Two Steps Forward and One Step Back

Published: 23 Feb 2006 - 08:49 by raystrach

Updated: 23 Feb 2006 - 15:10

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Or should that be the other way around. Although my opponent was not as good as the previous night, he was not that far off in standard. But the fact that I have been beating him recently (always very close matches) gave me confidence and enabled me to focus.

More importantly, I was able to stay composed throughout the match, and, apart from the second game, was able to execute my game plan quite well. I kept my between game routine going for about 80% of the contest which is very important for me at the moment. It helped me arrest a few slides I had in various parts of the match where I lost the plot a little. It also helped me keep calm at all times, not questioning what i perceived as bad calls or getting involved with spats that he was having with the ref.

Two of my team mates also benefitted from forgetting about the refereeeing and keeping focussed on their game.

The problem that I am just coming to terms with, is the counterpunching ability of quick opponents. In the good old days, i could afford to move the ball around even if it was a little loose at times because I could always cover their next shot. Now, if I hit anything remotely loose, they get onto it so quickly and i am left flat footed on the T. I just have to play more conservatively against the younger players, especially while my confidence is not that high.

The danger, which caused me to lose the second game, is that it is a fine line between conservative and negative. You still have to attack the ball, but you have to be a little more patient keeping deeper for longer and using change of pace and direction a little more when hitting deep. The opportunities eventually present themselves for you to attack or they get a little frustrated because they can't attack. In the second game, after making a couple of early mistakes, was to start placing the ball instead of hitting it, as well as not volleying anywhere near enough. What a difference the little things make.

I skipped my morning swim to make sure I was a little fresher for the match and that seemed to work. I was physically ok throughout the 4 games although I could probably do a little more in the way of anaerobic training from now on seeing that my aerobic base is now quite reasonable.

Squash
I turned around apathetic performance from the night before for a tough 4 game win which helped my team to move in to the grand final

Walks
Morning and evening walks heped me work out a little soreness in the legs