Life Time Fitness : Blog List - Squash

Are you Playing Squash?

webmaster@lifetimefitness.com — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 20:24:06 GMT

The squash team is excited to announce its support for the US Squash "Play Squash" program!

To encourage play across the country and grow the squash community- the pro team is offering the following:

Starting November 1st- Join the league and get the ladder for free!

So what is the league verses the ladder......

Leagues-

Leagues are club specific and you enter your skill level and play for 6 weeks. It is hosted on the US Squash ranking online software so you can enter scores online, follow your league and email players! Courts are reserved for league night and prizes are awarded every 6 weeks. Games are scheduled for you, but don't worry if you can't make a night you can still reschedule. Leagues earn you club and national ranking points. Winners will get posted on the mylt.com website.

Fee: $32 for 6 weeks of play and includes the ladder fee!

Ladders-

The ladder allows players from all skill levels play by challenging each other to a match. You can challenge up to 5 spots above you and if you win you take their spot and everyone else drops down a spot. In some Life Time locations where clubs are closer to each other we will make this ladder a citywide ladder allowing players to challenge between clubs in order to play more players. The ladder also awards club and national ranking points. The ladder is flexable and you will reserve the courts and schedule your own matches.

The ladder will only be available for members that are playing in the league.

Are you a someone who plays in sanctioned events and US Squash nationals?

Then the league and ladder counts towards your rankings that seed you in a event!

Leagues start November 1st!

Deadline to enter is October 26th!

Sign up at the activity center today to reserve your spot!

Adam Walker joins Johns Creek and Sugarloaf as new Squash Pro

webmaster@lifetimefitness.com — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 16:56:16 GMT

A current member of the Squash Professionals Affiliates program, Adam Walker will bring his skills to Life Time clubs in Atlanta.

Life Time Fitness is proud to announce that Adam Walker has joined our team as the Squash Pro for the Atlanta-area clubs of Johns Creek and Sugarloaf!

Walker was a finalist of the 5.5 division at the US Nationals from 2004 to 2006, and has been playing the game of squash since he was seven years old. Previously, Walker was the Squash Pro at the Southport Racquet Club in Southport, CT, but begininng on October 1st, he will be part of the Life Time Fitness family.

With his experience coaching juniors of various ages and abilities; organizing training sessions, programs, and ladders for adults; and his extensive knowledge of squash, Adam Walker will make a tremendous impact on Atlanta's squash scene. Alongside Andre Maur, the Georgia clubs feature some of the best squash minds the world has to offer.

To schedule a lesson with Walker, visit the Activity Center at either of the Johns Creek or Sugarloaf clubs, or you can contact Karen Howell at khowell1@lifetimeiftness.com.

The Big 16 returns to the squash courts with "Shoot the Shoe"!

webmaster@lifetimefitness.com — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 16:05:30 GMT

Be warned: Once you play, you’re hooked!

Put your squash prowess on display at as you attempt to hit shoes placed inside the service box along one side of the court. The game of shoe acts a bit like golf - you don't want points. If you hit the shoe, you give a point to another player; get seven points and you are out of the game! As many as 10 players can play at once, but if you’re too good, watch out! Your fellow players may strategize against you. Don’t miss this dynamic and addictive game, open to players of all levels.

The event is next Friday, September 11, and is free of charge. You can register online by clicking the image in the "Club Events" box on the right side of the Squash page. This will take you to our online scheduler, where in the left hand column you can search through Life Time Fitness locations to find which club will be hosting 'Shoot the Shoe'.

Squash Tip of the Week: Match Preparation and Mindset

webmaster@lifetimefitness.com — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 16:57:22 GMT

All of our past tips have been related to in-match tactics and play. So today we are going to look at some ways to prepare for a session of squash, and how to treat the game once your on the court.

Here are four things that will bolster your pre-match readiness for a day of squash:
1. Make sure your racket(s) are in good condition, and that the rest of your equipment (eyewear, knee/ankle braces, other gear) is complete and ready for your day in the courts. 
2. Refrain from snacks or meals one hour before you are to start a match. If you do need nourishment, keep it moderate.

3. Warm-up gear is an undervalued aspect of match readiness. Wearing a sweatshirt and some long training pants over your in-game garments will help keep your muscles warm and ease the transition from warm-up to match-time. 
4. Good sportsmanship is always appreciated, so greet and treat your opponent respectfully. Remember, this is a game - have fun and enjoy the competition.

Now, as you enter the court and the door closes behind you, here are four things to keep in mind:

    1. Tell yourself you are going to give it an all-out effort. Play hard for the entire match and through all points, whether you are winning or losing. 
    2. When you are playing a winning game, don't alter your play. However, if you find yourself on the losing end, don't be afraid to experiment. Mix up your shots, try new tactics you have been practicing, and do what you can to find a way to keep your opponent guessing. 
    3. Allow plenty of room for your opponent to play his/her shots.
    4. If you do get in your opponent's way, obstruct his/her view, or cause a hinderance, then offer your opponent the courtesy of a "let."

Thanks to Titan Sports for the info.

Free Junior Clinic in Alpharetta to feature former World #1's John White and Peter Nicol

webmaster@lifetimefitness.com — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 21:05:36 GMT

John White (left) and Peter Nicol (right) will teach kids in Alpharetta the game of Squash.

November 14th, the second Saturday of November, marks an exciting event that Life Time Fitness is proud to offer the Alpharetta club - John White and Peter Nicol, both former holders of the #1 World Squash Ranking, will offer a free kids squash clinic for any and all junior squash players!

White has earned a reputation as having the hardest shot in the game, with the ball travelling 170 miles per hour on some of his shots. White also managed to remain in the top-10 squash rankings for much of his career, garnering a decade-long stay in such elite company. Nicol has also had his fair share of glory - he won every major title on the squash worldwide tour during his reign in the sport, and fell just shy of 10 years at the #1 ranking! It's an honor to have these two titans of the game at Life Time Fitness.

White and Nicol will be offerring this FREE Juniors Clinic from 12-1pm on Saturday, November 14th at Alpharetta Life Time Fitness. Please talk to your Activities Center for more details, or you can message or email Danielle Maur at dmaur@lifetimefitness.com for additional information.

"Discover Squash" this Friday!

webmaster@lifetimefitness.com — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 17:26:01 GMT

From 6:30 to 8:30pm this Friday, the Big 16 will conclude with "Discover Squash": a fun, introductory event to teach newcomers the ways of the game!

Discover Squash is a great way for you and/or your child to get into the fun and exciting game of squash. You’ll learn the rules of the game, how to play, and serving techniques. Then you'll be joined by fellow beginners on the squash court to put what you've learned into action. Two clinics will be offered, one for adults (17 and up) and one for kids, so sign up at the Activity Center Desk today and get involved with the heart-pumping action of squash!

Click here for more information, and remember to check with your Life Time Fitness club for any changes in time or local details that may vary with other clubs.

Vernon Hills to host exhibition between South Africa's #1, USA's #2

webmaster@lifetimefitness.com — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 20:01:22 GMT

The United States' Gilly Lane (L) and South Africa's Steve Coppinger (R) will face off in an exhibition match in Vernon Hills, IL.

The Vernon Hills Life Time Athletic club is abuzz with excitment ahead of an August 30th match between Gilly Lane (USA's #2 ranked player, World rank #75) and Steve Coppinger (South Africa's #1 ranked player, World rank #52). The two will play the exhibition at 11:30am on Court 4.

Lane is based professionally out of both Philadelphia and the Netherlands. He started his pro career after graduating from the University of Pennsylvania in 2007, and has gone on to win a pair of World Tour Titles. The 24-year old Coppinger has enjoyed a steady rise in his World ranking since last August when he was ranked 81st, and has won three World Tour Titles in seven finals appearances. Following the exhibition, there will be an opportunity to meet both Gilly Lane and Steve Coppinger and ask them questions about their lives both on and off the squash court.

To get tickets to the Lane-Coppinger match, email Jonas Laursen at jlaursen@lifetimefitness.com. Adult tickets are $8 while kids tickets are just $5. Tickets are limited and will be sold on a first come, first served basis.

Squash Tip of the Week: "Down the Middle"

webmaster@lifetimefitness.com — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 18:52:21 GMT

Tip of the Week, 8/16

The "Down the Middle" shot

This shot is a high risk, high reward play that you should heavily practice before using during a match.

The objective of the "Down the Middle" shot is to play the ball so that it looks as though it is going cross court - thereby making your opponent lean and position his/her racket for such an occurance - when in actuality you will hit it directly at your opponent, with the goal being to force an error or a very weak reply.

It can only be played towards the front of the court and when the ball is about a foot from the side wall. (Following a hectic exhange at the front is a possible time and also after a high backwall boast is often a good time: sometimes an awkward shot to deal with if it is dying into that 6-18 inches zone.)

Several elements are absolutely crucial to successfully excecute the "Down the Middle":

- It can only be played when you are near the front of the court, and when the ball is about a foot from the side wall.

- As you play the ball, you should simultaneously be moving tight up against the side wall, thereby eliminating any possibility (from your opponent's point of view) of you playing a straight shot and thus "confirming" the shown cross court and his/her readiness for it.

- The ball must be hit hard and low, directed at your opponent's knee area.

- Immediately after completing the shot, move back from against the side wall towards the T. If the shot is not already a clean winner and the opponent has managed to make contact with the ball, it should be a poor shot and will allow you to take control of the court.

A great time to employ the "Down the Middle" is following a hectic exchange in the front court. Your opponent will be winded and ill-prepared for a blast right at him/her. Remember, there is little middle-ground on this shot - it's either a winner for you, or a winner for your opponent. So practice the "Down the Middle" quite a bit before unleashing it in match play.

Thanks to Titan Sports for the info.

Squash Tip of the Week: The Reverse Angle

webmaster@lifetimefitness.com — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 16:02:20 GMT

Tip of the Week, 8/9

The Reverse Angle

This shot is extremely difficult to play against yet is rarely played enough.

The reverse angle is most effective when hit well along the side wall, then the front wall and dying away from the opponent (Shot A). It should be played fairly infrequently and in conjunction with the cross court drive - into the opposite diagonal of the court as in Shot B.

Ideally, both the reverse angle and the cross court drive should be played with a similar stance to increase deception, create doubt in your opponent's mind, and bolstering the effectiveness of both shots. It will add value to the good cross courts you play and also help to take some pressure off the bad ones.

The reverse angle should not be played when too far forward (which would bring the ball back toward yourself) or when too far back (could result in a drop shot opportunity for your opposition). Played correctly, it will normally force the opponent to play a loose cross court return, allowing you to play deep and straight into the gap, or back across the court as your opponent attempts to recover.

Thanks to Titan Sports for the info.

Squash Tip of the Week: The Drop Shot

webmaster@lifetimefitness.com — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 17:01:01 GMT

The drop shot is a great change of pace that can result in easy points and a tired opponent.

The ideal outcome of the drop shot is to hit the nick and win the point, just like that. But since this is a difficult task to repeatedly attain, we are looking to cause our opponent the most problems without putting ourselves at risk.

A common issue for players is they angle the drop shot too wide so that it hits the front wall and then the side wall, before coming out into the open. This allows the opponent to get a clean look at the ball (see Shot A).

The more effective drop shot can be seen in Shot B. Using a narrow angle allows the ball to hit the front wall and then the floor; and just as the opponent reaches the ball, it dies into the side wall forcing your opposition to make a difficult shot with contact occuring at the very end of the racket.

It is therefore generally better to hit the shot too narrow rather than too wide. The ball is moving away from the opponent rather than towards him/her, and this forces your opponent to play a weak shot which you can capitalize on. Again, remember to keep the angle narrow so that the ball does not hit the side wall.

Thanks to Titan Sports for the info.