Squash

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.