By Anthony Ricketts, World No. 3
www.anthonyricketts.com
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It seems it would be no secret that having a coach is an imperative part of developing your squash game. However, it now seems that in the Professional Squash Association there is a need not only for one coach but for a number of squash coaches, and a physical trainer, and strength and conditioning trainer—and also a mental trainer. It may be that these coaches are crucial in the development of the amateur game as well.
It is, however, worth mentioning that in the tennis world the extraordinary Roger Federer has held the No. 1 ranking for the past couple of years without the help of a tennis coach—he is however something extremely special and there may not be too many people that could pull this off!
We will now look at the importance of these specific coaches. It may seem obvious that the squash coach will help with your game—but then why do professionals choose to have two or three squash specific coaches? The answer to this is that there are so many different aspects of your game in which to develop, refine, and improve. We are all capable of listening to different views, absorbing, and choosing to take on board what you as a squash player believe will benefit your game. I myself have had up to five coaches and continue to discuss many issues with a handful: namely Geoff Roberts in Sydney Australia, Geoff Hunt, Rodney Martin, Byron Davis from the Australian Institute of Sport in Brisbane, and Mike Johnson in Reading, England. All of these amazing coaches have had a crucial importance in developing my game—as there are so many areas in which to improve. The more ideas I have, the better player I will become.
Players like Jonathon Power (above) receive
coaching between games, but they also seek
coaching outside the court for strength,conditioning,
and their mental make-up.
Being strong physically is a vital component to squash as well. That’s where a physical trainer is crucial. You are under immense physical pressure from start to finish of squash matches lasting from only 20 minutes up to 100 minutes. A physical trainer can do so many different training sessions that would benefit your squash—ranging from outdoor track sessions, on court ghosting and court sprints, weights stability and plyometrics. Also with technology today, heart rate monitoring and recovery evaluation can easily be assessed by the trainer.
There is always a common theme amongst the top athletes of the world such as Tiger Woods in Golf, Roger Federer in tennis or Michael Jordon in Basketball—these athletes are all known as being extremely mentally strong. This characteristic would come through the use of mental training through the use of a sports psychologist. Through this there are many different techniques which can be used to improve the many different areas in which all athletes fall down at some time in their careers. The mind is now commonly known as the most crucial element in success in sport.
So whether you are aiming to play professionally or to win your amateur national championships, consider the benefits you might gain by seeking coaches beyond the squash court. It might just mean the difference between a good performance and a championship.
Anthony Ricketts is available for clinics in the summer of 2006. For information, send email to apricketts@yahoo.com.au |
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