Too Old Too Slow
Published: 16 Feb 2006 - 12:43 by raystrach
Updated: 17 Feb 2006 - 11:27
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Yes, that just about sums up my performance in tonite's competition. And this in a match which started promisingly, but ended in disappointment. Too old, because I had trouble coming up a second night in a row, too slow because that was the reason for my demise.
Sure, If I had played perfect Squash the whole time I would have been in there competing and maybe winning, but many shots which I felt should have retrieved, I got no where near. Because of my promising first game where I competed very well, I felt that I could continue to play the same way, but with the edge taken off after the first game, fitness wise, I was off the pace. I should have adjusted tactics.
The crucial moment came towards the end of the first game where I as leading 7 - 5, lost the serve, then proceeded to return two serves into the tin in a row. I do go for shots off the serve and get most, but the reason for the misses were lack of good preparation on the shots and no between rally routine to remind me of my key points. Those two points gave him a big lift and messed with my head. From there onwards I managed only one more point.
The second was a wipe out with only a few serves. The third was better and closer, but he won all the hard rallies and somehow managed to hit a total of 3 nicks which bounced along the wall, not the floor! On each occasion, I had the upper hand in the rally. Not that it made any difference to the result, but it was one of those nights
He was rushing me in between points but it did not occur to me until the end of the second game. I did slow it down bit but was too rushed with everything. More stuff to work on! On the bright side, I am still convinced I am making progress despite the loss and hopefully wll turn the tables if I happen to meet him in the grand final in two weeks time.
Morning Swim
I decreased my 50 m intervals to 1 min 30 sec although could not cope for the full 700 mts. had to swim some breatstroke after 350m. This probably had some effect on my Squash tonite but i must perservere. Wil have an easier week if we make the grand final in two weeks time.
Squash
Disappointing competition semi final match
Morning Walk
Recovery!
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Sure, If I had played perfect Squash the whole time I would have been in there competing and maybe winning, but many shots which I felt should have retrieved, I got no where near. Because of my promising first game where I competed very well, I felt that I could continue to play the same way, but with the edge taken off after the first game, fitness wise, I was off the pace. I should have adjusted tactics.
The crucial moment came towards the end of the first game where I as leading 7 - 5, lost the serve, then proceeded to return two serves into the tin in a row. I do go for shots off the serve and get most, but the reason for the misses were lack of good preparation on the shots and no between rally routine to remind me of my key points. Those two points gave him a big lift and messed with my head. From there onwards I managed only one more point.
The second was a wipe out with only a few serves. The third was better and closer, but he won all the hard rallies and somehow managed to hit a total of 3 nicks which bounced along the wall, not the floor! On each occasion, I had the upper hand in the rally. Not that it made any difference to the result, but it was one of those nights
He was rushing me in between points but it did not occur to me until the end of the second game. I did slow it down bit but was too rushed with everything. More stuff to work on! On the bright side, I am still convinced I am making progress despite the loss and hopefully wll turn the tables if I happen to meet him in the grand final in two weeks time.
Morning Swim
I decreased my 50 m intervals to 1 min 30 sec although could not cope for the full 700 mts. had to swim some breatstroke after 350m. This probably had some effect on my Squash tonite but i must perservere. Wil have an easier week if we make the grand final in two weeks time.
Squash
Disappointing competition semi final match
Morning Walk
Recovery!
How to add images to Members' Forum posts and replies here...
Replies...
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From raystrach - 17 Feb 2006 - 11:27
From rippa rit - 17 Feb 2006 - 07:24
Ray, I am making a few comments on your summary more for the benefit/experience of our "up and coming" members.
- The natural things we try to do when anxious to win (being up 7-5 seems so close) is try a bit too hard, and try to force the winners to happen.
- This in turn means we try to hit winners, so aim finer, and hit a bit harder which often upsets the timing.
- At this point taking a long slow deep breath is important to get as much oxygen as possible to the brain which will hopefully stop frustration setting in, as well as slow down the breathing, all of which should prevent the head/mind from blowing out, and keep composure.
- At 7-5 still go for the shot, but aim higher to prevent errors.
- Do not change a winning game, maybe just for one point to get composed and then return to the original plan.
- If the opponent is trying to run you out of gas, and is succeeding, it is important to only play hard and fast when absolutely necessary (in good court position) during the rallies.
From Viper - 16 Feb 2006 - 17:19
What grade are you playing ?
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Nicely summarised tip, thanks! I think I'll note that into my squash folder!
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the main problem with speed at the moment is the brain's ability to cope with it coupled with the legs ability to keep up with it.
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