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Shoes the Difference But First Mind Games

Published: 24 Feb 2006 - 09:48 by raystrach

Updated: 26 Feb 2006 - 23:02

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Last Thursday I was quite sore all over after a few days of Squash and swimming. Today it is just my legs that are sore - extremely sore. I put it down to the fact that I wore my Ashaway  Squash shoes instead of the Asic cross trainers that I had been wearing for a couple of weeks. Both shoes are reasonably new. If I continue to use the Ashaways, I will have to buy some sorbothane inserts.

Over the next week leading up to my team's wednesday night grand final, I am going to lift the intensity of my physical activity but cut down on the volume. This should serve to freshen me up a little. This should increase my speed a little, something that I am going to need a lot of if I am going to improve on my past couple of perfomances against Steven, my opponent.

Over the next week I will be mentally reinforcing my game plan with some visualisation. In the occasional quiet time,
  • I try to get the feel of what i need to do,
  • try to remember how i felt when I played well and
  • focus on some little things especially my between rally routine, and open face racket technique
To my knowledge he doesn't read this blog so I am going to share my tactics with you before hand:
  • Work the ball to the forehand most of the time (he has a closed racket technique on the forehand and makes most of his errors on that side)
  • Occasionally drift a crosscourt ball just wide of his backhand to try to draw an error
  • Generally keep the ball deep in genral play
  • When going short it will be all out attack
  • When retrieving from the front I will be varying my returns but possible favour the drop tight to the side wall (not too low) and the toss.
  • Any boasts will be hard and fast 2 wall boasts
  • vary the pace in the length rallies with a bias towards slowing  things up
  • I must endeavour not to get caught flat footed
Next thursday you will be able to judge for yourelf if I was able to carry out the game plan
Walks
my two walks really did help to loosen me upsquash game squash extras How to add images to Members' Forum posts and replies here...

Replies...

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From raystrach - 26 Feb 2006 - 23:02

it might be a double bluff, viper!!

you won't find out until next thursday morning.

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From Viper - 26 Feb 2006 - 20:24   -   Updated: 26 Feb 2006 - 20:24

It will be very funny if after the game and he beats you he thanks you for the heads up in your web site.

Stranger things happen.

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From rippa rit - 25 Feb 2006 - 08:08   -   Updated: 25 Feb 2006 - 08:26

Ray  I  do understand too well the bit about exploiting speed (or lack of) as I've been there.
  • We agree with the tip "only hit the ball as fast as you can run" (that means return the ball giving you enough time to get comfortably back into position ready for the next shot).
  • If you are not able to do this you will end up on the back foot and lose control of the rally/match.
  • If you are not able to have time to control the ball you will become defensive.
  • If you become defensive you will become frustrated with your game.
It is ok to hammer the ball and do what you want when you are not scrambling around.
  • Practice returning the opponent's attacking length with returns that land very high on the front wall, using a very open soft racket face with a full swing  - the return being out of the opponent's reach that is too,  tight (if possible) to length - then watch for the boast, as the opponent will sure want to move you to make you move/run.
  • As the opponent is about to hit the ball start to get off your heels, up onto the ball of your feet, ready for take-off. (There is no need to move in any particular direction, but travel a little as the opponent prepares for the stroke and that will keep you in a "ready" to run position too).
  • Follow all short shots up by stepping 1m forward ready for a drop or cut off the volley.
  • Try to tough out the rally by hanging in and avoid trying to hit winners to gain control.
It all sounds so easy on paper - I have this perfect photo in my mind Ray.
Good luck with your finals.

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From raystrach - 24 Feb 2006 - 18:11

i don't know for absolute certain,  but whatever it is, it has worked very well so far.  he is about 7 - 0 with me to date! he has been exploiting my lack of speed which is what my game plan will try to address.

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From rippa rit - 24 Feb 2006 - 11:59   -   Updated: 24 Feb 2006 - 11:59

Ray - I am sure this guy Steven has a plan too - I wonder what that is?

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