Life Time Fitness : Resource List - Squash

Lessons

webmaster@lifetimefitness.com — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 14:49:57 GMT

Improve your game and get the workout of your life!

Come burn 1000-1500 calories per session, strengthen your core, improve your endurance and experience a cardio blowout!

Lessons are offered for all players of all levels looking to improve their game and meet their personal fitness and weight loss goals. They are scheduled based on your personal schedule.

Lessons are the best way to improve your overall game performance and also a great way to receive a total body workout. You will maximize your game and skills and obtain your personal goals quicker by training with our qualified teaching pros.

Just playing “friendly” games will never improve your game. If you are serious in getting a great cardio workout, building your core, and understanding your areas of development with your racquet skills- you need face time with a pro. A pro observes your game and understands how to improve your current level of fitness in order to help you build endurance on the court. A pro will improve your technique and correct improper swings and footwork you may not realize you have that keep you from improving your game. Our teaching pro will teach you strategy and give you tips on winning your games. Your speed, endurance and recovery time will dramatically improve - giving your faster response time in match similair to the world pros.

Lessons are offered for 45 and 60 minutes.

Lesson 45 min - $60
Lesson 60 min - $80
Pack of four, 45 min lessons - $220
Pack of eight, 45 min lessons - $440

REGISTER TODAY

Join U.S. Squash through Life time Fitness and get extra benefits!

webmaster@lifetimefitness.com — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 14:42:44 GMT

Join US Squash through the Life Time district and get extra perks!

Life Time Fitness has partnered with US Squash to add more benefits for your membership. These added benefits are only available to Life Time District members. Joining US Squash helps build squash not only at our centers but across the US as well. Your support is important for the development of our sport in the US. Your membership goes to grow many programs, develop programs and pros and offer more events.

As a Life Time district member your yearly fee will include the following:

Life Time District members added benefits are:

One free session of the league & ladder ($32 value)
Free entry into your Life Time club championships in March ($65 value)
Special rates for members only for all Life Time tournaments

Regular US Squash membership benefits:

Full-year subscription for Squash Magazine

"Find a Match" software through US Squash- use for your center or nationwide!

National and local rankings
Discounts at sanctioned tournaments nationwide
Monthly e-newsletters
Participant/accident insurance coverage during sanctioned play
Opportunity to qualify for U.S. Championship Series tournaments
Discounts to preferred sponsors
Support of your local program and pro

To join today and support your club, click Join US Squash.

Please remember to select Life Time Fitness as your district and which Life Time club you play in!

How to enter your clubs squash league scores for US Squash online!

webmaster@lifetimefitness.com — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 02:32:19 GMT

Junior Summer Squash Camps

webmaster@lifetimefitness.com — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 17:10:25 GMT

Summer Camps

Super Squash Summer Camps - Ages 7-12

Wow- two camps in one! Our summer camps are action packed. Designed for the beginner student, your child will not only spend the week learning the basics of squash, but they will rock climb, swim, play gym games and go on the weekly field trip. It’s super summer camp meets squash camp! Your fee includes a camp shirt, daily snack, field trip and squash instruction.

Available June, July and August

Time: 9am – 4pm
Fee: $165

Elite Squash Camps - All ages (based on skill)

This camp is designed for the child who is preparing for the September launch of rankings with US Squash. In this camp you will be drilled on squash skill, theory, conditioning and nutrition. Students will not only play squash but be required to complete a running and swimming program to build cardio and endurance. Instructors will work with parents to guide them on event selection for US Squash junior tournaments leading up to Nationals. Students who are interested in this class must be approved by the instructor.

Fee: $500-$1000 per week

Kids Programs

webmaster@lifetimefitness.com — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 18:13:38 GMT

Squash is a excellent program for juniors. Not only is it a outstanding fitness program, but it also enhances many other school sports by developing eye hand coordination. Students who excel in squash can go on through the right development and compete for national rankings through US Squash and help their college acceptance into many Ivy League colleges by being accepted onto the college's squash team.

All Life Time junior programs are designed for ages

7 to 11 & 12 to 16

Junior programs are available at the following centers-

GA-Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Sugarloaf, Mountain Brook

FL- Boca Raton

NJ- Florham Park, Berkeley Heights

TX- City Center

IL- Vernon Hills

MN- Lakeville, St. Louis Park

Squash After-School Program

The after-school program is designed for the beginner students. This program is designed for the beginning student to learn the basics of squash. Level 1, 2 and 3 courses will develop the student so they may play full matches, leagues or move on to compete. Students will get a cardio and core workout while learning this fun and exciting sport with other kids their age and skill level.

Level 1
Level 1 focuses on the forehand, backhand and rules. We will also work on eye-hand coordination, proper stretching, and holding of the racquet and correct swing. These are the starting point for all players in order to succeed. Once students are able to demonstrate the basics they will then be able to move to level 2. Homework will be given to students support lessons and help students excel.

Fee: $132 for 8 classes

New- program fee includes racquet, ball and protective eyewear from Dunlop for all level 1 students to keep!

Level 2
All students will be evaluated to ensure the basics are mastered. Level 2 continues on forehand and backhand and then adds serve, return of serve, lob, and cross-courts. The rules of the games are mastered and all students will take a “club ref” test. Students who demonstrate the skills taught in this class will be ready to move on to Level 3.

Fee: $132 for 8 classes

Level 3
This level is for students who have passed both level 1 and level 2 and are ready for match play. This course will be putting everything the student has learnt into “real time” for evaluated match play. Each week the student will strengthen their shots, play a match and be evaluated by the coach in order to improve their game. Students must be approved to enter this class.

Fee: $132 for 8 classes

Programs for Advanced Juniors -

These programs are for those students who would like to take their squash game to the next level and start to play events and build their national rankings.

Squash Junior Competitive Development Program

The Junior Competitive program is designed to serve as a catalyst for players wishing to elevate their performance as a competitive squash player. Players who qualify for this program possess a willingness to learn and show commitment to the game. Junior players pursuing their to achieve U.S. junior rankings and begin competing in U.S. Squash junior events will learn the technical, tactical, psychological and physical requirements necessary to successfully compete at these levels. Placement in the program is at the discretion of the Squash director through ongoing evaluation during each session.

Squash Junior U.S. Nationals Development Program

The U.S. Nationals Development program is an intense, goal-specific program aimed at serious and committed squash players. Players who qualify for this program compete in U.S. Squash Championships and National level events and are expected to compliment the program with other services such as private lessons and/or physical training to create the optimal and most comprehensive performance experience. Regular attendance multiple days per week is required in order to maximize a player’s development and efficiency. Acceptance into the this program will be based upon the player’s attitude and effort, ability to accept coaching, squash aptitude, tournament play results and time commitment. Placement in the program is at the discretion of the squash director through ongoing evaluation during each session.

Junior Leagues

A junior league is a great way to get students out and playing with “live” ball action. Students wishing to enter a junior league will need to be assessed for level and must be able to play a match and understand squash rules.

Leagues are set up by U.S. Squash levels.
BU & GU 19
BU & GU 15
BU & GU 13

Junior Tournaments

Squash junior National Championships

Preparing for juniors nationals is a big decision. Children of all ages travel to sanctioned tournaments to earn ranking points to enter nationals at the end of the season. As Life Time is committed to supporting all parents through their child's career, we have provided you with links to keep you updated on all information you will need to plan your season.

We highly suggest the following for juniors looking to compete in a season:

1. Hire a qualified squash pro to develop your child

2. Work with your pro on coaching and development and don't forget to train during the summer months

3. Keep up to date on current US Squash rankings rules and USA team selection

4. Don't push your kids- playing should be fun and organic

5. Plan you squash calendar with your pro and decide in advance which tournaments you plan to play. Choosing the right ones are key.

6. Take your pro with you during major events. They can help guide your child through tough games and make the difference between winning and

losing.

7. Make sure they know all current rules of squash and have taken the US Squash ref test

For all information on junior rankings and events- click here

Click here to REGISTER TODAY

Tournaments and Events

webmaster@lifetimefitness.com — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 17:10:05 GMT

Squash Tournaments

Club Championships

Want to be named the 2009 club champion in your skill level?

Join us in March for club championships. The event will begin on a Friday and play until Sunday for the finals.

All draws will be sanctioned earning you club and national ranking points. Join us for a weekend of fun and celebration. For those of you looking to play in US Nationals- this event will help you with your seating in the draw!

Levels available: 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, Juniors

Fee: $65

If you are a Life Time district US Squash member- club championships are free!

This event is only for Life Time members.

Hosted at all squash clubs for Life Time Fitness Squash Clubs

Some areas may combine centers.

US Squash Regional Championships Series

Life Time Fitness is proud to announce we will be part of the US Squash Regional Championship Series.

Join us on February 5th to the 7th at our City Center location in Houston Texas to participate.

All winners and finalists will be awarded a free entry into the US Squash Skilled Championships hosted April 16th - 18th 2010.

This event is open to all squash players across the country.

Men's and Women's levels available: 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0

Entry fee is

$85 for US Squash members

$100 for non- US Squash members

Life Time members get 20% off their entry

US Squash National Events-

As a squash players many of us travel every year to compete in the US Squash Championships for our national rankings. As a partner of US Squash we encourage everyone to participate whether you are playing in skilled, age groups or junior championships. Please open the attached PDF for all US Squash Championships scheduled for 2010.

For those who are looking to play at nationals please remember the following tips:

1. Make sure to train during the year- preparing is key

2. Build your rankings for proper seeding in a draw- local sanctioned tournaments, club ranking leagues and ladders

3. You can play up a division, but never play down

4. Make sure to take extra racquets and strings

5. Work with a teaching pro- they can help identify problems and improve your game

6. Fly in early- take in consideration time changes

Please open the following PDF for the national schedule:

Leagues and Ladders- two great programs- one great price!

webmaster@lifetimefitness.com — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 17:14:49 GMT

Scheduled Leagues
Squash leagues are available for all levels. Leagues run every 6 weeks. This is great way to meet new players of your level and improve your game. Prizes are awarded every 6 weeks. Games are prescheduled and courts are reserved. The league will be hosted with US Squash in order to provide the opportunity for club ranking points. In this format you will only play others of the same skill level. Worried that you can not make a match - don’t you can still reschedule if you need to. Find your squash club, and join a league today!

The online league software makes it easy for you to record scores, follow your league and earn ranking points!

Levels available - 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0

Fee: $32 for six weeks... $45 for seven-week team leagues

Fees include- schedule matches, online software, prizes and ladder play
While playing in our leagues players get the ladder for free- 2 for 1!

Squash Ladder- play players of all levels at all local clubs!
Designed for members to challenge other members and determine club rankings. This is a great way to play players of all levels. You schedule your matches. You challenge a player and schedule your matches to fit your needs. The ladder will be hosted with US Squash in order to provide the opportunity for national ranking points. In this format you are able to play others of different skill levels.

The ladder will allow you to challenge and play members of other Life Time centers in your area!

The ladder is only available to league players!

Squash Summer Flex Leagues
Squash flex leagues allow players to schedule their own matches based on their availability. Players receive a schedule with a different player each week, but are required to arrange their own match day and time. Flex leagues will also be hosted with U.S. Squash in order to provide the opportunity for national ranking points.

Levels available are: 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0

Fee: $10

REGISTER TODAY

Squash Racquet Rental Program

webmaster@lifetimefitness.com — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 15:02:26 GMT

Squash Racquet Rental Program

The racquet rental program is designed to allow members the opportunity to try squash before purchasing equipment. Racquet rentals are available only through the activity center.

Remember to wear protective eyewear when playing to avoid eye injuries. Black-soled sneakers are not allowed on the squash courts at anytime.

Racquet rentals are available at the following centers - Alpharetta, Austin, Berkley Heights, Boca Raton, City Center, Florham Park, Johns Creek, Mountain Brook, Plano, Premier, Sugarloaf, Tempe, and Vernon Hills.

Rules and policies regarding racquet rentals:

1. Racquet rentals are only available during the open hours of the Activity Center and will not be rented when the desk is closed. Racquets must be returned to the Activity Center by the closing time.

2. Any racquets not returned by closing of activity desk will be charged $30.

3. Only Life Time members may use the racquet rental program - guests are not permitted to use the program. You must show your membership id card when renting a racquet.

4. Members must complete the racquet rental form in order to borrow a racquet.

5. All members are required to have a court reservation in order to reserve a racquet. If all courts are reserved, racquets will not be loaned.

6. Each center has a limited amount of racquets and this program is on a first come, first serve basis.

7. If you damage or break a racquet, you will be charged $30 for replacement. This charge will be taken by club tab or EFT.

8. You must be 18 years of age to rent equipment. If you are under 18, please have your parent or guardian rent the racquet.

9. Any abusive treatment of equipment will result in member termination.

10. Member must provide their own protective eyewear.

Club-by-Club Availability of Squash Programs

webmaster@lifetimefitness.com — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 14:44:05 GMT

Below is a list of the squash programs offered at each Life Time Fitness club. Download our registration form, fill out the necessary inofrmation, and return it to the Activity Center to enroll in these programs.

Allen-McKinney

Online Leagues

Online Ladders

Big 16 events

Club Championships

Alpharetta

Private Lessons

Online Leagues

Online Ladder

Junior After School Program

Junior Elite Training

US Nationals Training

Big 16 Squash Event

Tournaments

Club Championships

Austin North

Online Team Leagues

Lessons

Online Ladder

Junior After School Program

Tournaments

Club Championships

Big 16 Events

Berkeley Heights

Private Lessons

Online US Leagues

Online US Ladders

Junior After-School Program

Elite Junior Training

US National Training

Tournaments

Club Championships

Boca Raton

Private Lessons

Online Leagues

Online Ladders

Junior After School Program

Tournaments

Socials

Burr Ridge

Online leagues

Online Ladders

Club Championships

Big 16 events

Canton Township

Online leagues

Online Ladders

Club Championships

Big 16 Events

Cary

Online leagues

Online ladders

Beginner classes

Big 16 events

Club Championships

Centreville

Online leagues

Online ladders

Club Championships

Big 16 events

Chanhassen

Online leagues

Online ladders

Club Championships

Cinco Ranch

Online leagues

Online ladders

Club Championships

Big 16 Events

Colleyville

Online leagues

Online ladders

Club championships

Big 16 events

Columbia

Online leagues

Online ladders

Club championships

Big 16 events

Columbus

Online leagues

Online ladders

Club championships

Big 16 events

Commerce Township

Online leagues

Online ladders

Club championships

Big 16 events

Deerfield

Online leagues

Online ladders

Club championships

Big 16 events

Dublin

Online leagues

Online ladders

Club championships

Big 16 events

Florham Park

Private Lessons

Beginner Programs

Online leagues

Online ladders

Junior After School Program

US Nationals Training

Junior Elite Training

Tournaments

Flower Mound

Online leagues

Online ladders

Club championships

Big 16 events

Fridley

Online leagues

Online ladders

Club championships

Big 16 events

Garland

Online leagues

Online ladders

Club championships

Big 16 events

Gilbert

Online leagues

Online ladders

Club championships

Big 16 events

Goodyear-Palm Valley

Online leagues

Online ladders

Club championships

Big 16 events

Houston CityCentre

Online leagues

Online ladders

Club championships

Big 16 events

Junior Programs

Indianapolis

Online leagues

Online ladders

Club championships

Big 16 events

Johns Creek

Online leagues

Online ladders

Club championships

Big 16 events

Junior Programs

Lakeville

Online leagues

Online ladders

Club championships

Big 16 events

Junior Programs

Minneapolis Life Time Athletic Center

Online leagues

Online ladders

Club championships

Big 16 events

Minneapolis Target Center

Online leagues

Online ladders

Club championships

Big 16 events

Mountain Brook

Online leagues

Online ladders

Club championships

Big 16 events

Junior Programs

Novi

Online leagues

Online ladders

Club championships

Big 16 events

Old Orchard

Online leagues

Online ladders

Club championships

Big 16 events

Omaha

Online leagues

Online ladders

Club championships

Big 16 events

Orland Park

Online leagues

Online ladders

Club championships

Big 16 events

Overland Park

Online leagues

Online ladders

Club championships

Big 16 events

Parker

Online leagues

Online ladders

Club championships

Big 16 events

Plano

Online leagues

Online ladders

Club championships

Big 16 events

Junior Programs

Plymouth

Online leagues

Online ladders

Club championships

Big 16 events

Premier

Online leagues

Online ladders

Club championships

Big 16 events

Junior Programs

Rochester Hills

Online leagues

Online ladders

Club championships

Big 16 events

Romeoville

Online leagues

Online ladders

Club championships

Big 16 events

St. Louis Park

Online leagues

Online ladders

Club championships

Big 16 events

Junior Programs

St. Paul

Online leagues

Online ladders

Club championships

Big 16 events

San Antonio

Online leagues

Online ladders

Club championships

Big 16 events

Scottsdale

Online leagues

Online ladders

Club championships

Big 16 events

South Valley

Online leagues

Online ladders

Club championships

Big 16 events

Sugar Land

Online leagues

Online ladders

Club championships

Big 16 events

Sugarloaf

Online leagues

Online ladders

Club championships

Big 16 events

Junior Programs

Tempe

Online leagues

Online ladders

Club championships

Big 16 events

Junior Programs

Troy

Online leagues

Online ladders

Club championships

Big 16 events

Vernon Hills

Online leagues

Online ladders

Club championships

Big 16 events

Junior Programs

Warrenville

Online leagues

Online ladders

Club championships

Big 16 events

Archived Squash Tips

webmaster@lifetimefitness.com — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 15:33:50 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 it 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 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.

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.

Tip of the Week, 8/2
The Drop Shot

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.

Tip of the Week, 7/26

The Straight Drive

This very important, yet simple, shot is often played incorrectly.

As with the drop shot, many players angle the straight drive too wide so that it hits the front wall, then the side wall and comes back out towards the opponent enabling him to hit cleanly a choice of shots (Shot A). This is particularly wasteful when you have a good opening.

The more effective shot is to play the ball narrower (Shot B). The ball will then reach the back of the court, ideally with the second bounce dying into the nick.

Thanks to Titan Sports for the info.

Tip of the Week, 7/19

The Lob

In squash, the lob is an extremely effective and under used shot that can be played both attackingly to create a loose return and also defensively to get out of trouble with interest.

As always, the angle at which the ball is played is crucial. Most players play the ball too wide (shot A) so that it either goes out of court or hits the side wall and comes back well into the court making the opponents shot easy. The wider and harder it is hit, the worse the position becomes.

The more effective shot is to play the ball higher, slower and narrower (Shot B) so that it lands in the back corner - short of the back wall - and dies away. On many courts it is surprising how high the lob can be played.

When played in combination with the drop shot, the lob is a deceptively attacking shot. Also, don't be afraid to use the lob from the middle and back of the court, particularly under pressure.

Thanks to Titan Sports for the info.

Beginner Programs

webmaster@lifetimefitness.com — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 13:35:24 GMT

From beginners to match play, our pros will help you improve your game:

Squash 101 - An Introduction to Squash Basics
Squash 101 is a series of four 60-minute lessons designed for the player who is just beginning squash, or who has been away from the game for a while. Students will learn the basics of each stroke in an energetic and rewarding atmosphere with other players of the same ability.

Fee: $60 for four one-hour classes

Squash 201 - An Introduction to Strategy
The next step for the aspiring squash player, Squash 201 will take everything you learned about stoke mechanics and apply it to “live ball” situations. Four 60-minute sessions will be devoted to strategy in a comfortable, informative environment. Students should be able to execute the forehand and backhand before entering this class.

Fee: $60 for four one-hour classes

Squash 301 - Supervised Match Play
Squash 301 is a series of four 60-minure “match play” sessions for past 201 participants. The goal of these sessions is to gain confidence in your game by playing matches, with a pro “court-side” to answer questions and critique your play. Squash 301 will prepare you to play in the Life Time’s many leagues and events.

Fee: $60 for four one-hour classes

REGISTER TODAY