DAVID MENNIE ANSWERS:

This is a very broad question. Do not limit yourself to a particular level as this will impede your ultimate potential. As a 17 year old your physical development is starting to kick in. Work with a coach to identify your strengths and weaknesses and set goals for yourself.

With the coach involved, train to make your weaknesses into strengths; this will ensure your improvement. Look at the resources you will require to reach ultimately where you wish to be. (Technical; Tactical; Physical; Mental) Your training must encompass all these areas or you will not succeed.

If you are comparing yourself to players at a particular level; look at the best at this level and model yourself on them. Look at the four areas mentioned above how do you compare. With any deficiency look to specifically improving it. Set mini goals in all the above areas and work to attaining them.

It is hard to set you a program without specific involvement as to where you currently are.

All the best,
David Mennie
   

SHAUN MOXHAM ANSWERS:

Giving out advice on speed training is much more complex then endurance and resistance training therefore my suggestion to you would be to consult a professional fitness trainer and work out a program that best suits your time and physical possibilities.

If you already have a good endurance and resistance base built up then you will most probably be able to start work immediately however if this is not the case then normally you will be advised to first build up your endurance and resistance levels as this will greatly decrease the risk of injury as speed training is generally explosive movements and if your body is not properly conditioned then you could do real damage and keep yourself off the court.

I understand your desire for more speed on the squash court, you're playing one of the most explosive and fast games on the planet however first get expert advice before diving in as you wont get faster by watching the game from outside the court with an injury.

NB it's difficult to give advice on general questions like this, and any suggestions given may not be appropriate for a given individual - please consult your own coach or physician.

Shaun Moxham

DAVID MENNIE ANSWERS:

Speed on court can be trained by doing ghosting type drills to increase flow and efficiency. Do the ghosting work at a faster rate over shorter times.

Pyramid type training works well for this. ie 10 secs work 20 secs rest 15 secs work 30 secs rest 20 secs work 40 secs rest 15 secs work 30 secs rest 10 secs work 20 secs rest.

This is one set. Do 3 sets day 1...4 sets day 2...5 sets day 3...4 sets day 4... 3 sets day5. Rest/ recover Day 6.

Use a heart rate monitor and keep your heart rate at 85-90%. Take any 2 corners from 6 point drill or 120's and ghost them as above. To build agility you can also use a speed ladder doing the various drills to build up the muscles in feet and ankles to give stability and agility in the one training exercise.

Doing catching drills will give hand speed and build hand -eye coordination speed required for volleying and quickness. Have a partner throw a ball to you from 2m away quick as he can you must catch and return the ball as quickly as possible on handed.

All the best,
David Mennie
 

BARRY FAGUY ANSWERS:

Hi Phil, This type of scenario is extremely common in Squash - both in terms of questions to Referees and in actual play. This could be a very long answer - but I see you haven't paid your subscription for this month - so you get the short answer! However, at the end, I'll refer you to a couple of articles that go into more detail - should you have the patience.

WHAT THE RULES SAY
The rules make no exception to the provisions that allow the incoming striker direct access to the ball.

That player is allowed to go straight to the ball, and if they encounter interference and would have been able to reach it - then it's at least a let according to the rules.

Strictly speaking, if the opponent (now the non-striker) is just standing there, making no effort to clear - then they are at risk of being penalized by a stroke.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?
I'll tell you what I think. I think there's a big 'HOWEVER'. What the rules say and what conventions have us do, leads us to live in an environment that, in my view, has the following characteristics:

1) There generally exists a state of mind in the player who is in this advantaged position, that the incoming striker should be forced to go around as punishment for having played a poor shot.
2) There also generally exists a corresponding state of mind in the disadvantaged player that it is fair that they deserve to suffer and have to go around somewhat for having played that poor return.
3) There often exists a state of mind among Referees as well, that the disadvantaged incoming striker should be punished for having caused this situation.

Also, in my view, there exists an 'unspoken absolution' (see reference below) granted to the opponent (now the non-striker) who is in the position of advantage, that absolves him or her from the need to clear.

None of these three concepts above are found in the rules. Luckily, most of the time when these very common situations occur, play continues, because, as mentioned above, the incoming striker usually plays around the opponent.

The pro level is no exception. This is known (though not well-known) as a 'Position of Advantage' (POA) situation - and if you read the last paragraph of Guideline 11 of the rules, you'll see the references to it. The guideline makes it clear that cases involving 'POA' and 'wrong footing' (also dealt with in G11) are not to be considered cases of 'created interference' - for which the only decision can be 'No Let'.

Yes, they look like created interference, they walk like created interference, they smell like created interference, they quack like created interference - but they are not created interference!

The comments above (punishment & absolution) about the Referees are made because, unfortunately, all too often, the Referee takes a severe attitude toward the incoming striker if that player is in a significantly disadvantaged position.

Like many, unfortunately I'm occasionally guilty of this natural human reaction too - when in fact what the Referee should be doing is to simply take the interfering opponent out of the picture, and decide if the player would have been able to return the ball - that's all. The rules make no exception to the freedom that the striker is permitted in so far as direct access to the ball is concerned.

Furthermore, we (all of us - Referees, both players, coaches, spectators) rarely think the player in the POA should be punished with a stroke for standing his/her ground - almost granting them an absolution from clearing. Of course, this 'unspoken absolution' assumes that the return by the player in the POA did indeed maintain that POA - and that the return wasn't a poor one back to himself/herself.

Space precludes more discussion, but if the spirit moves you, you can check out TSO newsletter from two different editions. The first is entitled 'Unspoken Absolution' from October 2000 - found by scrolling down to page 10 . The other is from April 2004 on 'conventions in squash'.

Enjoy.

Barry Faguy   Officiating Forum

PHILIP NEWTON ANSWERS:

Sciatica is the name given to pain that is felt in the leg & which is caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve. In most cases this is due to pressure applied to the sciatic nerve in the lower back.

In the vast majority of cases this pressure (commonly caused by a bulging disc) is sufficient to irritate the nerve but not to stop it functioning. In such cases pain is felt but the nerve still functions as regards controlling the muscles of the leg - the sciatic nerve is the link between the brain / spine and the hamstrings, calf muscles & muscles at the front of the shin.

Weakness or paralysis is an uncommon complication of sciatica but occurs when the pressure is so great that nerve fibre damage is caused. Sometimes the pressure is just sufficient to temporarily "knock the nerve out" & once the pressure is removed, recovery of muscle function occurs in a matter of days or weeks.

However, if the pressure has caused significant internal nerve damage, the recovery rate can be quite protracted (many months). In some cases recovery may only be partial i.e. some permanent weakness remains. In such cases it may be possible to strengthen the remaining muscle fibres so that their increase in strength goes some way to compensating for the underlying weakness.

There are a series of tests that can be undertaken to assess the degree of nerve damage & to ascertain the rate of recovery. You should discuss this with your specialist.

Philip Newton
 

PHILIP NEWTON ANSWERS:

The facet joints of the lower back can be exposed to a great deal of stress during squash. Stiffness may occur in the joints and in the surrounding soft tissues & muscles.

This condition should be treated with mobilising techniques to re-establish an optimum amount of flexibility in the affected joints. Well performed active exercises are an important way of doing this & some sessions of passive "hands on" mobilising work from your Physio may also be helpful.

Some of these exercises & manipulative techniques may cause transient discomfort, but shouldn't provoke any pain. It is important to avoid any pain provoking activities as these will cause the muscles of the lower back to tighten up & this will jam the facet joints together, thereby compounding their stiffness & pain.

Whilst you are putting in the initial effort to mobilise your back, you should avoid any hard / repetitive impact work such as excessive amounts of court sprints & try to avoid training on hard surfaces. The use of shock absorbing insoles can help to minimise the impact loads that are transmitted to the low back.

General aerobic fitness can be developed on a static bike, that doesn't place as much loading on the low back as does running based exercise. The same is true for swimming. However, with swimming it is best to change around the strokes during each session so that the low back doesn't stiffen up with long periods of one particular stroke. Breast stroke is particularly stressful in terms of over extending the low back.

With some guidance from your Physio, you should be able to identify a few key mobilising exercises that loosen up the stiff areas of your back. Incorporate these into your squash warm up sessions, and make sure that you perform them thoroughly after any court work.

This will help prepare your back for exercise & minimise any post exercise stiffness. It is also a good way of making sure that you don't over load your back whilst on court. If the court session has been successful (from a back point of view) then your post squash back mobility should be the same as it was before the session. You can only tell if is this is the case by doing the "before & after" mobilising sessions. Finally it may be a good idea to get your game analysed by a squash coach from the perspective of efficient movement around the court.

Many players do not move efficiently and as a consequence, place excessive strain on their spine. A common example is not using the legs enough. In such a scenario, a programme of leg conditioning exercise combined with some technical movement sessions would be a crucial way of reducing the risk of recurrent back pain.

It may also improve your game - win / win!

Philip Newton

SHAUN MOXHAM ANSWERS:

Without knowing specifically what the current strengths and or weaknesses of your backhand are it is obviously a little difficult to advise however some general points which you may want to consider trying are;

1. Keeping your racket up and prepared at all times.
2. Get your racket back to the start of your swing as fast as possible, think that you can never be early enough in this position.
3. Releasing your swing on time if not even slightly early to be sure of a good timing and a contact point which is at the latest in line with your right knee ( assuming you play off your front/traditional foot ) or as early as 10 centimetres in front of it.
4. Transfer your bodyweight through your shot together with and in the same direction as your follow through.
5. Finish your swing/follow through all the way until its end. Do not pull out of your swing to early as this will bring the ball back with and towards you.
6. Keep your wrist in the same position at the end of your swing as it was in the beginning, if you don’t you will lose control over the ball.

Lastly remember that the ball listens to what you tell it to do.

Shaun Moxham

DAVID MENNIE ANSWERS:

The best way to improve anything swing related is repetition; however it should be noted that you should also look at what you are doing to ensure the correct technique is practiced. This will ensure a swing that will repeat giving consistency and inbuilt deception by making all shots look the same.

Please work on the following technical points.

1. Open racquet face through the ball.

2. Swing plane parallel to the floor.

3. Strong balanced hitting position

4. Racquet should be up when the opponent's ball hits the front wall.

5. Follow through, through the line of flight

6. Bring the arm around the body, and down to the level of the ball.

7. Put the racquet butt toward the ball on the down swing

8. Contact point in front of hitting shoulder.

9. Build power in the shot by practicing to hit with power.

There are lots more but without seeing your swing it is hard to diagnose specific improvements. A coach will be able to assist with feeding and specific work or one of your playing partners may be able to assist with feeds.

Work on only two points at a time and keep it simple.

All the best,
David Mennie
 

ANDREW SHELLEY ANSWERS:

The flippant answer would be to be one of the best players in the tournament, but that is also the genuine response too.

Seeding is a means of recognising the better players in the event and so keeping them apart in the early rounds. It is, if you like, an order of merit, a list of players in current form, so to get a seeding position in a club, local or regional event you will need to demonstrate to the person or group doing the seeding that you justify a slot.

Ordinarily, that is shown by recent wins against other entrants or over players whose standard are known and thus are a benchmark. Meanwhile, at national level and certainly the professional end of the sport, results are fed into computers which spit out ranking lists which are used to compile seedings for the players.

I do not know which level of play that you are enquiring about, but in all cases the intent of this inexact science is to try to try to provide balanced competition.

(However, my personal preference for any events that I could get into is seeding alphabetically - by first name, not family name!)

Andrew Shelley

DAVID MENNIE ANSWERS:

Footwork in a matchplay situation is a matter of adaptability.

The issues that are important are maintaining balance to gain the maximum benefit from any shot played ie remaining in control of the rally; command of the T; opportunities to play attacking shots to put pressure on the opponent etc.

All shots should be played from a well balanced position to achieve power, accuracy and control. Advanced players will weight shift and hit off the foot that will give the 'quickest' response time thus robbing the opponent of time to play a well balanced return and moving the smallest distance from the T to do it.

My advice is to practice playing off either foot while still leaning through the shot to give power. There is no point shuffling feet into a position to play off your left foot on all forehand shots as this may cramp your swing; limit variety or give your opponent time to regain balance and control; or have you conceding the centre just to hit off your left foot.

Train to build leg strength to give a solid base to play off, this will assist in avoiding knee injuries that may occur from too much rotation on your knees when hitting with an open stance.

All the best,  David Mennie

SHAUN MOXHAM ANSWERS:

Playing off either your left or right foot are both valid options.

Time has a lot to do with the choice, if you have the time to take the traditional front / left option then I would advise to do so, however when time is an issue, which is quite often the case, then more often then not the right/back foot can be the better option.

The use of the right foot allows you to keep sight of the front wall which helps you to play the most interesting return from this situation which is a length. As well you fall less backwards and rotate your body less which promotes better ball control, which is always interesting.

Lastly your movement back to the centre of the court is easier off your right foot and you have early sight on your opponent and what he or she is about to do as you never turn your back closed towards the front wall.

Remember that time is the important factor in making your choice here. Don’t take the easy option, take the correct one.

Shaun Moxham

Q:  If there had been a match between Jahangir Khan and Jonathon Power, who would have won, and why ?  Pedro Altamiranda

ROBERT EDWARDS REPLIES:

During many tournaments down the years I have enjoyed the company and the banter of some of the best players in the world.

Being somewhat older than the guys on the circuit I am sometimes asked my opinion of players from years gone by - and how they would match up with the stars of today. All sports fans like to play the game.

Now I am asked the question "In a match between Jahangir Khan and Jonathon Power, who would win and why?"

The answer in full, plus opinions from other experts, and YOU DECIDE ...

Day Two:
PETE GOODINGS ANSWERS:

Ahh - yes, good question and not really as simple as going for a run!

Okay, here is a basic principle that you may wish to consider for improving your stamina: The 'duration, intensity & frequency (or D.I.F.) of your training needs to addressed. To improve stamina but not lose any of your speed (this is the important part) you really need to control your training so that you training sessions are split down into manageable chunks.

Sure, running 6-10 miles will undoubtedly improve your stamina but the repetitive nature of this plodding type of training will have an increased likelihood of slowing your reactions down on court, not to mention the heightened possibility of injury to the knees, ankles, lower back or hips due to the constant high impact on those joints from such a discipline. You really want to minimise the risks in this area.

Here are some alternatives (provided you don't carry any on-going injuries that would preclude you from carrying them out)

Cycling (Static or Road Bike), Rowing (Ergo-Rower), Versa-Climber Stepper (Fixed Step or Rolling Staircase etc.), Swimming.

All the above machines/exercises can be integrated into your training programme and need to be put together in a manageable package that allows interval training (a simple example of which would be - work hard for 2 minutes, easy for a minute medium for 2 minutes, easy for a minute, hard for 2 minutes etc - all progressive in it's intensity and allowing for 'Pyramid' sessions to be built into the training).

All training should ideally be done using a heart-rate monitor so that you can establish how your cardio-vascular system is adapting when you going through the training process. There are so many techniques / packages that can be used but it has to be one which you enjoy so that you will continue to do as part of your weekly training.

The fine detail of an individual's training session is not an easy task but I have taken a 7-day snap-shot for you below to show you briefly what can be done.

The client was a club standard player, male, aged 38, who plays 3-4 times a week as well as in the club 1st team. Blood pressure & Cholesterol within normal ranges and medical history was sound thus allowing him to go onto a structured programme.

He basically wanted to improve his Stamina.

Monday am - 30 minute interval bike session (intervals detailed & broken down within the session)
Noon - 800 metre swim - front-crawl. pm - friendly game & core stability work after game

Tuesday am - 3 mile run noon - stretching & mobility evening - friendly game

Wednesday Rest day

Thursday am - 15 minutes Pyramid on Ergo-Rower followed by core stability work on 'Swiss Ball'.
Noon - swim - easy interval session pm - team game

Friday am - 15 minute Step Machine (constant pace) followed by 15 minutes intervals on the Static Bike
Noon - Body Weight Training (Press-Ups/ Crunches/ Dorsal Raises/ Squat Jumps) Sets pm - Friendly Game - (followed by a few court sprints sets if game was easy)

Saturday am - 3 mile Interval Run followed by an medium/easy Swim Down
Noon - Stretching/Mobility pm - Drills/Practices/Routines on court

Sunday Rest Day

After any exercise session stretching is always strongly advised - for a minimum of around 10-15 minutes.

The vast amount of variety in this week was only to highlight the different types of training on offer. The client concerned wanted maximum variety and wasn't too bothered about building up a tolerance on a specific piece of equipment.

All training was heart-rate monitored and even after the first week his resting heart rate had lowered and he felt much more 'in tune' with his body and he felt stronger in games in the following weeks.

I hope goes someway to answering your question & good luck with your training.

Yours in Sport,

Pete Goodings
  

BARRY FAGUY ANSWERS:

There is, strictly speaking, no right of appeal since "the decision of the Referee shall be final" (Rule 20.1). In any case, the players are not really appealing the Referee's decision, because they too know that it won't be changed (save for the occasional case of unseen racquet contact).

They are mostly asking for explanations.

I gather that your suggestion to correct the confrontations is that the players should be forbidden from saying a word once the decision is given?

I think it's unfortunate for the sport when a Referee takes an 'I'm god' approach - to be that draconian - to expect players to be like robots and just carry on when they feel they got scre......er ...I mean, treated unfairly.

First of all, I consider it a sign of respect to the players to address their concerns. Secondly, explanations often help clarify things, helping a player to plan for the future, as it were. (For example, there are 7 potential reasons to justify a 'No Let' - and that's just for interference!)

For the Referee/player exchange to proceed properly, the query must be done in a civil manner - and players must promptly return to play after the Referee's explanation. Breaching of either of these two principles would justify use of the 'Conduct on Court' provisions.

As far as the 'wouldn't dare rule against them part' - certainly a player could be trying to intimidate a ref for the next time - but this can just as easily be a double edged sword for a player who irritates the Referee enough (who are, after all, human!) that he might suffer a consequence opposite to that which he had in mind.

Barry Faguy      Officiating Forum

Is the ball allowed to touch the back wall?

Yes - before or after hitting the floor.
Is the opponent allowed to volley the serve in return?

Is the opponent allowed to volley the serve?

Yes - and it becomes good even if it would have been a fault. (Rules #4.4.3 & 4.4.4)

Are the Red Lines In or Out?

In Squash, all lines are out.

Does this apply when serving?

During the serve, the 'service line' comes into play - and the ball must hit the front wall above it - and must also hit the front wall first. (Rules #6.3 & 4.4.3)

Player coming between serve and front wall?

If I understand the question properly, the status of that player is that he or she is now in lots of pain - having apparently been hit by the ball!

That player is known as the non-striker, and the rules demand that the non-striker lose the rally. You qualify the occurrence as 'not on purpose' - but it doesn't matter.

The rules concerning a player being hit with the ball going directly to the front wall couldn't care less about any clearing effort or deliberateness. They are stand alone rules that only ask if the ball would have been good - and if the ball was going directly to the front wall. (Rule 9.1.1 & 12.8.4)

Now, if the striker was turning or making a further attempt and the non-striker is hit - or if you're talking about interference to the view, access, or swing, then things get a little more complicated - as almost any decision is possible.

That'll cost you extra to find out!

(Barry will be presenting a paper on all the possible combinations of these scenarios next week, Ed)

Barry Faguy      Officiating Forum

BARRY FAGUY ANSWERS:

The last revision to the rules was 2001 - and before that, 1997. The 1997 revision was the one that mercifully ended countless years of blatant discrimination against players with two arms. Up till then, only players with one arm could release the ball for serve from the racquet - but now (thank goodness), all players are allowed to serve this way!

As far as the 2001 changes are concerned, it would take too much space to list the changes - but you'll find them outlined pages 1 & 2 of the WSF's PDF version.

The key changes dealt with such things as minimal interference, swing interference, turning, unnecessary turning (that one pretty much unnecessary in itself, in my view), and a cleanup of the provisions about injury, bleeding, & such.

However, it's still unclear as to whether cerebrospinal fluid leaking from the brain (from say, a racquet blow to the head), is considered the same as bleeding!

In which year was the tin lowered ? The tin has never been lowered - - as far as the WSF rules are concerned. I believe it was at the French Open in March of 1988 that the PSA unilaterally decided that for their events, it should be lowered by two inches - thus increasing the size of the front wall by 3.5 square feet.

I think they did this because they had a hard time hitting the front wall and kept missing it! (OK, OK - just kidding!) Actually, the lower tin allows for a quicker end to a rally.

Barry Faguy     Officiating Forum
 

We sent this question to quite a few players ... here's seven replies, even more to follow ...

Thierry Lincou:
I like my racquets to be quite rigid, to gain power and for the responsiveness of the frame. I also use a supple and flexible string, which combines good touch with speed of response.

I play with a 140g frame, plus a weight in the head, it's all about control and weight on the ball, indispensable to get a perfect length.

Thierry Lincou

LJ Anjema:
I would have to say that it is different for every pro. Some pros are really fussy with their material and go to their racket company themselves and choose 5-6 of exactly the same rackets (in weight and balance) as all rackets (even same models!) are a little bit different. Other pros just go with the flow and hit with whatever bat gets sent to them.

If you become the number 1 player of a certain brand, the company will probably ask for your personal preferences in a racket and make the racket exactly how you want it to be. But I think you have to be around top 10 in the world to achieve that!

Again, it's all very personal and it changes from player to player. The strings, the grip and even the bumper will effect the balance and weight of the racket.

One of my favourites right now is racket number 4 in my bag: the yellow Prince (M+) with the white Microzorb Indoor replacement grip on top of the standard grip with the green 1.1 Technifibre strings at 30 lbs and with the slightly broken bumper on top ... (which makes it lighter). Yeah, I'm probably one of the fussy ones...

I remember about 5 years ago I was having a hit with one of the most talented players ever, Billy Haddrell from Australia, and I was moaning about my grip which was a bit out of place and too slippery. He went off court, got an old dodgy wet towel from his bag, ripped it in two pieces and put one of them loosely around the handle of my racket (without any tape or anything), went back on court, gave me the racket and said: "Off you go, mate!"

Laurens Jan Anjema

Tim Garner:

Most of the pros would use exactly the same racket that are sold to the public. There have been odd exceptions where a player may request a slightly different weighted version to the standard one, but that is definitely the exception rather than the rule.

Likewise players have been known to alter the weight of the racket using lead tape or something similar, but nowadays so much money has gone into the research & development in getting the balance and weight correct that is not really necessary.

Rackets are normally strung at between 24-32 lbs and most pros would have their rackets strung somewhere in the midrange, around 28 lbs.

John White:

Most of the Pros like a certain weight in their racket, some heavy and others a little lighter! Tension for their strings also vary with the players. Some have them around 24pounds and others go up to 32pounds. Hope this helps. I have my weight in the racket at 140grams and the string tension 30-32 pounds.

John White

Paul Walters:

The use of standard rackets by squash professionals or rackets made to their personal specification varies from brand to brand and player to player. Several companies, in particular Dunlop, e-squash and Wilson go to great lengths to ensure that rackets given to all of their players are consistent i.e have the exact identical weight, balance and stiffness specification, so that typically if a player receives 10 rackets for the year all rackets perform identically.

Also on occasion these companies manufacture rackets to the specifications requested by there very top players and using the players input in this way can in some instances help development of normal production rackets which are readily available through the retail trade.

Anthony Ricketts and Peter Barker have played a big role in the development of nano technology in conjunction with their racket sponsor Wilson and James Willstrop has similarly had considerable input in to the launch of e-squash rackets.

Paul Walters

Peter Barker:

All the guys playing PSA use different rackets depending on their individual sponsors. Dunlop, for example, have a racket especially for the pros, with a particular weight. However, most racket companies have a wide range of rackets so all the player has to do is pick his preferred weapon. I use Wilson and have added weights on the head of the racket to make the racket a little head heavy, this is just a personal preference.

Again, the string tension is down to preference of each player. I think the average string tension is around 30 lbs. Interestingly, many players tighten their string tension when playing on glass/Perspex courts to eliminate errors.

Peter Barker

More answers to follow ...
 

I find the problem with the shoulders opening too early and the ball hitting the side wall usually occurs because there wasn't enough shoulder turn in the first place on preparation and so the player helps the ball out of the corner using their upper body instead of hitting the ball with more stability and less head movement.

I recommend finishing the shot before moving back to the T.

A great example from another sport recently was the positioning and execution of Roger Federer's passing shots. Did you notice how still his head was and how long he stayed on his shot following through only with the racket. We tend in squash to play the shot and move at the same time, so exaggerate the shoulder turn and just swing the racket and not the body.

Vollying a forehand can be more difficult than the backhand because there is natural shoulder turn on the backhand. Certain ingredients are vital for both volleys. You must have good early racket preparation ,good balance and a knowledge of where and how your racket head is going to come through.

If you don't have time to get your correct foot across then don't try, merely ensure you are not completely open to the front wall. If you turn your shoulders it helps to know where the racket head is and will assist you to hit a good straight volley on the forehand.

Neil Harvey
 

DAVID MENNIE ANSWERS:

The main points to watch with forehand drops-

1. distance to the ball ; maintain more space to the ball and contact should be in front of the body; elbow away from your body not tucked in.
   
2. Slice or under cut on the ball- this enables a "parallel to the floor " swing path which means not trying to hit the ball up but letting the grip do it for you. This has the added bonus of making the ball sit down quicker and gives less bounce for the opponent to use.
  
3. Follow through on the shot -do not jab and stop the racquet.
   
4. Softer grip pressure- this gives better touch and feel for the ball.
  
5. Practice reaching in on either foot as balance is required on both legs not just the preferred left leg.

SHAWN MOXHAM ANSWERS:

Whether you're hitting a f/h or b/h drop the technique remains the same. What can change though is the amount of backswing that you use. The closer you are to the front wall the less backswing you will need to use and the further away you are the more. Other aspects to be taken into consideration are whether or not you should be cutting or slicing the ball, or hitting the ball from underneath with an open racket face.

To begin I would recommend keeping your technique as simple as possible to erase mistakes and to build confidence. This means the use of a small backswing with a slightly open faced racket and a delivery angle that gets underneath the ball pushing it in an upwards direction above the tin ! By using a small backswing you will create less energy in your total swing and therefore keep the ball deep in the front corner. This technique is especially good for when the ball is close to the front wall but can be used from other positions as well.

To expand on this technique you will need to explore the world of cutting and or slicing the ball. This requires a larger backswing, different delivery angles and more speed through the backswing. Cutting the ball requires a delivery angle coming from top to bottom and slicing the ball has a delivery angle from left to right or vice versa otherwise know as inside out. These techniques can create some fantastic angles and results but require an enormous amount of practice to perfect.

Good Luck !
Shaun Moxham

NEIL HARVEY ANSWERS:

There is no particular level that a player should begin to solo practice but obviously the standard of the player will determine what practices they may be able to cope with.

If one likens it to soccer lots of small kids will familiarise themselves with the ball with endless hours of 'keepy uppy'. The same can apply to all sports and at the beginner level it is very important for the players to have many contacts on the ball as possible. This maybe difficult when playing a basic game as the players may not be able to keep even short rallies going so some solo practice on court would be very beneficial.

Neil Harvey

MALCOLM WILLSTROP ANSWERS:

I don't think that a player has to reach a particular level for solo practice to be valid; more it is a question of mindset. If it suits the player's mentality, that's fine. One of my players practices solo regularly, often listening to music.

For a youngster it is all part of familiarity with the court and although what some very young children do may look meaningless, I don't believe it is.

If it ceases to be enjoyable, or serves no purpose, that's the time not to do it.

Malcolm Willstrop

WENDY DANZEY ANSWERS:

Firstly, a referee should judge each decision as it is, and not be influenced by any previous players reactions; endeavouring at all times for a fair outcome of each rally/match.

Secondly, it is essential on occasions for a player to have the right to appeal, allowing the referee to explain his decision.

Lastly, a quick and concise explanation helps to build good referee/player relations, also improving the flow of the game.'

Wendy Danzey

At the top of the ITB is a muscle (called "tensor fascia lata") which tensions the ITB at times when stability is required around the outer hip &/or outer aspect of the knee. This is usually required in weight bearing situations such as when lunging. The most commonly encountered problem with the ITB is a thing called "ITB Friction Syndrome". The symptoms are soreness just above the level of the knee on the outer aspect of the thigh, where the ITB passes over the bony prominence of the lower, outer thigh bone. Running is usually the trigger for producing symptoms as the ITB is repetitively rubbed against the hard boney surface of the thigh bone. This "frictioning" & subsequent inflammation & soreness may be more pronounced if the ITB & or tensor fascia lata muscle are too tight.

The first thing to do is to check the length of the ITB. If there is tightness, then stretches should be performed to re-establish normal flexibility. Sessions of deep massage may also help in this regard. It is also important to check for any muscle weakness or imbalance around the hips. A tight ITB is often associated with weak hip adductor muscles (the ones on the inner aspect of the thighs that are used to squeeze the knees together). Strengthening exercises should be used to counter any imbalance & to augment the stretching work.

Philip Newton

PAUL WALTERS ANSWERS:
Finding sponsorship as a junior is always difficult and particularly finding financial support. The most important thing is to try and find long term sponsors, who hopefully you can support and they can support you throughout your career as you move towards becoming a professional.

My suggestion would always be to work longer with the more established brands such as Dunlop, Head, Hi-Tec, e-squash, Prince and Wilson etc. Whilst it may be difficult for these companies to give financial support they will be able to give you support through equipment and it is important to take a long term view.

Normally financial support is found from local companies in your area who show an interest in supporting young players at grass roots level. Relationships with these companies normally originate through friendships and personal contacts.

Always remember to look after your sponsors, wear their logos and keep them updated on your progress and success.

Paul Walters

BARRY FAGUY ANSWERS:
I'm afraid not. There is no allowance in the rules to extend interval time limits. The only place where the ref has 'time' discretion is in regards to 'bleeding' and 'contributed injury' situations. However, I have two 'howevers' to add:

However #1 - Now maybe I shouldn't say this (being a ref & all), but unless you've got an overly officious ref, you could just do what needs to be done and take your chances. Maybe you'd just wind up with a 'delay of game' warning for a bit of lateness. It would have to be a significant delay to be penalized a stroke - and it might even be worth it to avoid being in 'agony'. To be docked a game, you'd need a ref in a pretty bad mood! Also, remember that, for these 'delay of game' scenarios, the rules only require that the ref 'apply Rule 17' (which has a wide scope) - not that the player automatically lose the game or match!

However #2 - I think it would be a good idea to eventually include into the rules a 'Notwithstanding clause' - the idea being to give greater discretion to Referees for special circumstances in non-interference situations. For example, if the above circumstance occurred in the final of a big event - with TV & a lots of spectators present - and it was just at the start of the match - what ref would want to get off on a bad foot? Or, maybe it's the start of the fifth in this match, and one of the players re-bleeds. The rules demand that the match be over - but who'd want to do that and send everyone home?

If you want to read a lengthy treatise on this proposal, go to the April 2003 TSO newsletter

Barry Faguy
The Squash Official

MALCOLM WILLSTROP ANSWERS:
Improvement often comes in fits and starts. Often there is a levelling out, after which significant improvement may be made.

Consistency in squash and in sport, maybe in life generally, is a virtue and the best way to achieve it is by regular hard work, if possible, well directed.

Of course being erratic is often a question of temperament, though whether that is the cause of the problem is up to the individual to decide.

PETE GOODINGS ANSWERS:
As a competitive player & coach I often get people asking me this question. A few variables come into play here & not just in this sport.

Hydration levels are crucial. If you are dehydrated by as little as 1% this can result in 'up to' 10% drop in concentration and performance. The brain is made up of so much water that even a little drop in hydration levels will result in slower electrical impulses which in turn can give slightly slower reactions, you will feel fatigue earlier, your timing is off and you generally can feel lethargic. All this from not drinking enough water.

Players should be drinking between 2.5 to 3 litres a day (more in this weather) and that doesn't mean cordials either (as this is a diuretic - i.e. makes you go to the loo more and hence dehydrates you further). Also most teas & coffees contain caffeine which also dehydrates you.

Allied with this is energy levels through your dietary intake - get your energy foods wrong and eat rubbish sugary, fatty un-nutritional foods all the time and you won't have the energy to concentrate and sustain your standard throughout any long game.

Another area is sleep patterns and the amount of sleep you get. If you know you operate well on 8-9 hours, if you only get 6-7 then this can dramatically affect your physical & technical performance.

Energy cycles is another area to consider looking at - there are peak times in the day when you can feel more energetic than others. A lot of people don't like playing in the mornings - most people like playing mid evening. Try picking times that suit your body clock - if you're a shift worker this can be extremely difficult to manage.

Again another train of thought is the preparation for a game - if you've just rushed from work or are late for a game due to bad traffic and have to rush on court as soon as you get to the club then you won't be fully focused on the game and everything can go off the rails.

All-in-all a lot to consider but if you're serious about getting this aspect of your game sorted then try eliminating each area one by one. I'm sure you will get to the bottom of it.

Yours in Sport,
Pete Goodings