-related sport science change if squash gets into the Olympics?
If you want a clear, concrete picture of changes that might occur if squash gets into the Olympics, take a look at the Jobs in Sport sections of UK Sport, Sport England, and the EIS in preparation [...]

The importance of recovery and regeneration for hard training squash players has been known for years.  My 1987 Squash Canada Level 4 Course featured a Task with that very name:  Recovery and Regeneration.  A sport scientist held a discussion session on the use of stretching, hot and cold therapies, massage, sleep and relaxation techniques to [...]

How can we coach squash doubles if we do not have a doubles squash court?
in North America there is a big push to build the game of squash doubles - and in particular to attract female players to the game.  Both Gary Waite, president of the International Squash Doubles Association, and the  Women Doubles Squash [...]

What is great about squash in comparison to many other sports is that each of the four performance elements are important:  technique, tactics, physical and psychology.  Unlike team sports, once the match is underway, there is no coaching allowed during actual play, and minimal pauses allowed for reflection and mental preparation.  This places the utmost [...]