Now under new management Elite Squash Middle East, affiliated with EliteSquash UK and spearheaded by world-renowned coach Hadrian Stiff, is tailoring bespoke squash lessons for groups and individuals. Here, Stiff gives us tips to improve your game, no matter what stage you’re at.
EliteSquash Middle East, now under new management, helps players at all levels to improve their game with a variety of lesson structures. Coaches put emphasis on players learning to relax their body during a game in order to find rhythm and timing is at the start of every session. This also allows natural movement patterns to emerge from where technique can be added and guided. A relaxed but sharp player is still able to be deadly and intelligent on the court and use the ease of movement and skill to solve the technical and tactical challenges. Whether you’re just beginning your squash journey or a seasoned pro, these tips will help make you a better player.
Grip and Swing – A comfortable and relaxed grip and swing will maximise options, skill development and shot delivery.
Position – Getting your body in to a ‘side on’ position when hitting the ball increases your ability to hit straight and close to the side-wall which moves the opponent into the back corners.
Lunge & Timing – A comfortable ‘step-in’ to the ball, followed directly by a swing will create an easier shot for yourself.
Follow through – Relaxing your swing after hitting the ball helps when hitting deeper into the backcourt.
T Zone – Getting used to moving to the T Zone after each shot will increase your chances in dominating the play.
Serve variation – Use a few different styles of serves, to keep your opponent guessing, lob and fast variations will give you an advantage.
Pace variation – Using less power and more height helps develop better length hitting.
Follow the ball – Make sure to watch the ball after you hit it, especially when’s its behind you.
Four corners – Learning to play in the open corners of the court (furthest distance of your opponent) will improve your game drastically.
Be mindful – Use mindfulness practice apps to improve learning and performance on and off the court. Squash is a mental game as well as physical.
Warm up – Use the warm up to prepare both the body and the mind ready for the match, spend at least 30 minutes doing this.
Relax – Bring more relaxation into movement and swing to increase your skill and movement efficiency.
Connect shots – Each shot needs to be connected to the next. In practice, ask yourself what is this shot doing and why. Build up a rhythm.
It’s not about winning – Avoid focusing purely on winning, instead focus on a great process and stay in the movement of each rally, that’ll improve your game.
Use squash for life – Squash is extremely challenging. Face each challenge with a growth mindset to be constantly improving, both on and off the court.
A sample lesson, lasting 45 minutes, is available which will cover an initial consultation for understanding the session theme, a warm up screening, timing drills, technical adjustments and conditioned games before a full review from the coach. Along with coaching sessions, players will also be able to enter into future tournaments and a squash league. Sessions are held at various venues throughout Dubai including the flagship venue at the Steigenberger Hotel, Business Bay.
For more information and to book a session head to www.EliteSquash.me
