by Mark Talbott,
Yale University Women's Team Coach
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 I had just been crushed 3-0 in the quarters of the 1982 North American Open by Stu Goldstein from New York City. I had always been impressed with Stu’s ball control and work ethic. After the match, I felt Stu was the best player in the tournament and had a good chance to win his first NAO. He was to face Sharif Khan in the semifinals. Stu was at the peak of his career and Sharif had slowed a step by then. As I watched the match, I was in total disbelief. Sharif completely intimidated Stu. He used all his guile and experience. Sharif argued, he bumped and he glared at Stu (as only Sharif could!). I knew in my mind that Stu was a better player at the time, but Sharif dismantled him 3-0. Stu lost his focus and his game plan and never challenged for another NAO.
Over the years, I learned how important focus and game plan is. Much has been written about focus and concentration. I believe that it is something that can be developed over time through practice and experience. Nothing quite tests your mental focus as the pressure of tournament squash matches. Learning to relax, concentrate and control your mental, physical and emotional state under pressure is not easy.
It is not a problem when you are winning comfortably and all your biorhythms are in sync, so-called “in the zone.” The fact is that most of the time when you play a squash match, you do not feel “in the zone.” It is usually a struggle within yourself and you have to learn to win when you do not feel in sync. The best player’s learn to win when they do not have their “A” game.
Try a couple of things to help you find your rhythm: Take your time before you serve. Use a routine. (I used to bounce the ball several times before I served, take a deep breath, and then grit my teeth.) Always show positive body language between points even if you have just had a 76-shot rally and you feel like your lungs are about to explode (As soon as I saw my opponent hang his head, I knew I had him). Don’t waste energy arguing with the referee or your opponent. Concentrate on a couple of simple maneuvers such as moving your feet, bending your knees (Errors usually happen when players don’t move their feet and stand upright) and getting your racquet ready.
Besides having the mental discipline, talent and preparation, you also need a game plan. I remember playing a match in the first ever Pan American Games squash tournament in Mar Del Plata, Argentina in 1995 (It was incredible, by the way, being surrounded by all those athletes from different sports!). It was in the semifinals against the number one Argentinean, Federico Usandizaga, and there were 300 screaming Argentineans waving flags. I felt going into the match that Federico was a stronger player than I was, but if I stuck to my game plan, I had a chance. He smacked the ball hard and had great touch up front. I knew that I had to volley the ball deep and tight and keep him pinned to the back corners. I was concentrating well and he was becoming frustrated in the back. I was up two games to one, 7-4 in the fourth after one and a half hours. I was executing my plan to perfection. It was at that point that I went away from my game plan and thought about closing out the match. I tried a shot that was out of character for me (I tried to smash a low forehand front-wall, side-wall nick from the back of the court). I tinned, he hit a couple of winners and won that game. I had nothing left in the tank for a fifth game. At 7-4 in the fourth, I became impatient and thought about winning and abandoned my game plan. At that point, I lost the match. He smoked me 9-0 in the fifth.
Those last couple of points are definitely the hardest. Stick with what got you there; be patient, and go for your opportunities and shots within the context of the flow of the points. When you go into a match and form a game plan, take into account your strengths and your opponent's weaknesses. Be flexible throughout a match as well and be able to adjust depending on your opponent’s play and how you feel on the day.
One part of my game plan was to always be ready from the first point. I tried to make the first five points the toughest points my opponent had ever played. Establish your length and position up front first. Don’t go for too many shots right out of the gate in the first game, as your opponent will easily get there and put you back on your heels. Wear them down physically and mentally that first game or two and break their spirit.
Also, in practice matches, experiment with your focus and a game plan. I believe the best tournament players are also good practice players.
These elements will make the difference between winning and losing.
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