51
Squash THE ROYAL MARINES
SquashTHE ROYAL MARINES
2
Student Notes Teacher Notes
Prepared for The Royal Navy in association with The Squash RacketsAssociation and produced by Education and Youth Limited, London.
If there is any support you feel The Royal Navy can give regarding thisproject please contact 0870 333 0423.
AcknowledgementsThese notes have been compiled by the late Claire Chapman with theassistance of:Jan Graydon, BA BSc PhD Senior Lecturer PNL Mental PreparationVivian Grisogono, MA (Oxon) MCSP Injuries in SquashCraig Sharp, BVMSK MRCVS PhD (Director Olympic Medical Centre)Physical ConditioningJoy Alexander Hall, B Ed Lecturer (PE) Sheffield UniversityBarry Mason, BSc Devonport HSJane Poynder, former SRA National CoachPaul Wright, former SRA National CoachThe Squash Rackets Association
Editor: P. Edwards M.A.
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION TO SQUASH 3
SKILLS DEVELOPMENT SHEET 4
UNIT 1 INTRODUCING GRIP, DRIVES AND SIMPLE GAMES 5
A. STRAIGHT DRIVES (BEGINNERS) 6
B. STRAIGHT VOLLEYS (BEGINNERS) 8
C. SERVICE (BEGINNERS) 9
D. BOAST (BEGINNERS) 11
E. DROP (BEGINNERS) 12
F. LOB (BEGINNERS) 13
UNIT 2 THE GAME: STUDENT NOTES (BEGINNERS) 15
SKILLS, DRILLS AND GAMES: STAFF/STUDENT NOTES(PLAYERS) 17
A. STARTER GAME 18
B. PLAYING THE CROSS-COURT SHOT 20
C. VARIATIONS ON THE VOLLEY 21
D. VARIATIONS ON THE SERVE 22
E. ATTACKING WITH THE BOAST 23
F. ATTACKING SHOTS AT THE FRONT 24
G. DEFENSIVE PLAY 25
H. VARYING THE PACE 26
UNIT 3 THE GAME 27
UNIT 4 PHYSICAL CONDITIONING 33
UNIT 5 MENTAL PREPARATION 37
UNIT 6 INJURIES IN SQUASH 38
UNIT 7 HISTORICAL BACKGROUND 41
UNIT 8 STRUCTURE OF THE SPORT 43
UNIT 9 CURRENT ISSUES IN SPORT: SQUASH 45
UNIT 10 SQUASH IN THE OLYMPICS 48
3
Skill based
Introduce and assess the shot
Explain and demonstrate
Simple practice, hitting withoutmovement
Practice with more movementor difficulty
Sequence of shots in gametype situation
Game — emphasis on stroke
Introduction To SquashSquash is a game which is gaining rapidly in popularity as an optionalactivity in the 4th, 5th and 6th years at school. It is a relatively easygame to learn and fun to play at any level of ability. The equipmentneeded is not expensive and the only problem may be the cost ofcourt fees at clubs and centres. Most clubs have courts which are littleused during the day and many are willing to quote lower costs toencourage use by schools at off-peak times.
The latest figures (1999) indicate that there are approximately 8,200courts and 11/2 million squash players in the United Kingdom.An estimated 25% of these players are women.
World wide there are thought to be 15 million squash players and thegame is played in more than 55 countries.
Learning to play squash is in some ways the same process as learninga foreign language.
The skills are the basic vocabulary, while the drills and tactics form agrammatical framework to fit the strokes into the game.
With a low level of skill it is possible to play a very enjoyable gamewith a partner of similar standard, but with higher levels thepossibilities become almost endless and the whole game much moreinteresting.
How you teach the game will depend on your teaching philosophy andthese notes will supply you with the information you need to teach thegame effectively.
The following are two suggested teaching models.
Warm Up(details in Physical Conditioning page 33)
Understanding based
A game modified to suit ability
Game breaks down? Why?
Lack of understanding?
Lack of appropriate technique?
Explain and teach requiredtechnique
Practice skill in simple drill orgame
Return to game
Cool DownAnalysis and Summary
4
Name of Module Squash
Basic Skills The drive, the volleys, the service, the boast, the drop, the lob (pages 6-16)
Game-play Skills Playing straight length front and back. Playing cross-court shorts. Variationson the volley and the serve. Accuracy and consistency of shots (page 22)
Tactical Skills Attack: Vary pace and angles of shots – boast, drops, short kills
Defense: Returning shot at length, good return of service, reach goodposition in mid-court. Vary pace, deception, attack opponentsstrengths and weaknesses. Speed to front of court. Cutting ball offearly (pages 24 and 25)
Training Skills Stamina, speed, strength, flexibility skills (page 35) mental preparations(page 39)
Rules Playing, scoring, service, service faults. Hitting an opponent with ball.Hitting yourself with the ball, time, officials and their function. Calls of play,scoring system, interference (pages 29-31)
The beginning stage of learning Squash is the exploratory phase,where the player is attempting to learn the correct sequence ofmovements of all the basic skills e.g. the drive, the volleys and theservice. A number of errors may be made and players will needfeedback to recognise and correct these errors.
At the intermediate stage a player will be able to play most strokes,but not always with the correct use in a game situation. The player willbe more consistent, balanced and mobile.
At the advanced stage the player will execute all the skillsautomatically and will concentrate more on the placement of the shotand on how to vary and disguise shots.
Skills Development Sheet
5
Unit 1 Introducing Grip, Drives and Simple Games
Figure. 1. Grip Figure. 2. Forehand Drive
6
Figure. 3. Backhand Drive
A. Straight Drives (Beginners)The drive played straight to a good length is the foundation of thegame. The shot should bounce for the second time near the backwall and travel very close to the side wall.
Make pupils aware of SAFETY
i. Danger of swinging rackets
ii. Take care when hitting ball
iii. Knock before entering court
iv. Do not leave balls on court floor
OrganisationTeaching points/Problems
A1. Figure. Bounce ball onracket (forehand)Stationary and movingTarget 5-10-15-20 shots
A1. i. Watch and hitunderside of ballii. Do not hit ball too high
A2. Bounce ball on backhandsideTarget 5-10-15-20 shots
A2. Knuckles point to theceiling
A3. Bounce ball on alternatesidesTarget 5-10-15-20 shots
A3. i. Can you keep the samegrip for both shots?ii. ‘Shake hands’ with thehandleiii. Note ‘V’ between thumband first fingeriv. Line up point of ‘V’ withleft corner of shaftv. Thumb across back ofhandle against 2nd. fingervi. Space between 1st and2nd fingers (pistol grip)
A4. Figure. Forehand ralliesto side wallTarget 10 shots — Record
A4. i. Body sideways todirection of shotii. Let the ball bounceiii. Stay close to the wall
A5. Figure. Backhand ralliesto side wallTarget 10 shots — Record
A5. i. Sideways positionii. Keep wrist firmiii. Grip further up the handleif there is a problem makingcontact
A1
A4 A5
Forehand Backhand
7
A6
B1 B
A A
C C
A7
F
E
DA
BC
A8
F
E
DA
B C
A9
A11
B
E F
AC
D
A12(a)
A12(b)
A13
A1
A2 A3 B2 B3
A11. Figure. A Feeds underarmB Hits forehand and returns to‘T’C Feeds underarmB Hits backhand and returns to‘T’E Counts shots and scoresD and F field and return ball tofeeder.4 shots each and then rotate oneplace anticlockwise.Score 1 point for hit to correctside of court.2 points for hit behind short line.
A11. TacticsReturn to ‘T ‘between shots (justbehind join of short and halfcourt line)i. Keep grip the sameii. Racket face open
A12. Figure (a)2 players rally in turn3 attemptsScore number of consecutiveshotsFigure (b)With care you could use the sidewalls for this practice.One pair rally in front of shortline, one pair behind short line.
A12. i. Watch the ball being hitby partner
A13. Figure. Team game in 3/4court Group divide into 2 teamsA1 serves from left to B1 onother side of court. Playerscomplete rally in shaded area ofcourt and try to win the rally(scores 1 point). Winner stayson (can only win 3 consecutivepoints, then change with player2).Loser changes with player 2 whoserves.Winning team is first to 9 points.
A13. i. SAFETY Ensure otherplayers stay in safe position inback corner.TacticsHit the ball close to side wall andto back of court on long sideMove to ‘T’ between shotsii. Allow 2 attempts at serveiii. Allow bounce/hit serveiv. Repeat serve if receiver cannot return serve.
RulesIdentify court linesLose rally if ball:i. Bounces twiceii. Hits the TINiii. Goes OUT – i.e. on or abovethe out of court linesiv. Play LET (replay rally) ifplayers obstruct each other
A14. Same game with servicefrom right box. Right backquarter out of play.
A6. Figure. A Underarm feedB Drive forehand to AB1 Drive backhand to AC Practise rally to side wallChange after 5 shotsC-A, A-B, B-CChange sides of court
A6. i. Feeders throw gently ontofront wallii. SAFETY Feed must be straightback towards feederiii. SAFETY Do not hit fromcentre of courtiv. Watch the ball as it is thrownby feederv. Watch and hit underside ofballvi. Check grip, position andbalancevii. Hit ball opposite leading leg
A7. Figure. Underarm feed orteacher racket feedB-F drive forehand, play shadowshot on backhand, return toback quarterTry to hit past short lineIf pupils feed, change feederafter 6 shotsHow many shots out of 6attempts go past short line –Record
A7. i. Run-stop-hitii. High, early backswingiii. Throwing actioniv. Follow through highv. Move down centre and thenstep to sidevi. Keep comfortable distanceaway from ball
A8. Figure. Same practice onbackhand side
A8. i. Back of right shoulder toface front wall on backswingii. Keep wrist firm
A9. Figure. Rally started byplayer A, succeeding players hitthe ball in turnPlayers try to keep the shots onthe forehand side and at thelevel of the short line
A9. i. Keep away from and toside of ballii. SAFETY Move quickly out ofthe wayiii. SAFETY Watch the ball all thetimeiv. SAFETY Take care not to hit ifanother player is near
A10. Same practice on backhandside
A15. Mini game in 3/4 court1 v 1 to 3 pointsOnly serve from left side
Rules(i.-iv. ) as abovev. Only score with servicevi. If Receiver wins the rally,she/he wins the right to serve.
A16. Same game, serving fromright side
A17. Mini game in full courtPlay to 5 pointsOther players outside court canscore.A17. Tactics. Hit the ball awayfrom opponentTry to get ball to back corners
Rules(i.-vi.) as abovevii. Players toss for right toserveviii. Serving player chooseswhich side to serve fromix. If server wins the rally andscores a point, she/he mustthen serve from the other side.
8
B. Straight Volleys (Beginners)
The straight-length volley is often needed to return the serve, or cutthe ball off before it reaches the back of the court.
Figure. 1 Forehand (a)
B1
B2
Forehand Backhand
B4C C
AA B1 B
B5D E
A
C B
F
B7
B
E F
AC
D
(b) Figure. 2 Backhand
OrganisationTeaching Points/Problems
B1. How do you return the shotwhich is not going to hit thefloor in front of the short line?
B1. Figure. Rally in front ofshort linePractices to improve contact andlength on the volley.
B2. Figure. Forehand volley rallyto side walls.Target 5-10-15-20 shots.
B2. i. Same sideways positionas drivesii. Short backswingiii. Punchy shotiv. Racket head above the handv. Rally about 2m from wall
B3. Backhand volley rally
B3. i. Keep wrist firmii. Back of hand facing the frontwall through the shot
B4. Figure. A Under or overarmfeedB Volley forehandB1 Volley backhandC Volley rally to side wallsChange after 5 shotsA-B B-C C-A
B4. i. Feeders throw aboveservice line. Feed must bestraight.ii. SAFETY Do not hit fromcentre of courtiii. Open racket faceiv. Watch and hit underside ofballv. Grip further down handle ifproblems making contactvi Follow through in direction ofshot
B5. Figure. A Under or overarmfeed or teacher racket feed.B-F Volley forehand play shadowshot on backhand, return toback quarter.Try to hit past short me. Changeafter 6 shots if pupils feed.Score points – 1 for contact2 for shot behind short line.
B5. i. Feed needs to be abovethe service line and straight.Move nearer front wall forplayers having difficulty inmaking contactii. Reach for the ball, hit slightlyahead of leading shoulderiii. Run-stop-hitiv. Hit above service linev. Follow through high
B6. Same practice on backhandside
B6. i. Back of right shoulderfacing front wall on backswing.
B7. Figure. A Feeds high (underor overarm)B Hits straight forehand volleyC Feeds high (under or overarm)B Hits straight backhand volleyD+F Field ball and return tofeederE Counts shots and scores4 shots each, then rotate anti-clockwise.Score points– 1 for hit to correct side ofcourt– 2 for hit beyond short line.
B7. TacticsReturn to ‘T’ between shotsi. Move feeders forward ifplayers have difficulty in hittingthe volley
9
RulesLose rally if ball:
i. Bounces twice
ii. Hits TIN
iii. Goes OUT – (on or above outof court line)
iv. Play LET (replay rally) ifplayers obstruct each other
v. Only score when serving
Rulesi-v. As above.vi. Players toss to decide whoserves first.vii. Serving player chooseswhich side to serve from.viii. If server wins the rally andscores a point, she/he mustthen serve from the other side.
C. Service (Beginners)The best service should force a difficult defensive return, often on thevolley and close to the side wall.
A lob serve is the easiest type for beginners.
B8. Figure. Rally to front wall or,with care, 2 pairs against theside wall.
2 players rally, hitting the ballhigh, and trying to volley.
3 attempts
Score number of consecutiveshots and score volleys.
B9. Figure. Mini-game 3/4 court
A serves to B from left box.Allow players to stand furtherforward it necessary and have 2or 3 attempts. Allow bounce/hitserve.
Players try to hit high and volley.
A ball hitting the floor in theclear area is out.
Score to 5 points.
B9. Ensure other players stay insafe position in clear backcorner
TacticsHit ball close to side walls andto back of court on long sideMove back to ‘T’ betweenshots.
B10. Same game serving fromright box.
B11. Mini game in full court.Other players wait outside.Play to 5 points.
B11. TacticsHit ball away from opponent.
B8
B9
A
C2
Lob serve from right box Lob serve from left box
Introducing the serveand service rules
Organisation
Teaching Points/Problems
C1. Game in 3/4 of the court to3 or 5 pointsSpare players score and observe
C1. i. Can a correct serve bedelivered?ii. Does the serve forceopponent to volley? Why not?iii. What kind of serve isneeded? More height/widthiv. Where does/should receiverstand to return the serve?
Reminder of playing rulesi. Single bounceii. ‘Out’ – ‘Tin’iii. ‘Let’ for obstructioniv. Only score on service
Practices to improve contactand height on serve
C2. Figure. Players hit to sidewall and catch their own shot.10 hits.
C2. i. Ball is thrown up and hitii. Watch and hit underside ofballiii. Keep backswing fairly shortiv. Swing slowlyv. Move grip further up rackethandle if player has difficulty inmaking contact and stand closerto the wall
10
C3
B
A
B
A
B
A
C4
A B B A
C5
AB BA
C C
Serve from left box C6
Serve from right box C7
Serve from left - straight return C8
A
C D E
B
Serve from rightstraight return C10
AB
Rulesi. Playing and service rules
C3. Figure. Players A hit to sidewallPartners B catch and return ballto server5 hits, and change with partner
C3. i. Hit upwards gentlyii. Players at back of court canusually (if there is a solid sidewall) hit above the out lineiii. Open racket face
C4. Figure. Players A hit fromservice boxPlayers B catch from behindshort linePlayers C hit and catch own shotto side walls5 shots, then rotate C-A-B-C
C4. i. Hit above service lineii. Move players forward if theyhave difficulty in making contact
C5. Figure. Players A hit fromshort lineCatchers B try to catch the shotFielders C return ball to A5 shots then rotate C-B-A-C
C5. i. Catchers may jump butnot move outside service box.ii. Hit high and gently to frontwall.
C6. Figure. Serve from left boxmove across to collect the balland return to left back quarter6 serves eachHow many into back quarter?– Record
C6. i. Line shoulders, hips andfeet with direction of serveii. Aim a metre or two above theservice line, at a point about mid-way between 1/2 court line andservice box
C7. Figure. Serve from righthand box
C7. i. Aim to middle of front walljust below out line
Practices to improve length anddirection of return
Rulesi. Ball must be thrown up and hitii. When the ball is struck theserver must have one foot (or partof foot) inside the lines of theservice box – no part of that footmay touch the line.iii. Service must hit the front wallbefore any other part of the courtiv. Ball must hit front wall above theservice line and below the out linev. The serve (unless volleyed) mustreach the floor inside the lines ofthe opposite back quarter (shaded)
C8. Figure. Serve from left boxand return straightPlayer A serves, player B hitsstraight returnPlayer A moves to receivepositionPlayer B returns to left backcornerPlayer C serves etc6 returns eachHow many behind short line? –record.
C8. i. Serve moves to ‘T’ afterserveii. Servers with difficulty inmaking contact or correct lengthshould stand further forward.iii. Allow at least 2 servesiv. Receiver stands about a racketlength outside the back corner ofthe service boxv. Receiver should face nearestfront corner and watch the serverhit the ballvi. Keep the head of the rackethighvii. Watch and hit underside of ballviii. Return may be drive or volleyand should be to a length.
C9. Continue rally in 3/4 court(shaded area).A ball hitting the floor in the cleararea is outRally winner scores pointKeep individual scoresRotate players after each rallyWinner is first player to sixpoints.
C9. Waiting players stay in safeback quarter (clear area).
C10. Figure – Serve from rightbox and return straight
C10. i. On the left side of courtreceiver should play a backhandso that they keep a position in thecentre of the court and are notplastered against the side wall.ii. The serve which touches theside wall may bounce out intocourt. Receiver must move awayto allow room for the shot.
C11. Continue rally in 3/4 court.
C12. Return to 3/4 court gameServe from left box5 points
C12. Try to force a defensivereturn with the service.
C13. 3/4 court game with servefrom right boxGame to 5 pointsAllow 2 serves
C14. Game to 9 pointsSpare players learn to scoreComplete Bronze Star Award
C14. Summary of Tacticsi. Return to 'T'ii. Hit away from opponentiii. Watch ball behindiv. Straight length to back ofcourt
11
Introducing the BoastOrganisation/Teaching Points/Problems
Figure. 1. Backhand Boast
D. Boast (Beginners)The standard boast is played to hit the nearest side wall and reboundsto the opposite corner of the front wall. The boast can be played as anattacking shot with the opponent behind and on the same side of thecourt or as a defensive shot to return a ball from deep in the backcorner.
D1. Game in 3/4 courtUp to 5 pointsSpare players score andobserve
D1. i. What shot can be playedto reach the opposite frontcorner when opponent is atthe back?ii. How to return a ball whichlands deep in the back corner?
D2. Figure. Boast and collectthe ballIn turn, players throw the ballgently to side wall and afterbounce on floor, play boast.Move to front corner to collectthe ball and return to back.
D2. i. Stand in sidewaysposition but turned moretowards the back corner.ii. The ball is struck when on aline with the leading foot andhit to side wall 1/2 to 1 metreahead of the player.iii. The ball should hit the frontwall and the opposite side wallvery low and bounce only ashort distance from the frontwall.
D3. Figure. Players try toreach the ball and play astraight drop before returningto the back of the court.
D3. i. Open racket face andfollow through high to lift ballup the side wallii. Angle required to reach theopposite front corner.iii. Cross court and boast.
D4. Figure. Teacher or pupil Afeeds a cross court shot (frontwall – side wall)B boasts and returns to backcourt.Change after 8 shots if pupilfeeds.Each player hits 6 shotsHow many out of 6? Record.
D4. i. Keep away from theball.
D2
D3
D4
A B
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D5(a)A serves
A
B
D C
D5(b)B drives straight
A
B
D C
D5(c)A boasts C collects ball
C
A
C B
E1. Figure. Game in 1/2 courtPlay in shaded area 6 points(American – point per rallyscoring).Start with drive – player must beable to return first shotAny waiting players observe andanalyse successful shotsWith a group of accurateplayers, you might consider onepair playing on backhand side atthe same time.SAFETY.
E1. i. Players must move aroundeach other.ii. Hit and move away to centreof court.iii. SAFETY Take care not to hitthe ball if opponent is in front.iv. What shots do you need tohit the ball away from youropponent in this long, narrowcourt area?Drop and lob.v. What problems occur whenboth players play short shots?– obstruction
E2. Figure. Players attemptcontrolled short rallyUse front and back wallsA. C. ForehandB. D. Backhand3 rallies then rotateA-B-C-D-A
E2. i. The shot requires goodcontrol and should be playedfrom a low, balanced, sidewaysposition.ii. The straight drop should stayclose to the side wall andbounce near the front wall.
E3. Figure. A Feeds underarmB Plays forehand dropC Plays backhand drop
E3. i. Slow stroke with theracket face open and a shorterfollow throughii. The ball is hit just ahead ofthe leading leg and aimed to hitthe front wall low.
E. Drop (Beginners)The drop is a short shot played to draw the opponent forward or playa winner when he/she is at the back of the court.
Although easier to play from the front of the court, care must be takenthat the opponent is well back in the court when the drop is played.
Introducing the dropOrganisation/Teaching Points/Problems
D6. 3/4 Court game5 pointsBonus point if rally won with aboast, whether player is servingor receiving.
E1
E2
B A
C D
E3
C B
A A
Serve – Straight Length – Boast
D5. Figs. (a) (b) (c)A ServesB Drives straightA BoastsC Collects ball and serves to A
D5. i. Simple serve – to makestraight return easierii. Move to ‘T’ after serveiii. Drive to service box – not fulllengthiv. Move away quickly behindincoming player after the drive.
13
E4. Figure. A Underarm feed orteacher racket feed.Players move in turn from the T’Play a forehand drop.Play a shadow shot on backhand.Return to back quarter.
E4. i. Run-stop-hitii. Watch and hit underside of balliii. Keep wrist firm
E5. Same practice for backhanddrop
E6. Figures. A Feeds underarmB Hits forehand drop and returnsto T’C Feeds underarmB Hits backhand dropD Counts shots and scoresPlay 4 shots and rotateA-B-C-D-AScore drops within a suitabletarget
E6. i. Return to ‘T’ii. Hit front wall first
E7. Figure. A player or teacherfeeds with a boast.Each player in turn moves fromthe ‘T’ to play a drop shotChange after 6 shots if pupilsfeedHow many out of 6 shots intotarget area. Record.
E7. i. Move down the centre ofthe court and then towards sidewallii. Keep well away from side wallif the boast goes front wall/sidewall.
E8. Game in 1/2 court (side) Useboth sides if players are accurateenough for it to be SAFE.
E8. i. Drop when in front ofopponent.ii. Move away quickly.
Rulesi. Hitting your opponent withthe ballii. Function and calls of marketand referee
E9 GameFull game to 9 points Spareplayers mark and referee.
E9. i. When is the dropshotuseful?ii. When does the drop get youinto trouble?
E4
A
E6
AB
C
D
E7
AF2
B
C C
A
F3
C
A
B
A
F1. Game in 1/2 courtUse both sides of court ifplayers are safe and accurate.
F1. i. Players must movearound each otherii. SAFETY Take care not to hitthe ball if opponent is in front.iii. Hit and move away to centreof courtiv. How can you get youropponent to the back of thislong, thin court?v. How can you give yourselftime to move back to a goodposition after moving forward toreturn the drop shot?
F2. Figure. A. B throw gentleunderarm to front wall. Afterbounce try to lob ball over ownhead to partner at back of court.A ForehandB BackhandC Field and throw ball back topartnerChange places after 3 shotsChange sides of court
F2. i. Get racket under the ballii. Hit the ball high over ownhead to back of courtiii. Hit softly
F3. Figure. A Feeds underarmB Lobs forehandC Lobs backhandChange places with partner after5 shotsChange sides of court
F3. i. Reach forward to hit the ballii. Keep racket face openiii. Ball should rise higher than theout line and drop near the back ofthe court
F. Lob (Beginners)The lob is a high, slow cross-court or straight shot to the back of thecourt, usually played from the front-of-the-court, to allow the playertime to return to a good position. The shot slows the game down andkeeps the opponent at the back of the court. The lob is easier andmore often played as a cross-court shot in the game, but with a groupof players, they get more chance to hit the ball if the early practicesuse a straight lob.
Introducing the LobOrganisation/Teaching Points/Problems
14
F4. Figure. A Underarm feeds orteacher racket feedsPlayers B-C-D-E move in turnfrom the 'T’Play a forehand lobPlay a shadow shot on backhandand return to back quarterF = Fielder. Catches and returnsball to feeder.If players feed, change feederafter 3 shotsScore – 1 point if ball landsbehind service box1 point it ball goes over feeder’shead2 points for both
F4. i. Lift the ballii. Bend knees to get under theballiii. Sideways position but turnedslightly more towards frontcorneriv. Hit when well ahead ofleading leg
F5. Same practice on backhandside
F5. i. Lift the ball up the front ofthe wallii. The shot must be high enoughto prevent the opponent fromvolleying in mid court
F6. Figure. A Feeds underarmB Lobs forehand and return to T’C Feeds underarmB Lobs backhandD Counts shots and scores4 shots, then rotate
F6. Return to ‘T’ between shots
F7. The same set up can beused for the cross-court lob withthe spare player acting as fielderto retrieve balls and return themto feeders.
F7. i. Hit the ball when furtherforwardii. Lift high up front walliii. Ball should drop in backcorner
F8. Figure. A Feeds underarm BLobs forehand cross-court overwallC.D.E. Stand on short line toform a wallF Catches and scoresScore – 1 point for lob over wallto catcherRotate.
F8. Aim lob to touch side wallnear back line of service box anddrop in back corner
F9. The same practice on thebackhand
F10. Figure. A plays backhandboast. Other players move inturn to play cross court forehandlob
F10. Backhand boast should beplayed high, softly and fromaround the short line
F11. Same practice on oppositeside of court
F12. Full game to 9 points.Spare players mark and referee
F12. i. Hit ball away fromopponentii. When to drop?iii. When to lob?
F4
C
D
B
AE F
F6
C D
B
A
F8F
B
A
E D C
F10
A
15
ScoringA game is won by a player who first reaches 9 points. Only the servermay add a point to her/his score through winning a rally. If theopponent wins the rally, she/he earns the right serve, and DOES NOTadd a point to her/his score. If the score becomes 8-all, then thereceiver must state whether she/he wishes the game to be playedto 9 (set 1) or 10 points (set 2).
ServiceThe server must have at least part of one foot completely withinthe service box and not touching any line when the ball is struckotherwise a foot fault is called. The service must hit the front wallabove the service line and bounce back into the opponent’s majorsquare (opposite back quarter). Each time the server wins the rally,and therefore the point, she/he must serve from the other side.Figure 2.
Service FaultsThe server loses the rally and the right to serve when:(i) There is a foot fault(ii) The ball touches the floor or wall before the server hits it(iii) The ball fails to hit the front wall before any other part of the court(iv) The ball hits the front wall on or below the service line(v) The ball (unless volleyed) fails to land in the opposite back quarter(vi) The ball hits the tin or goes out of court(vii) The server misses the ball or hits it twice
Unit 2The Game
Student Notes (Beginners)
Squash is similar in some respects to tennis. The server sets the ballin motion; it is returned by the opponent and kept in play bycontinually being hit on the front wall without it:
(i) bouncing twice on the floor(ii) hitting the tin(iii) being hit out of court; this includes touching the out lines
which are red(iv) being carried or hit twice
Referee and Marker
Out-of-court line
Half court line
Out line
Service line
Tin
Short line
Service box
Figure 2 Serve and receivepositions serve from right box
Server
Receiver
16
Figure 3 X=’T’ position 1 metrebehind short line
Figure 4 Target area for shots(shaded)
Rules (Some essential rules simplified for the beginner. Forfurther details check the full up-to-date rules of the game).
1. Lets and Strokes. In general if you and your opponent get ineach other’s way, or are unsure whether a shot was good or not, a‘Let’ should be played. (The rally is played again). However, if aplayer is prevented from playing a winner, she/he should beawarded the rally. The players must make every effort to get out ofthe way after playing the stroke, and the rally should be awardedto her/his opponent if she/ he does not do so.
2. Hitting your Opponent with the Ball: If your shot hits youropponent on its way to the front wall, you win the rally. If it hitsher/him on its way to or from the side or back wall, you play a let.
SafetyBeing hit by the ball is painful and can be very dangerous. Thesepoints will help to keep the game safe;(i) Never swing the racket if another player is close(ii) Never hit the ball if there is a player in front of you(iii) Always knock before opening the court door. Look to see if a
player is near the door if there is a viewing panel(iv) Do not leave squash balls on the court floor
The BallThere are 4 speeds of squash balls. Faster balls (white, red, blue) areeasier for beginners because they bounce more.On colder courts the ball bounces less, so faster balls need to beused.Blue dot – FastRed dot – MediumWhite dot – SlowYellow dot – Very slow – match ball used for competitions
TacticsYou should be able to reach any shot if you are standing at the ‘T’position in the centre of the court. Therefore, you should recover tothe centre of the court as quickly as possible after playing each stroke.Essentially your aim is to control the centre of the court during a rally,keeping your opponent running from side to side, or back andforward. To do this you need to hit your shots away from the centre ofthe court, and away from your opponent. The shaded area shows thetarget area for your shots. Figure. 3/4
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Developing shots and tactics
ObjectivesA. Play straight length from front and back (include movement to frontand back)B. Playing the cross-court shotC. Variations on the volley – shortD. Variations on the serveE. Attacking with the boastF. Attacking shots at the front – drops, short killsG. Defensive playH. Varying the pace
Further objectives to develop the game might be:Accuracy of shotConsistency of shotDeceptionAttacking opponent’s strengths or weaknessesSpeed to the front of courtCutting the ball off early
Some objectives will need more than one session to developthoroughly and the following format can be used:
Warm upOrganise a game to illustrate the theme
Game breaks down – analyse problemsa) techniqueb) understanding
Demonstrate as and when necessary
Practise elements in simple form
Combine elements in a sequence of shots
Increase movement or accuracy required
Conditioned game using theme
Cool down and summary
Lessons for better playersA. Straight length from front and back
(T) Weak shots from the back of the court usually lead to loss of therally.
(T) Players must be able to hit a good length and width from the frontand the back of the court.
(T) The ability to counter attack from the back of the court and returnlength with length is essential.
Skills, drills and gamesStaff/Student Notes (Players)
As players improve and master basic strokes and tactics, some of thevariations and developments can be practiced.
The greatest difference between a school-level player and a topInternational is that one can hit the required shot sometimes, but theother can do this all the time and from any position on the court.
Achieving a higher level can mostly be done by working on themes(e.g. 'playing straight’, 'defensive play’ etc), using sequences of shotsin much the same way that you might practise a few bars of a piece ofmusic many times and then put it back into the whole piece –hopefully much improved.
There is still a need sometimes to go back to the simple feedingsituations used for beginners to work on problems with the techniqueof a shot.
Check teaching points in beginner section.
Many of the beginner practices can be adapted by introducing smallertarget areas, increasing the number or reducing the time betweenshots to work at a higher level.
The three-person practices using two feeders and two balls with onehitter can be speeded up to increase pressure on the player.
To improve quality and increase interest, practices can be scored as agame once a rally can be maintained for several shots. Define the areainto which the shot must go and score point per rally.
Scheme of work for better playersAims1. Develop the ability to choose, play, and vary shots to achieve higherlevels of success.2. Understand tactics needed in a variety of situations3. Understand and apply the rules of the game4. Understand and organise competitions5. Pass the SRA Gold Star Award
Information to achieve aims 3 and 4 has been given in the section onrules and is assessed in theory and practice in work sheets.
Tasks required for the Gold Award are marked*
Tactical points are noted (T)
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A. Starter gamePlayers rally in pairs in half (side) the court, trying to play all shotsbehind short line. SAFETY Only use both sides of the court if playersare accurate and well controlled. Record length of rally.
Problems will occur, particularly from the back of the court. Discussand practice.
Points to note
The basic sideways position needs to be the same for the drive fromthe back as it is for the drive from the front of the court.
Keep well away from the ball (racket length)
(T) Movement should be up or down the centre of the court, thenmove to the side.
Figure. Movement on the court
(T) Aim the length from the front of the court into the service box.Exaggerate the length from the back to make sure the ball goes deep,by trying to hit the back wall first and bounce into the area behind theservice box.
As performance improves, the practices can be scored/timed to givefeedback and improve quality. Set a time or number of shots andrecord the number of shots into the target area.
Check teaching points for the shots.
Prepare for the shot with an early backswing.
PracticesA1. Solo rally of consecutive shots which all bounce behind the shortline. As accuracy improves the target area can be reduced so that allthe shots land in the service box or into a thin corridor chalked on thefloor.
A2. Overhit drives. Solo rally of consecutive drives played to hit theback wall first and high enough so that they can be hit after bouncingon the floor.
A3 Figure. Player feeds short shot for partner to drive to length. Asmall (A4) piece of card placed in the back corner of the service boxmakes a good target to aim at.
A4. Player feeds shot into the service box for partner to drive orvolley to length. Aim to hit back wall and land in area behind servicebox.
A5. Figure. Long and short – 3 shot sequences for 2 players of 2straight length shots and 1 short shot, using 1 side of court.
Figure. A5.
Movement on the court
A3.1 A feeds short, low shot
BA
A3.2 B drives straight
B
A
B drives straight (forehand)
B
A
A drives straight (forehand)
BA
B drops straight (forehand)
BA
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A7. Drive and boast. One player boasts for partner to drive straight.Target 10 shot rally – Record
Figure. A7.
A feeds short ball
A
B drives straightAC
B
C feeds into service boxA
C
B
B drives straightA
CB
A8. 2 Drives and boast – 3 shot sequence of two straight length shotsand boast. This makes each player hit one length from the front andone from the back of the court.
Figure. A8.
A boastsA
B
B drives
A
B
A boastsA B
B drives
A
B
A9. Conditioned game where one player returns every shot with astraight length.
A boasts (forehand)A
B
B drives (backhand)
A
B
A drives (backhand)A B
A6. in 3 s, two feeders with a ball each. Player A feeds short, player Bhits straight length, player C feeds into service box, player B hitsstraight length. Score.
Figure. A6
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B. Playing the cross-court shot(T) Cross-court shots need to be played with care as they go throughthe centre of the court and if played at the wrong time or to the wrongplace can easily be cut off by the opponent.
Starter game
Play a game trying to keep opponent behind you. Use standardscoring and rules.
Analysea) if cross court shots are being played unintentionallyb) are they cut off by opponent – why?
Points to noteThe ball should be hit when slightly further forward (approximately ona line between front foot and nearest front corner)
(T) Most cross-court shots should hit the side wall on a level with theback line of the service box and die away in the back corner.
(T) When opponent is well forward in the court, the shot should bewider and hit the side wall further forward.
PracticesB1. Figure. Player for partner to drive cross court. Aim for side wallnear back line of service box.
B2. Figure. Boast – cross-court – straight length. This three-shotsequence occurs constantly in the game in various different forms andis a development of one used in the beginners section (D.5.) Thecross-court shot may be either a drive, a lob or the service and thestraight length may be played either as a drive or a volley.
Figure. B2.
B3. Boast and optional drive. Player boasts for partner to drive eitherstraight or cross court. Progress to scoring as a game.
B4. Figure. Cross-court volley game. Point per rally scoring to 10points. Players serve alternately. All shots are aimed into the oppositeback quarter and must be volleyed. The rally is lost when the ball:i) hits the tin or is out of courtii) lands outside the opposite back quarteriii) hits the floor in the player’s own back quarter
B5. Straight and cross court volleys. Player feeds high straight shotfor partner to volley either straight or cross court.
B6. Conditioned game with one player having to play all shots behindthe short line.
A boasts (forehand)A
B
Boast and Cross Court Drives
B drives cross court (backhand)
A
B
A boastsA
B
B drives cross court
A
B
A plays straight lengthA
B
A volleys (forehand)AB
Cross-court volley game
B volleys (backhand)AB
Figure. B1.
Figure. B4.
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B volleys shortA
B
A feeds high shotA
B
A feeds high straight shot
AB
A feeds high shot
BAC
C4. Boast – cross-court – straight. The sequence described in B2,playing the cross-court shot as a high lob for the player to volleystraight to a length or short.
C5. Conditioned game where one player has to prevent all shots fromreaching the back wall or the rally is lost. Standard scoring and rulesor repeat starter game.
Analyse error rate on long and short volleys.
Points to note (short volley)Use a short slow hit to reduce pace and aim for a point low on thefront wall, near the side wall.
Racket must be taken up high and early above the ball on thebackswing.
Played with an open racket to apply backspin to the ball.
The cross-court shot should be taken earlier and aimed to hit frontwall and then the side wall very low.
PracticesC1. Solo rally of consecutive length volleys from behind the shortline. Record.
C2. Player feeds a high straight shot for partner to volley short andthen drive back to feeder.
C3. in 3 s, two feeders with a ball each, feed a high straight shot onalternate sides. Hitter, starting from and returning to the ‘T’ playslength volley on one side and short volley on the other.
Figure. C3.
C. Variations on the volleyWhen a reasonable standard has been achieved with length volleys,work can start on the short volley played straight or cross court.
(T) This shot can be the source of many errors as well as winners andmust be used with care.
Starter gameLong/short volley game. Figure. Player feeds a high straight shot andpartner can choose to volley long or short. Both long and short volleyshave to be played to target areas and points are scored for successfulshots.
B volleys straight length
B
ACC feeds high shot
B AC
B volleys straight (short)
B AC
B volleys straight
BA
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D. Variations on the serve(T) There are many variations on serve which can be used to force anerror or at least a weak defensive volley or boast.
Starter gamePlay a few points of a game with standard scoring and analyse theeffectiveness of the serve.
Does it force the receiver to play a difficult volley or to boast?
Points to note(a) Low, hard serve. This is usually aimed to hit the side wall low,near the back line of the service box, but as a variation(b) can be directed straight at the opponent or(c) to her/his backhand side when serving from the left.
Take care to hit the front wall above the service line or the serve willbe lost.
(T) These serves must die near the back wall.
(d) Backhand serve. May be used from the right hand side to achievea narrower angle and make an attacking volley difficult to play.
Aim for the side wall near the back of the service box.
(e) Corkscrew serve. Much loved by young, keen players with plentyof time to practise and usually played from the left box. Aim to hit theleft hand front corner (front wall/side wall) very high.
The ball then screws across the court to the opposite back corner.Difficult to return when unexpected as it will bounce into the wall ifallowed to hit the floor.
Step well across to the centre of the court to get the right angle intothe front corner.
Take care to hit the front wall first and not to footfault.
Figure. D1. 1-5
PracticesD1. Aim to targets for the serve. A racket propped up against the sidewall at the back of the service box makes a good target for the hardlow serve, and a small display board for the serves at opponent ordown the backhand side. Score points for target hits.
Figure. D1. 1,2,3,4
D2. Serve and try to win the rally. Take four serves each. Allow asecond serve if a fault is served.
D3. Conditioned game, allowing each player to serve for X points anda second serve if a fault is served.
D4. Game with standard rules and scoring. Marker and referee to calland score the game.
Low, hard to side D1.1
Low, hard to opponent D1.2
Low, hard to backhand D1.3
Backhand serve D1.4
Corkscrew serve D1.5
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E2. Boast and cross court. See B1. Player tries to hit two wall boast.
E3. Volley boast and straight. The same sequence as A7 with thestraight shot played fairly high and the boast as a volley.
E4. Boast – cross court – straight. See B2.
E5. Boast and variable length. Player drives or lobs straight or crosscourt to length and partner boasts every shot. Score as a game whereall length shots have to be over the short line and the boast has toreach the front wall.
E6. Conditioned game, with a bonus point if the rally is won with aboast.
E. Attacking with the boast(T) A boast played from in front of the opponent can be a valuableattacking move, drawing the player to the front of the court and oftenwinning the rally.
(T) Can be particularly effective when courts are fast and drop shotsdifficult to play.
Starter gamePlay a few points of a game and note shots played when in front ofopponent.
Is the side wall used?Where does the effective boast finish?What type of boast is played?
Points to noteThe attacking boast is usually played to hit two walls and should dieclose to the front wall, before reaching the opposite side wall.
Usually played with an open racket to cut the ball.
PracticesE1. Progressive boast (needs three or more players) Player A startswith a boast and moves forward, player B returns cross court andmoves to the back, player C boasts and moves forward, player Areturns cross court etc.
Figure. E1. 1-5
A boasts and moves forwardAC
B
B drives cross court
AC
B
C boasts and moves forward
A
CB
A drives cross court
A C
BB boasts and moves forward
A
C
B
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F. Attacking shots at the front(T) A number of different shots can be played at the front of the courtto try and win the rally. The basic plan uses drops, volley drops andvolley boasts. Other shots (e.g. short angles, reverse angles and shortkills) can be introduced later to increase the repertoire.
Starter gamePlay a game, giving a bonus point if a winner can be played from infront of opponent.
Are there any tactical or technical problems in playing these shots?
What shots are used?
Points to note
(T) Playing short off a short shot can be dangerous as the player isout of position and may have difficulty clearing the shot.
(T) Players should either: a) use deception so that opponent is unableto anticipate the shot.b) be certain that opponent is well back in the court, orc) play a very accurate shot which clings to the side wall, bouncesvery low or into the nick and is hard to return.
(T) Having played the ball, move very quickly to clear the shot andreach a good central position before opponent can return the shot.
PracticesF1. Player feeds short from behind – partner drops, then drives ownshot.
F2. Player lobs from front for partner to play short, straight volley.
F3. Channel game, trying to play short when in front. Play in half(side) the court or the width of the service box with more accurateplayers. SAFETY – use both sides if players are safe and accurate forthese games.
F4. in 3's, two feeders with a ball each, one feeds short, the otherhigh. Hitter plays drop one side and short volley the other. (see A6.)
F5. Two drives and volley boast. (see A8.)
F6. Conditioned game, with a bonus point for winners at the front.
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G. Defensive play(T) Sound defence is based on the ability to return any shot,preferably to a good length and reach a good position in mid-courtbefore opponent can hit the ball.
(T) Defensive play is particularly important when a player is receivingservice.
The plan practices length drives and volleys, lobs and boasts.
Starter gamePlay a game and analyse unforced errors. Relate to serving/receiving.
Points to note(T) Straight shots must be very close to the side walls so that theycan’t be easily cut off and cross-court shots must be wide enough toreach the side walls towards the back of the service box.
(T) Lobs must be high enough to prevent opponent from volleying inmidcourt, and give time for the player to regain the ‘T’ position.
(T) First priority for the defensive boast is to make sure it reaches thefront wall and it is usually played to hit three walls.
Keep well away from the ball, and turn to face the back corner to givespace for the shot.
An alternative form of defensive boast is the skid boast.
The ball hits the front wall very high and close to the nearest frontcorner and then follows the path of a cross-court lob.
PracticesG1. Straight length rally, hitting all shots behind short line and tryingto keep shots close to the side wall.
G2. Player feeds short ball for partner to lob straight.
G3. Long and short (see A5) How long can rally be maintained?
G4. Player hits cross court for partner to boast. Use this sequence topractise 3 wall and skid boasts and improve consistency.
G5. Player hits straight or cross-court lengths for partner to boast.How long can rally be maintained? Score as a game.
G6. Conditioned game in which players hit only length shots andboasts.
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H. Varying the pace(T) Playing all shots at a constant speed makes it far easier for anopponent to anticipate and time her/his shots.
(T) Varying the pace by mixing slow lobs or drops with hard-hit drivesand volleys will not allow opponent to settle into a rhythm.
(T) Some players find a slow/hard game difficult to play against and itis essential that players are able to use both types of game.
Points to note(T) The backswing for all shots should be the same, making it harderfor the opponent to anticipate the shot.
PracticesH1. Player feeds short for partner to play alternate straight drive andlob.
H2. In 3 s, two feeders with a ball each, feed short for hitter to playhard length one side and lob or drop on the other.
H3. In 3 s, two feeders with one ball. Player A boasts, player B lobscross court, player A feeds short, player B drives cross court, etc.
Figure. H3. 1-6
H4. in 3s as above, but feeders either boast or feed short, hitter playsalternate soft and hard shots.
H5. Boast – drop – drive/lob. Player A boasts, player B drops, playerA drives or lobs player B boasts etc. This sequence can be played witheither a straight or cross court drive and works better if to start withthe drop is played as a short feed rather than to win the rally.
Figure. H5. 1-6
H6. Conditioned game players try; a) all hard shots b) all soft shots c)vary hard and soft.
A boasts H3.1AC
B
B lobs cross court H3.2
AC
B
A feeds short H3.3AC
B
B drives cross court H3.4
AC
B
C boasts H3.5
ACB
B lobs cross court H3.6
ACB
A boasts H5.1
AB
Boast, drop, drive (straight)
B drops H5.2
A
B
A drives straight H5.3
A
B
B boasts H5.4
AB
A drops H5.5
A
B
B drives straight H5.6
A
B
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Unit 3The Game
Rules
The rules of the game are reviewed and changed if necessary everyfour years.
Changes may be needed to simplify the rules or plug loopholes inexisting rules and make sure that the game is fair for all players.
Teachers should make sure they have an up-to-date copy of the rules– currently May 1997.
The following is a simplified version of essential rules:
2. Scoringi. only the server can score a pointii. winner is the first player to score 9 pointsiii. if the score reaches 8-8 the receiver has the choice of:
– score to 9 pointsset 2 – score to 10 points
iv. matches are usually played as the best of 3 or 5 games
3. Servicei. players toss to decide who serves firstii. players can serve from either side at the start and each time they
regain the serveiii. after winning a point the server must then serve from the other side
1. PlayingThe rally is lost if the ball:i. bounces twice before being hitii. fails to hit the front walliii. goes out (hits the wall or ceiling on or about the out line)
ALL LINES IN SQUASH ARE OUTiv. hits the tinv. is carried or double hit
Figure. 1. The Court
FRONT WALL
SERVICE LINE
TIN
SHORT LINE
SERVICE BOX
HALFCOURTLINE
SIDEWALL
SIDEWALL
OUT LINE
6.40m (21ft)
2.13m(7ft)
9.75m(32ft)
4.57m(15ft)
0.48m (19ins)
1.83m(6ft)
1.60m (5ft 3ins)
1.60m(5ft 3ins)
SERVICE BOX
4.26m(13ft 10ins)
4. Service FaultsThe server loses the rally and the right to serve when:i. there is a foot faultii. the ball touches the floor or wall before the server hits itiii. the serve fails to hit the front wall before any other part of the courtiv. the ball hits the wall on or below the service linev. the ball (unless volleyed) fails to land in the opposite back quartervi. the serve hits the line or goes out of courtvii. the server misses the ball or hits it twice
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5. Hitting an Opponent with the ball. If a good return (the ball wouldhit the front wall between the tin and the out line) hits your opponentyou either play a let (replay the point) or win the rally (stroke). Thedecision depends on whether or not the ball is going direct to thefront wall or is a boast which could hit either the side or backwall first.A direct hit to front wall — STROKE to striker
There are two exceptions to the ruleWhen the striker has turned or mentally turned on the ball, (i.e. theball was on one side of a player, who allowed it to come round behindhim/her and then hit it on the other side after it hit the back wall). Letplayed.
Figure. 4. The courtPositions of marker and referee
Figure. A1
ii) When the striker is making a second attempt to hit the ball. Letplayed
B Indirect hit to front wall via side or back wall. Let played
In all these situations the referee will make the same decisions if theplayer hits an opponent or refrains from making the stroke for fear ofinjuring them.
6. Hitting yourself with the ball. If your own shot comes back andhits you before the ball bounces twice you lose the rally.
There are two exceptions to this rule.i. If your opponent stops to play the ball in front of you and thenmoves away without hitting it. Let playedii. If your opponent’s position is so close that they prevent you frommoving away
7. Times. Five minutes are allowed to players to warm-up on thecourt before a match
After 21/2 minutes on one side, players change sides
There is an interval of one and a half minutes between games
8. Officials and their function. An important match is controlled bytwo officials (Marker and Referee) who sit together centrally behindthe back wall.
At lower levels it is more usual for one official to act as both markerand referee.
A serves wide tobackhand side of B andmoves to ‘T’
AB
A1.1
B turns and playsforehand after the ballhits the back wall. The ballhits A (Let)
AB
A1.2
Referee
Decides appeals (e.g. lets,strokes, marker's calls)
Makes decisions on rules whenrequired e.g. hitting opponentwith the ball
Keeps times
Checks court, ball, etc.
Records the score
Marker
Calls the play (e.g. out, etc.)
Records and calls the score(note the server's score isalways called first)
Repeats the referee's decision
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9. Calls of Playi. The Marker’s CallsFault/Footfault – faults that apply only to servicesOut – ball on or above out linesDown – ball hits the tin, or a ball that hits opponentNot up – double bounce or other incorrect hitHand out – when the service changes handsGame ball – when the server could win the game/matchMatch ball – in the next rally e.g. 8-7 game ballSet 1 – receiver has opted to play to 9 pointsSet 2 – receiver has opted to play to 10 pointsStop – to stop the game
12. Injuries If a player is ill orinjured and unable to play on,the course followed by thereferee will depend on how theinjury happened.
i. Self Inflictede.g. torn muscle,feeling sickAllow three minutes to recoveror concede the game
ii. Contributede.g. where the injury wasaccidentally contributed to, oraccidentally caused by theopponent.
iii. Opponent Inflictede.g. where injury was caused bythe opponent’s dangerous play,or by a deliberate or dangerousaction.
iv. BleedingIrrespective of the category ofthe injury, or of illness ordisability, a player shall notresume play while a wound thatis bleeding remains uncovered,or blood flow is visible from acovered wound or on any part ofthe player’s body or with bloodstained clothing.
Referee’s Line of Thinking
Was there any interference?Yes No è NO LETêCould the incoming player havereached the ball, could theyhave played a good return andwere they making every effortto do so?Yes No è NO LETêWas the outgoing playermaking every effort tomove clear?Yes No è NO LETêWas the incoming playerprevented from making awinning stroke?Yes No è NO LET
STROKE toobstructed player
If the marker is uncertain about a decision e.g. out not up, etc. hewill allow play to continue. It is then up to the player to appeal tothe referee that an opponent’s shot was out or not up, etc. Thisappeal is usually made at the end of the volley.
ii. The Referee CallsStop – to stop the gameYes let – players replay the pointNo let – continue with next rallyStroke to – stroke awarded to a playerTime – to signal the end of the knock up or interval between games15 seconds – to indicate 15 seconds before the end of the interval
THERE IS NO APPEAL AGAINST THE REFEREE’S DECISION
The referee will not interfere in the match unless he is certain themarker has failed to make the correct call e.g. out, not up etc or theplayer appeals or there is a danger to one or both players e.g. glassor water on court, or dangerous strokes.
10. The Scoring System. There are four recommended methodsfor recording the score.
The system illustrated is the simplest to teach.
Jane Sarah Only the server’s score is written down
OR1 L The server’s score is always ahead2 RS
0 R Draw a line across when it is hand out2 RX and write in the server’s score
8 R(2) R = Serving from right8 R L = Serving from left9 L X = Let awarded
S = Stroke awarded8 10 (2) = Set 2
11 Interference The rules on interference are hard to interpret butessentially a let is played if it would be fair to start the rally againon equal terms and a stroke is awarded if one player was in suchan advantageous position that it would not be fair to re-start therally on level terms.
Both players must make every effort to reach the ball and get out oftheir opponent’s way.
A player should stop and ask for a let if her/his opponent gets inthe way and prevents her/him from seeing, reaching or hitting theball.
Decisionallow 3 minutes to recover orconcede the game.
The player may then accept theinterval between games butmust then be ready to play on orconcede the match.
Allow 1hr to recover then re-start from the same score.
If unable to resume mustconcede the match.
Referee awards the match to theinjured player.
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CompetitionsCompetitions may be in the form of leagues, pools, tournaments,matches or some combination of all of these.
1. Leagues In a league the players or teams are put into groups andall play all in each group.
A. Individual League TableThe players are grouped according to standard and may play onegame best of three or best of five.
In this league, matches are the best of five games.
Individual League TableGroup 1 A B C D Points Group 2 A B C D Points
A Tom 6 3 2 11 A Sarah 1 5 3 9
B Dick 1 5 3 9 B John 6 3 2 11
C Jane 4 2 4 10 C Diana 2 4 3 9
D Harry 5 4 3 12 D Peter 3 3 1 7
Score – Player wins 3-0 points scored 6-13-1 5-23-2 4-3
At the end of the competitions, the two top scorers move up to thenext group and the two bottom scorers move down.
If the points are level, the result of the individual match decides theresult.
Use this formula to calculate the number of matches to be played ineach group.
(n 1)n = (4-1)4 = 3x4 = 12 = 6 Matches
2 2 2 2
n = no. of players
For a fun competition, player may be handicapped, using Americanscoring (point per rally).
B. Team League
In a team league, the matches are played involving teams of 3, 4 or 5players.
Team League TableDiv.1 A B C D E Points
A Woodford W. 6 1 1 2 10
B Hampstead C. 1 2 0 5 8
C Coolhurst 6 5 0 1 12
D Stripes 6 7 7 6 26 1st
E Cumberland 5 2 6 1 14 2nd
Score – The winning team scores a point for each player’s win, plus abonus of two points for the team win. This usually avoids the problemof two teams finishing level on points. If this does happen either thegames and points are totalled or the championship is given to theteam which won the match played between the two teams.
2. Pools. Some team competitions (e.g. world team event) are playedin pools.
The top teams are seeded and placed in different pools.
31
Pool A A B C D S Final Final
A England 3 3 3 1stEngland
B Ireland 0 3 2 2ndEngland 2/1
C Canada 0 0 1 4thN.Zealand
D Netherlands 0 1 2 3rd
England 3/0Pool B A B C D
A Australia 2 3 3 1stIreland
B N. Zealand 1 3 3 3 2ndAustralia 3/0
C Scotland 0 0 2 3rdAustralia
D W Germany 0 0 1 4th
World Team Event 1989
Scoring Pool Results: Ties Matches Difference in Games Won/LostPoints Won/Lost
In this example (part of the 1989 world team event) the top two teams(finalists) in the previous competition (1987) are put in different pools.
On the results of the pool, the teams are then seeded for the semi-finals and play a knock out.
3. Tournaments. Anyone running a large event should obtain theTournament Organisers Guide from the SRA.
Figure. This example of a 15 player competition shows the placing of abye and seeded players.
A. Byes. If the number of players is not a power of 2 i.e. 2-4-8-16-32,etc., some players will have a bye (a player has no opponent and goesstraight into the second round) to reduce the competition to one ofthose numbers.
The number of byes is calculated by taking the number of entries fromthe nearest power of 2 e.g. 15 players 16-15 = 1 Bye. The bye is givento the top seeded players.
B. Seeding. A seeding system is used so that in theory at least, thebest players meet in the final rounds.
To keep them separate in the early rounds, they are ranked in standardorder and then placed as follows:
1 – Top of draw2 – Bottom of draw3 – Top of bottom half4 – Bottom of top half
Players 5-8 are placed so that in the quarter finals they play as follows:5 plays 4, 6 plays 3, 7 plays 2, 8 plays 1.
The simple method to work out where seeded players should beplaced is: Take the number of seeds and add 1.
E.g. 8 seeds + 1 = 9, therefore no. 7 should be placed to meet no. 2seed in the quarter finals.
Note: An alternative is to draw for positions in groups i.e. 3-4, 5-8, 9-16
4. Matches. The majority of club and county matches in this countryare played with 5 players in the team.Some club and school league competitions are played 4 a side andwith a 2-2 draw the match result is decided by games or points won.The world team event is contested by teams of 3 a side.Whichever system is used, the players must be placed in order ofstandard.No 1 plays no 1, no 2 plays no 2 etc.
}
}}
32
Title of LeagueTeams: A (Home)Player A
A B A B A B A B A B
Div.No. Played at (Tie)v B (Away)
Beat/Lost to Player BRefereeMarker
Winner
WOMEN’S OVER 35’s CHAMPIONSHIP 1989
Angela Smith (Staffs) 1Bye
Penny Last (Middx)Marcia Oram (Essex)
Sandra Wrench (Beds) (4))Jean Wagner(Herts)
Jackie Candlin (Surrey)Wendy Cole (Kent)
Wendy Berry (Sussex)Ann Mohan(Berks)
Hilary Tabb (Berks)Avril Murphy (Essex) (3)
Joyce Tuomey (Kent)Eva Ringstrom (Sweden)
Maggie Gardner (Surrey)Rae Anderson (Aus) (2)
Seedings in Brackets CT=Court
13.00CT.5
Round OneLambsFri 14 April
13.45
CT.3
Quarter-FinalsLambsSat 15 April
13.00
Semi-FinalsWembleySun 16 April
16.15
FINALWembleyMon 17 April
13.45CT.2
15.15CT.1
16.00CT.5
20.45CT.1
20.00CT.5
19.15CT.2
13.00
CT.1
18.30
CT.1
17.00
CT.2
18.30
33
4. Half Squat
Stretching Exercises Mobilising Exercises
1. Arm Circling
2. Side Bends
3. Trunk Twists
4. Half Squat
5. Hip Flexors
Unit 4Physical Conditioning
As with all other sports and events, fitness for squash is specific, andany preparation which a player undergoes must relate to the followingfactors:
The demands of the sportThe needs of the playerThe time of year
Training
In order to become fit it is necessary to undergo a process known astraining which must be carefully structured and monitored inaccordance with the above factors.
Training is said to be governed by 4 “laws”:
Specificity – all preparation must relate to the sport, the individual’sneeds and the time of year.
Overload – the workload must be sufficient to put the body systemsunder stress, because only in this way will they become stronger andmore efficient.
Progression – the training load must be built up over time to cater forthe player’s improved standard of fitness and create the necessaryoverload.
Reversibility – the “use it or lose it” law, i.e. following a medium tolong term lay off, gains made will be diminished and eventually lost.
FitnessFitness is said to comprise the following integral elements:
StaminaSpeedStrengthSuppleness/flexibilityPsychology and skill
In this section it is mainly the first 4 factors which will be discussed,although in a game such as Squash, skill and technique are alwaysincluded within a physical conditioning programme.
Fitness for Squash. Prior to starting a training programme it is usefulto establish a starting point of the current level of fitness. This can bedone by undertaking a series of simple tests, examples of which are tobe found in Table 1 (see page 35). In order to test the effectiveness ofthe fitness training programme the tests should be re-done at abouttwo to three monthly intervals. If the player follows the scheduleregularly and there is an improvement in his/her fitness level then theschedule is achieving the desired effect. If there is no improvement, ora fall in performance, and the player has honestly followed theprescribed schedule then clearly a re-designed schedule is necessary.
Stamina/endurance. Squash is a game where the player requires agreat capacity for endurance. Matches are best of five games and,unlike many other sports, there is no time limit put on a match, whichis played out to a conclusion irrespective of how long it takes.
This type of fitness, and the training it requires, is known as aerobic,i.e. in the presence of oxygen. Activities such as continuous runningwould fall within this category, and would be the type of training doneduring the preparation phase of an annual schedule.
Within this endurance factor the Squash player is called upon toproduce short bursts of speed. This type of work, i.e. high intensity,short duration, is known as anaerobic, i.e., in the absence of oxygen.Shuttle runs and certain types of court training would be used here.(See Table 1 for examples). This high-quality work would be done atthe end of the Preparation phase and into the pre-competition andcompetition phases of training.
1. Calf
2. Quadriceps
3. Hamstrings
4. Adductors
34
Speed. To the Squash player speed is very important. Speed ofmovement, speed of reaction, speed of response and limb speed areall factors for consideration in training. Also linked to pure speed isagility and the ability to maintain balance after a sudden change ofdirection. As with anaerobic training, pure sprinting, shuttles andreaction time training must be included. As speed is important inSquash this type of work will go on throughout the training cycle, butbe at its height during the pre-competition phase and will be includedin “top up” training throughout the season.
NB. Warm-up and cool-down. Before starting to train it is essentialthat the player is thoroughly warmed up as this will both prepare thebody for the vigorous activity which is to follow, and help to preventinjury. In Squash training the match warm up alone is not sufficient toachieve this, and most good players will undertake an off court warm-up before both training and competition. This should involve a gradualbuild up of jogging and stretching to some exercise which will reflectthe type of activity encountered in the game, for example shuttle runsand other sprint activities. Cooling down is often forgotten, but it is avital factor in allowing the body to process the waste productsproduced by exercise and help prevent stiffness. Stretching andjogging (for examples see Table 1) are good activities for this phase.
Strength. Absolute strength is not a requisite for fitness in squash,rather what is needed is power (strength x speed) and activities suchas exercise circuits are good training for this factor. These would beincluded at the end of the preparation and into the PRE-competitionphase.
Suppleness/Flexibility. Flexibility, the range of movement about anyjoint complex, is important for any sport and Squash is no exception.Increased flexibility (within an acceptable range) not only helps ininjury prevention, but in the case of Squash can also help to facilitatetechnique and skill production. For these reasons flexibility training,preferably slow static stretching, should become a daily routine.Examples of stretching exercises for Squash are found in Figure. 1.All these stretching movements should be done slowly and the fullystretched position held for 10 seconds.
An example of a training programme illustrating all these elements isfound in Table 1.
The Annual Plan. Like all sports, Squash training and competition isorganised on an annual basis. All 5 elements should be includedduring the year, but the emphasis and balance amongst them willchange from month to month.
This annual programming is sometimes known as periodisation, i.e.the division of the calendar year into different periods or phasesdepending on the dates of the major competitions or events, e.g.assessments, qualifying rounds, etc.
The simplest example of this is the 3 phase year, see Table 2 (seep.36) This could be applied to Squash as illustrated in The SquashYear Table 3 (see page 36).
The Squash Year. In this country the competition season runs fromSeptember to April, but top level players can and sometimes docompete all the year round as the competition season outside Europeand North America is during our summer break.Players who are trying to build up their skills and fitness should followa yearly programme building up to the competition period.
Conclusion. Fitness is an important factor in sport, not only because itmay lead to improved performance, but also because it contributes tothe general well being of the individual in their normal life. Trainingnot only improves the player’s physical condition, but also imparts adegree of self discipline and helps to build both her/his self image andself confidence both of which are particularly important at this stage ina young player’s life.
35
D. S
tren
gth
and
Pow
erE.
Fle
xibi
lity
A Sq
uash
rack
et is
ver
y lig
ht a
ndTh
is is
the
rang
e of
mov
emen
t at a
mos
t pla
yers
hav
e en
ough
str
engt
hjo
int.
Squa
sh p
laye
rs d
o no
t nee
d th
efo
r the
gam
e. T
he w
ork
on lo
cal
flexi
bilit
y of
a g
ymna
st b
ut o
ften
have
mus
cle
endu
ranc
e w
ill u
sual
ly b
eto
str
etch
to re
ach
a ba
ll. A
goo
dad
equa
te. I
n th
e le
gs th
e ne
ed is
tor
rang
e of
mov
emen
t in
the
trun
k an
dPO
WER
i.e.
STR
ENGT
H X
SPEE
D,hi
ps is
impo
rtan
t.ra
ther
than
pur
e st
reng
th.
2-3
times
a w
eek
daily
Smal
l num
ber o
f rep
etiti
ons
atEa
ch m
ovem
ent h
eld
for 1
0 se
cs a
nd60
-80%
max
imum
wei
ght.
repe
ated
6-1
0 tim
es.
This
will
var
y ac
cord
ing
to th
e ty
pe5-
15 m
inut
esof
equ
ipm
ent a
nd p
rogr
amm
e us
ed.
Exer
cise
cir
cuit,
wei
ghts
or
Slow
str
etch
ing
exer
cise
spr
ogre
ssiv
e re
sist
ance
pro
gram
me
(see
sec
tion
on w
arm
up
p.35
)(m
ultig
ym)
Ches
t exp
ande
r or s
prin
g gr
ip
Grip
dyn
amom
eter
Sitti
ng re
ach
Serg
eant
lum
p (le
g po
wer
). Th
eTh
e pl
ayer
sits
on
the
floor
with
legs
play
er s
tand
s be
side
a b
lack
boar
d an
dst
raig
ht a
nd fe
et a
gain
st th
e fla
t sid
eth
e he
ight
reac
hed
by th
e fin
ger t
ip o
fof
a b
ench
. Rea
ch fo
rwar
d as
far a
son
e ha
nd is
mar
ked.
Fee
t fla
t on
the
poss
ible
and
mea
sure
the
dist
ance
of
floor
. The
n be
nd th
e kn
ees
and
the
finge
rtip
s, u
p to
or p
ast t
he b
ench
.ju
mp
to to
uch
the
wal
l as
high
as
poss
ible
. Rec
ord
the
dist
ance
betw
een
the
two
mar
ks. B
est o
f thr
eeat
tem
pts.
Men
: 16”
goo
d, 1
8’ b
ette
r, ov
er 2
0".
good
. Wom
en: 1
4” g
ood,
16”
bet
ter,
over
18”
v. g
ood.
A. E
ndur
ance
B. L
ocal
Mus
cle
Endu
ranc
eC.
Spe
edAe
robi
c (w
ith o
xyge
n)Ae
robi
c an
d an
aero
bic
(with
out o
xyge
n)
The
abili
ty to
run
for a
long
tim
eTh
e ab
ility
to re
peat
a m
ovem
ent
The
need
in S
quas
h is
for s
peed
ove
rde
pend
s on
the
effic
ienc
y of
the
over
a p
erio
d of
tim
e. In
Squ
ash,
this
very
sho
rt d
ista
nces
with
freq
uent
card
io-r
espi
rato
ry s
yste
m to
brin
gis
nee
ded
in th
e le
gs fo
r run
ning
and
stop
s an
d tu
rns.
Thi
s in
volv
es a
gilit
y,ox
ygen
to th
e w
orki
ng m
uscl
es.
the
rack
et a
rm fo
r hitt
ing.
antic
ipat
ion
and
spee
d of
resp
onse
as
Endu
ranc
e is
impr
oved
by
exer
cisi
ngw
ell a
s ac
tual
mus
cle
spee
d.at
a le
vel w
hich
rais
es th
e he
art r
ate
to a
n ap
prop
riate
leve
l for
a p
erio
d of
time.
Freq
uenc
y2-
4 tim
es a
wee
k3-
5 tim
es a
wee
k3-
5 tim
es a
wee
k
Inte
nsity
60-8
0% o
f max
imum
hea
rt ra
te.
80-9
0% o
f max
imum
HR.
95%
of m
axim
umSi
mpl
e gu
ide
to w
ork
rate
220
– (a
ge1:
1 to
2:1
ratio
of w
ork
to re
st.
1:5
ratio
of w
ork
to re
st+2
5)
Dura
tion
20 m
inut
es c
ontin
uous
act
ivity
or 1
540
-60
secs
. wor
k5-
15 s
ecs.
wor
km
inut
es in
inte
rval
s20
-30
secs
. res
t, up
to 3
0-40
sec
s.50
-60
secs
. res
t
Tota
l tim
e10
-20
min
utes
6-10
min
utes
Type
Runn
ing,
ski
ppin
g, c
yclin
g,Le
gs. S
huttl
e ru
ns, i
nter
val s
prin
ts,
Shut
tle ru
nssw
imm
ing,
aer
obic
s, s
quas
h ga
mes
,ex
erci
se c
ircui
ts, c
ontin
uous
sho
rt25
or 5
0 m
etre
spr
ints
cont
inuo
us s
hot s
eque
nces
(e.g
.se
quen
ces.
Cour
t sha
dow
sbo
ast,
cros
s co
urt,
stra
ight
)Ar
ms.
Exe
rcis
e ci
rcui
ts, s
hot
Run
10-1
5 se
c.se
quen
ces
(e.g
. vol
ley
rally
), m
edic
ine
Rest
1 m
inut
eba
ll w
ork
Test
ing
Harv
ard
step
test
Cour
t sha
dow
s20
or 5
0 m
etre
spr
ints
Step
for 5
min
utes
ont
o an
18”
With
the
rack
et in
han
d, ru
n to
eac
hBe
st o
f thr
ee a
ttem
pts
with
a fl
ying
(wom
en) 2
0” (m
en) b
ench
at 3
0 st
eps
corn
er in
seq
uenc
e, re
turn
to ‘T
’ eac
hst
art (
timed
)a
min
ute.
time.
Pla
y a
pret
end
shot
at a
line
Rest
tor 1
min
ute.
mar
ked
in e
ach
corn
er. R
un fo
r 40
Shut
tle ru
nTa
ke th
e pu
lse
for 1
/2 m
inut
e.se
cs. R
est f
or 2
0 se
cs. R
epea
t x 6
.Tw
o ru
ns, u
sing
cou
rt li
nes,
bes
t of
F1 =
tim
e in
sec
s x
100
Coun
t cor
ners
reac
hed.
thre
e at
tem
pts.
Pul
se (1 /2
min
) x 5
.5Go
od 1
00+,
Ver
y go
od 1
20+
Exer
cise
sEx
celle
nt 1
40+,
Exc
eptio
nal 1
60+
Coun
t num
ber c
ompl
eted
in 1
min
ute
of C
hins
11 /2 M
ile R
unM
en: 4
poo
r, 8
av.,
15 e
xc.
Tim
es M
en 1
2 m
in fa
ir, 1
0.15
goo
d,W
omen
: 2 p
oor,
4 av
., 8
exc.
8.15
ver
y go
od, b
elow
8.1
5 ex
celle
ntPr
ess
ups
Wom
en 1
4.14
min
s fa
ir, 1
2.18
goo
d,M
en: 5
poo
r; 20
av.
, 50
exc.
10.1
8 ve
ry g
ood,
bel
ow 1
0.18
Wom
en: 3
poo
r; 10
av.
, 25
exc
exce
llent
.Sq
uat t
hrus
tsM
en: 1
5 po
or: 3
5 av
., 65
exc
.W
omen
: 8 p
oor;
18 a
v., 3
8 ex
c
Components of a Fitness Training Programme for Squash Table 1
36
Periodisation of Training and CompetitionJune July August
Basic endurance Aerobic and Anaerobic work –programme, getting Anaerobic emphasis on speedfaster in the last training. Smallweek aerobic component
The player will also be on court six days a week
September- January February-AprilDecemberRest before Rest and train Competition build upcompetitions. Continue to British Open insmaller amount of Aprilaerobic and anaerobicexercise whenpossible
The content of each session will vary according to the training period but willfollow this pattern:1. Warm up – stretching programme2. Speed work – sprints – court shuttles3. Skills routines on court4. Aerobic endurance work5. Cool down
Table 3
Table 2 THE ANNUAL PLAN
Phases of training Preparatory Competitive Recovery
Sub-Phases General Prep. Specific Prep. Pre-Compet. Competitive Rest andRecuperation
37
SUGGESTED READING
1. Nidifter. R & Sharpe. C. ACTAttention Control Training: Howto Get Control of Your MindThrough Total Concentration,Human Kinetics, Illinois, 1985.
2. Orlick. T. Psyching for Sport:Mental Training for Athletes.Leisure Press, Illinois, 1986.
3. Rushal. B. Psyching forSport: The PsychologicalPreparation for SeriousCompetition in Sport. Pelham,London, 1979.
4. Syer. J & C. Connolly,Sporting Body Sporting Mind.Cambridge University Press,Cambridge, 1984.
5. Tutko. T. & U. Tosi SportPsyching. Tarcher, Los Angeles,1976.
Unit 5Mental Preparation
Competitive sport requires not only high levels of physicalpreparation, but also that players are prepared mentally. In terms oftraining theory this is covered by the element of Psychologymentioned in the section on physical conditioning. One way toillustrate the factors involved in the psychology of sport is representedin Figure 5.1
Motivation. The drive which keeps a player wanting to continue toparticipate in the sport. This may be fired by a desire to succeed, awish to play because friends/peers are playing (affiliation), or to useSquash as a means to broaden social horizons. Whatever the basis,motivation is very important in the achievement of success andsatisfaction. Confidence. This may be based upon many factors, forexample:
previous successsuccess of peers (“if she can I can”)persuasion, although this must be used judiciously.
Concentration. The ability to focus on the task in hand and toattenuate all irrelevant stimuli. This is a vital factor in Squash which isa fast ball game, taking place in a small enclosed environment, oftenhot and bright and with noise both from the balcony and the othercourts. In addition to this is the “noise” created internally as a resultof fatigue, stress, negative thoughts or fear of injury or failure.
Anxiety is a feeling of general misgiving or unease, and is a verycommon, and in some cases justifiable, emotion. The problem ariseswhen it gets out of proportion and threat is perceived in situationswhich are essentially non-threatening. As Albert Ellis (1975)maintains... "situations are not anxious.” It is at this stage that anxietycan start to affect performance negatively.
There are many mental and physical exercises which can assistplayers to improve in the four key areas mentioned above. These maybe categorised as follows:1) Somatic. Relating to the body. Examples of this type would be,Progressive Relaxation, Autogenic Training, Yoga, T'ai Chi etc.2) Behavioural. These are sometimes referred to as humanistic, andare based on what might be thought of as “common sense” practicessuch as Goal Setting or Positive Self Talk.3) Cognitive. Examples of these would be techniques such as MentalRehearsal, sometimes known as Visuo Motor Behaviour Rehearsal(VMBR), Imaging, Attention Control Training (ACT) and SportPsyching**4) Meditative. Techniques which are based on trying to achievealtered states of consciousness by the repetition of a word or phrase.Examples of these would be Transcendental Meditation (TM) orBenson’s Relaxation response.**
**these are but a few examples of the many techniques which havebeen developed to assist sportsmen and women to achieve peakperformance through mental control. A list of references is enclosedto provide staff with greater detail of individual techniques. References– Figure 5.2
N.B. Perhaps more than any other form of training, mentalpreparation MUST be acceptable to the individual player. One strategyis to introduce a variety of techniques from which the player mayselect one or two which they find acceptable and beneficial to theirgame. Having said this, as concentration is such an important factor inSquash one suggestion might be to use techniques such as ACT as abasic training routine and add to this relaxation or goal setting asnecessary.
Motivation
Confidence Peak Performance Anxiety
ConcentrationFigure 5.1
Figure 5.2
38
Unit 6Injuries in Squash
Prevention is better than CureInjuries are not particularly common in Squash, but even a minorinjury may lead to loss of enjoyment and time off work, while for theprofessional player there may also be loss of income.
To prevent injuries it is important to understand how they happen andwhat body structures are affected.
The Structures InvolvedInjuries may be sudden or come on gradually
Injury PreventionFew players escape without at least a minor injury at some time intheir playing life but attention to these points reduces the risks.
1. Facilities and EquipmentDoor. Fitting flush with wall – spy hole or glass panel for observation.Floor. Smooth, not slippery (floors should not be sealed) or wet.Glasses. Use plastic lenses in prescription glasses.Rackets. Correct type – no rough edges on racket head.Suitable racket weight (not too heavy) and length (short for youngerplayers). Correct grip size.Shoes. Good grip, correct size, no rigid heel tabs.
2. Rules and Safety PointsRules on 'Interference’ and 'Hitting opponent with the Ball’ are thereto keep the game both fair and safe.Players should always play a ‘let’ if there is any danger of hittingopponent with racket or ball.Safety points for the organisation of groups learning to play Squashare noted in 'Skills and Drills’.
Thigh Bone(Femur)
Figure 6.1 The Knee: Thestructures involved
Thigh Muscle(Quadriceps)
Knee Cap(Patella)
CartilageLigaments
Patella Tendon
Growth Point(Tibial Tubercle)
Shin Bones(Tibia)
(Fibula)
BruisesCutsFracturesOpen
ClosedEye InjurySprains and strainsBruises
Soft TissuesComplete or partial tearof – muscle, tendon,ligament, cartilage,strains and sprains
BonesFractureCrackStress fracture
Direct(Extrinsic)
Indirect(Intrinsic)
Bone – Stress fracturesSoft tissues – Tennis elbowGrowth points – Tibial tubercle(Osgood Schlatters)– Heel(Severs)Joints – Arthritis
Sudden(Traumatic)
Gradual
39
3. Fitness for SquashGrowth. Growth points in the leg bones are not fully united until theages of 16 in girls or 18 in boys. Growth in the spine continues untilaround 23. Progress training carefully and avoid using heavy weights.Health. It is dangerous to play when ill with ‘flu or other conditionscausing a raised temperature.Progress training or play slowly if unfit.Avoid smoking, alcohol or drugs.Ensure adequate rest and sleep.Players. Fit players tire less easily and stretch more freely. Strongmuscles help to protect joints.Training. WARM UP AND COOL DOWN thoroughly. (see PhysicalConditioning notes).Progress training gradually.
4. TechniqueGrip and swing. Correct technique of grip and swing is essential.
NECK(STERNO-CLEIDO-MASTOIDand top of TRAPEZIUS)Move the head backwards and turn itsideways. In squash they are inCONSTANT USE as players watch theflight of the ball and the movements ofthe opponent
SHOULDER(DELTOIDS)Used in all racket movements
BACK OF ARM(TRICEPS)Especially used inBackhand shots
FRONT OF ARM(BICEPS)Especially used inForehand shots
FOREARM(FLEXORS/EXTENSORSof HAND and WRIST)Especially used in:Gripping the racket and all basicstrokes
BACK(several muscles) – arch the backControl the body andprovide power forthe shots
BACK of THIGH(HAMSTRINGS)Used in allKNEE-BENDINGactions
CALF(GASTROCNEMIUS)Especially used tor a fast push offand quick turnsUsed whenever body weight istaken on the toes
LOWER LEGSeveral muscles here control the ankle inCONSTANT USE in Squash.Foot and ankle control balance and quickmovements
FRONT OF THIGH(QUADRICEPS)Used in all running and leapingmovementsAlso – controls bent-knee positions andstraightens the legs during shots
HIP(FLEXORS)
SIDE(OBLIOUES)
STOMACH(ABDOMINALS)
BUTTOCK(GLUTEALS)Extend the hips and control the lowposition for all strokes
CHEST(PECTORALS)These muscles draw the arms forwardof the chest –especially used inForehand shots
Figure 6.2 The muscles at work in Squash
Especiallyimportant for bodycontrol in all shots
40
Common InjuriesPart Injury CauseHead Cut & bruises Hit by racket
Eye injuries Hit by ball or racket
Shoulder Muscle and ligament Poor technique, overusetearsDislocation Contact with wall
Elbow Tennis elbow Incorrect technique or grip sizeChange of racketOveruse
Wrist Tenosynovitis Poor technique, overuse(inflamed tendon sheath) Change of racketLigament strain
Hand Blisters Hard skin, worn handle grip, overuse
Spine Back pain Poor posture, heavy lifting, weakmuscles, inflexible
Hip Muscle and ligament tears Poor warm up, inflexible
Thigh Muscle tears Poor warm up, inflexible
Knee Torn cartilage or ligaments Twisting fall, weak musclesOsgood Schlatters(slipped growth point) OveruseKnee cap pain Weak muscles
Calf Muscle tears Poor warm up, sudden over stretch
Lower leg Achilles tendon tear or Sudden over stretchinflammation Friction from heel tabsShin splints Rapid increase in training or playing
Ankle Sprain Twisting fall
Foot Stress fracture OvertrainingBruised heel Unsprung floors, poor shoes, over
playing or training
First AidFirst Aid. Correct early treatment is essential to preventmore serious damage.
Blisters. Protect small blisters with plaster. Puncture largewith sterilized needle. Clean and cover broken blisters (2ndskin)
Bruises. Use ice pack or Heparinoid cream to reducebruising.
Collapse. Teach resuscitation techniques to restorebreathing. Brain cells die after 4 minutes without oxygenand even more quickly if the victim has been running hard.
Cuts. Clean if necessary, apply cold pressure pack. Usebutterfly plasters to keep edges of a split wound closed.
Stress fractures These are cracks in the bone and are feltas increasing pain in the bone after exercise. They often donot show up on X-ray until nearly healed. Rest for 4-6weeks from any exercise which causes pain. Painlessexercise e.g. swimming, cycling, should be continued topromote healing. Continuing normal training e.g. running,skipping, may cause complete fracture. These fracturesmay occur in players (particularly girls) whose bones areweak through low weight and inadequate diet.
Tears of muscle, ligament or tendons. Pain is a sign ofdamage. Stop exercise to prevent further damage.Immediate treatment is RICE. (Rest, Ice, Compression,Elevation).
Rest. Rest the affected part.
Ice. Protect the skin with a damp cloth. Apply ice pack(crushed ice in a towel, chemical ice pack, massage withice cube). A pack of frozen peas can be used; protect skinfrom ice burns with a cloth.
Compression. A layer of cotton wool held in place with abandage, or use Tubigrip until swelling disappears tominimise damage.
Elevation. To reduce swelling, try to rest the arm or legabove the horizontal.
First Aid Kit. At least water, plasters and ice should beavailable but a useful kit should contain the following:Plasters, including butterfly plastersTubigrip in various sizesCotton wool, sterile dressings and crepe bandagesAdhesive tapes and scissorsSpenco 2nd skin (blister kit)Heparinoid creamChemical ice pack or vacuum flask of crushed ice andtowel
Treatment. Prompt and correct treatment can speed uprecovery and help to prevent chronic injuries. Doctors orphysiotherapists who specialise in sport injuries are thebest people to give advice on diagnosis and treatment. It isimportant to restore full stretch and strength in damagedmuscles before returning to the sport.
41
Post War The game has gradually spread world wide with a greatexpansion in Australia in the 1950s and there are now 50-60 countrieswith sufficient strength to become full members of the WSF.
A glance at the record books shows that the game has been dominatedfor large chunks of time by a relatively small number of players.
Winners of 4 or more British Open ChampionshipsMen1933 – 1938 (5) F. D. Amr Bey (Egypt)1947 – 1950 (4) M. A. Karim (Egypt)1951 – 1958 (7) Hashim Khan (Pakistan)1959 – 1962 (4) Azam Khan (Pakistan)1967 – 1973 (6) Jonah Barrington (England)1969 – 1981 (8) Geoff Hunt (Australia)1982 – 1991 (9) Jehangir Khan (Pakistan)1992 – 1997 (6) Jansher Khan (Pakistan)
Women1934 – 1939 (5) Margot Lumb (England)1950 – 1959 (10) Janet Morgan (England)1962 – 1977 (16) Heather McKay (Australia)1980 – 1983 (4) Vicky Cardwell (Australia)1984 – 1990 (7) Susan Devoy (New Zealand)1993 – 1998 (6) Michelle Martin (Australia)
Unit 7Historical Background
How it all started. Actual facts about the origins of Squash as a gameare hard to find, but it seems to have evolved as a practice game forrackets players at Harrow around the middle 1800s. The story goesthat a soft ball was used, so that expensive rackets balls were notwasted and perhaps more important, the school windows were notbroken. The game was played in three different yards of the schoolboarding houses where three walls occurred in a suitable position.Some rugby fives courts were also used in the 1860s as the gamebecame more popular and developed its own rules. The name‘Squash’ is thought to come from the noise made as the ball – a softrubber one, often with a hole made in it to slow it down – hit the wall.
The first known purpose-built court was constructed by a formerHarrovian, Vernon Harcourt, at his home in Oxford in 1883. This courtwas almost 2 metres longer than the present standard of 9.75 metresbut had the same width at 6.40 metres. The 'tin’ on the front wall was0.76 metres high, compared with 0.48 metres of the modern court.Many modern courts were built in the late 1800s in private houses,public schools and London social clubs, but although rules were laiddown in 1886 and Squash recognised as a separate game, there wereno standard measurements and courts were of many different sizes.Neither was there any standard ball, each club playing with their ownfavourite missile, but all of them being probably much faster than thepresent ball. This fact accounts for a rule in Squash which allows a letif a ball goes out of court after its first bounce.
Early 1900s – In the early 1900s many courts were built in thiscountry and in the United States where they held the first-everNational Championships. The court measurements and rules adoptedby the USSRA in 1907 were different from those later standardised bymost other countries. This has over the years tended to excludeAmerican players from top levels of International competition. Anincreasing number of International standard courts are now being builtin North America which should make it possible for American playersto compete on equal terms with the rest of the world in future.Although the Squash Rackets Association was not formed in thiscountry until 1928, standard measurements were laid down in 1911by the sub-committee of the Tennis (Real Tennis) & RacketsAssociation which administered the game. The measurements chosenwere those of the Bath Club court, as this happened to be the clubused by many of the top officials of that time. The first MajorChampionships were held in England for women in 1922 and men in1923.
In 1934 the women set up a separate association which managed theiraffairs until being re-united with the SRA in September 1989.
42
An interesting point to note is the domination of the men’s game in the1950s and since 1980 by players from Pakistan. There are few courts inthe country and fewer than 10,000 players and even more striking is thatthe winners come principally from related families living in Peshawar, thehigh northern part of the country.
The Open Game The difficulty of defining amateur status and policingthe rules led to the women’s game becoming open in 1976 and themen’s game in 1980.
Until these dates, amateur and professional players competed in separatecompetitions.
World Team Open Champions Since 1979 when the first women’s worldteam competition was played, the competition has reflected the dominantposition of Australia, England and New Zealand.
World Team Open ChampionsMen Women1981 Pakistan 1979 Great Britain1983 Pakistan 1981 Australia1985 Pakistan 1983 Australia1987 Pakistan 1985 England (since 1980 England, Scotland,1989 Australia Wales and Ireland have competed separately)1991 Australia 1987 England1993 Pakistan 1989 England1995 England 1990 England1997 England 1992 Australia
1994 Australia1996 Australia1998 Australia
European Champions. The men’s competition first played in 1973 hasbeen won by England every year except 1980 and 1983 when they lostto Sweden. The England women’s team have won every year sincetheir competition was first played in 1977.
Today. The game has become much more visible thanks to thedevelopment of the first glass-back courts and later the all-glass or‘Perspex’ court.
One-way glass or 'Perspex’ allows a good view for spectators whilepresenting an opaque background for the players.
Use of the glass or 'Perspex’ court for major championships and teamcompetitions and the development of a special ball with fluorescentdots has made it much easier to see the ball and follow the course of amatch on television.
Top class men’s matches can be very long (over two hours) and therehave been some recent experiments with different scoring systems(e.g. timed matches, point per rally, maximum number of shots in arally) and court markings (lowering the tin) in an effort to make thegame more exciting for viewers.
England hold a strong position in world squash, both in team andindividual events.
The women’s team have won the world event the last three times ithas been played and the men finished third in the last (1989)championship.
There are currently 4 English women in the world’s top ten and 2 men.
Players in the World’s Top ten (March 1999)Men WomenPaul Johnson Cassie WrightSimon Parke Sue Wright
Suzanne HornerFiona Geaves
43
Unit 8STRUCTURE OF THE SPORT
World Squash FederationThe WSF is the central authorityfor the game throughout theworld and is responsible for:The rules of the gamePromotion and growth of thegamePromoting and organising theWorld Championships (held bi-annually)
Regional and NationalAssociations are affiliated to theWSF and so too are the players’associations the PSA andWISPA.
PSA Professional SquashAssociationWISPA Women's InternationalSquash Players AssociationThese two organisationsrepresent and promote theinterests of the top tournamentplayers.
Regional AssociationsSome countries are grouped intoregional associations e.g.ESRF European Squash RacketsFederationAsia/PacificSouth AmericanThe regional associationspromote tournaments and toursfor member countries.
National AssociationsAll squash playing countries have aNational Association to organisethe game within the country. Fifty-five countries are strong enough tobe full members of the WSF. InEngland, the game is administeredby the Squash RacketsAssociation.
Ireland, Scotland and Wales havetheir own national associations.
The Squash Rackets Association1. Aims. Set up over sixty yearsago (1928) to formulate the rules,the association now has a muchgreater involvement in the gamewhich can be classified under threebroad headings.
3. StructureIn common with most governing bodies of sport in this country,the game is organised nationally by full time paid administratorscontrolled by voluntary officers elected by the membership.
Head OfficeFinance
Coaching &Officials
Development FacilityTechnical& Medical
Events Elite &WCPP
Sub Committees
Finance Coaching& Officials
Development Technical Events
The SRA
Council(delegates fromCounty Associations)
Executive Council(elected by Council)
Chief Executive
Department Heads
World WideWSF
WISPA NationalAssociations
RegionalAssociationsESRF
MEMBERSHIPEVENTS
60%
MEMBERSHIPSERVICES
25%
EXTERNAL 5%
COACHINGPARTICIPATION
10%
Figure 8.1 How is the money spent
WORLDTEAM
INDIVIDUALEVENTS
ENGLAND TEAM
YOUNGENGLAND BRITISH
OPEN
EUROPEANCHAMPIONSHIP
NATIONALSQUADS
BOYS GIRLSNATIONALCOACHES
PANEL TUTORS
AREACOACH& AREA
DEV.OFFICER
PARTIII
COACHES“I” GRADE
REF&
MARK
NATIONALSCHOOLS
COMPETITION
HOMEINTERNATIONAL
ENG. SCOT.WALES IRELAND
U12U14U16U19
U16U19
AREA TEAMS
AREA SQUADS
COUNTY TEAMS
COUNTY
COACH
PARTII
COACHES
“T” GRADEREF & MARK
INTERCOUNTY
PREMIER (MEN) &SUPER (WOMEN)
INTER CLUBLEAGUES
CLUB
COACH
TEACHER
LEADER
PARTI
COACHES
“C” GRADE R & MTEACHERS & LEADERS
AWARD
INTER CLUB& INTER SCHOOL
(BOROUGH& COUNTY)
CLUB LEAGUES& COMPETITIONS
COMPETITIONSCOACHES, REFEREES & MARKERSSKILLSAWARDSPLAYERS
CLUBMEMBERS
CLUB-SCHOOLTEAMS
COUNTY SQUADS
REDSTAR
BRONZESTAR
SILVERSTAR
GOLDSTAR
JUNI
OR S
KILL
S AW
ARDS
INTRODUCTORYAWARDS
NATIONALCHAMPIONSHIP
4. The Ladder to the Top
Figure 8.2
MembershipServicesSquash AnnualSquash News(monthly)InsuranceAdviceInformationAdvice to clubson: Courtmaintenanceandconstruction
CoachingParticipationTraining coursesLeadersTeachersCoachesRefereees andMarkersRefresher coursesJunior beginnercoursesSchool competitionsPlayer grading
ExcellenceEventsArea andNational squadsCentres ofExcellenceNational teameventsNationalCompetitionsSRS (Refereeand Markers)
ExternalLiaison withSports Council,CCPR, ISRF,ESRF and otheragenciesinvolved insquash
2. FundingAnnual Budget £1,000,000
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6. InformationInformation and advice on all matters concerned with squash in theBritish Isles, can be obtained from:England ScotlandSquash Rackets Association Scottish SRAPO Box 52 Caledonia HouseManchester South GyleM12 5FF EdinburghTel: 0161 231 4499 EH12 9DQFax: 0161 231 4231 Tel: 0131 317 7343
Fax: 0131 317 7249
WalesSquash Wales IrelandP.O. Box 56 Irish SquashPenarth House of SportCardiff Long Mile RoadCF6 1XP Dublin 12Tel: 01633 682 108 Tel: +353 1450 1564
Fax: +353 1450 [email protected]
5. The Base of the Ladder (Clubs and Counties)The foundation of the game lies in the County Associations and theclubs.
County Associations are part funded by the SRA and run by voluntaryworkers. They are responsible for developing squash in the countyand their activities include:County teamsCoaching for county squadsCounty tournaments, Open Junior and VeteransReferee and Marker coursesJunior beginner courses
Clubs and centres
Squash courts may be located in:Members clubs, owned by members, non-profit making. Open tomembership and – sometimes very exclusiveMember clubs, owned by a companySports centres, owned by company or local authority, open to all,may have a club within the centreCompanies. For staff, may be open at times for club or public useSchools and Universities. For staff and students, may be open attimes for club or public useArmed Forces and Police. For members, may be open at times forclub or public use
2,500
2,000
1,500
1,000
500
Courts in England
MemberOwned
CompanyOwned
SportsCentres
Schools andUniversities
Armed Forcesand Police Companies
Member Clubs
Figure 8.3 Where the courts are
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Unit 9Current Issues in Sport: Squash
Drug Abuse
Introduction. Drug abuse is the use by, or the distribution to playersof certain specified substances which could have the effect ofartificially improving his/her physical and/or mental condition andthereby augmenting performance.
The abuse of drugs in sport destroys the whole ethos of competitionamongst humans using their natural physical and mental resources.
Apart from contravening the true meaning of sport, drug abuse canlead to acute, potentially-fatal health hazards and possibly chronicdisability.
Regulations. Drug abuse in Squash is strictly forbidden and since1985, the SRA has organised random testing of competitors at majorevents and a training sessions.
Banned Substances. These fall into three main groups – stimulants,narcotic analgesics and anabolic steroids.
1. Stimulants. For example, amphetamine and caffeine. The effects ofsuch drugs is to increase alertness and reduce fatigue and as suchoverride the body’s natural responses. One problem with this type ofsubstance is that it is commonly found in some medication, forexample cold cures, which may be bought over the counter. TheSports Council produces a list of the medication to be avoided bythose players who are participating in sport.
2. Narcotic analgesics. For example, codeine. As a powerful painkiller this type of drug would allow players to exert themselves beyondthe point of intolerable pain, possibly resulting in permanent damage.
3. Anabolic steroids. For example, stanazolol and testosterone. Thesedrugs can stimulate muscle growth and increase competitiveness.They can also have adverse effects on both the sexual developmentand future well-being of users. They also have some long-term sideeffects which are well documented in the Iiterature.*
Other drugs and techniques. These include beta blockers, diureticsand "blood doping". Usage of all these three are well documented andfurther details may be found in the recommended text.*
Testing. The use of banned substances is established by taking andtesting a urine sample from the player. In the event of a positivesample, further samples are taken to verify the first findings. Refusalto submit to testing is taken as a positive result.
Since the programme started in 1985, the only positive results inSquash players have been traced to preparations given to players forexisting medical conditions and to date no one has been penalised fordrug abuse. This does not mean that the problem does not exist inSquash or might not appear in the future, therefore the SRA continueswith a random testing programme.
Penalties. An individual found to be taking banned substances maybe barred for life from competing in any championship sanctioned bythe SRA. In certain circumstances a lesser penalty might be imposed.
*See Drugs in Sport, Edited by D. R. Mottram, EFN. SPON, LONDON1988.
Women and Girls
Introduction. This is a very topical issue in squash. A decision wasmade in 1986, to unite the women's and men's association to formone association to look after all the interests of squash players inEngland.Fewer women than men, for a number of reasons, take part in thegame of squash, or indeed in sport in general.Squash has benefited from an increase in indoor sport participationand currently 25% of all squash players are women.
Physical Differences After the age of 10 there are marked differencesin the physical characteristics and physiological capacities of womenand men, with women being smaller, less muscular and slower.Having a higher percentage of body fat and wider hips make it moredifficult for women to transmit power to the legs. However, a sportsuch as squash, where the racket is light and the court is small, isideal for female participation. While most tournament play isorganised on a single-sex basis, most club leagues are now largelyopen to both men and women on the basis of the ability to compete.In addition to this the winning team of the boys’ section of the LondonSchools’ Competition in 1989 was captained by a girl who played atnumber 2.
Sex Typing The concept of the woman’s place being in the home,and sport not being suitable for young girls is largely a thing of thepast. However, there are communities where such opinions are stillheld. It would appear that for girls to have a chance of succeeding insquash they require very strong parental support. A survey of juniorsquash (1996) showed that all but 5% of all young female playerscame from squash-playing families.
Facilities The Sex Discrimination Act of 1975 specifically excludedfrom its provision activities where women were at a physicaldisadvantage. Squash clubs, unlike some sports facilities, allowequal access to both men and women. However, the lack of créchesfrequently creates a barrier for mothers of very young children.
The media. The media are frequently guilty of trivializing women’ssport by the emphasis which it places on non-relevant aspects offemale competition. Newspapers give far fewer column centimetres towomen’s sport than to men’s and again stress the non-essentialaspects such as clothing and general appearance.
Sponsorship. Despite the fact that the England women’s team isnumber one in the world, while the men’s are ranked third, there is farmore money put by sponsors into men’s Squash. Sponsors areinfluenced by the amount of media coverage they can expect, andagain the men’s sport can provide far greater coverage than thewomen’s. This is further emphasised by the fact that prize money inchampionships is less (75%) for women players.
Conclusion. Women’s Squash in England is in a strong position andhopefully success at the highest levels of competition will encourageyoung players to participate in the game at school, club and higherlevels.
46
Company Business EventHi tech Sports shoes British OpenInter-City British Rail National ChampsAmerican Express Charge card Premier & National leaguesReebok Sports shoes Coaches Register and
Competition, Juniorscholarships
Dunlop Sports equipment National Schools ChampsNat West Clearing bank National Junior boysBerni Hotel/restaurants Inter clubICI “Perspex” Multinational company World Open (men)Evening Standard Newspaper National doublesTrust House Forte Hotels/leisure Club leaguesHead Sports Equipment Coaches Register and
Coaching programmeWoolwich Building Society Junior Skills Awards
Most sponsorship agreements last for three years which give time for thecompetition to develop and become identified with the sponsoring company’sname.
Why do companies sponsor sport?1. Contact through direct mail with a known type of customer.2. Advertising through press and TV coverage and at the events.3. Improving the company image and helping the local community.4. Providing entertainment for company employees through special deals of
admission to events.5. Enthusiasm on the part of a company director for a specific sport.
As a result most sponsorship goes to sports which command large press andTV coverage and also into events for top players; for example it is very hard tointerest sponsors in low-level participation or developmental programmes.
Squash has been relatively successful in obtaining sponsorship. Below is a listof sponsors, their business, and the event which they sponsor, or did sponsor.
Sponsorship
Introduction. From time to time there are alarming reports in thepress about the dangers from participation in sport. Some sports areplainly more dangerous than others, but even minor injuries accountfor a certain amount of time off work and may use a lot of NHS time.
Squash Dangers. Most squash injuries are simple muscle and tendontears and minor cuts and bruises but there are more serious accidentswhich can occur.
(i) Eye damage from a squash ball in the eye can be serious andteachers need to stress the safety instructions. It is tacticallyimportant to watch your opponent hit the ball from behind you.However this could be dangerous. Juniors and adults are encouragedto wear eye protection, particularly during their initial coaching stage.
Fight for Sight (020 7608 4000) is the country's leading charity in thebattle against blindness and has teamed up with the SRA to launch theFight for Sight Squash Challenge. The aim of the challenge is to raiseawareness of the need for squash players to protect their sight whileplaying and to promote the British standard for squash. DunlopSlazenger and Prince have both recently met the British standard withthe design of their respective eye protection.
It is now mandatory for players up to U19, competing in either theWSF or ESR singles game events, to wear eye protection. The use ofeye protection is also incorporated in the rules of the doubles gamefor ALL players.
As from September 1999, U19 competitors in all tournaments willhave to wear eye protection.
(ii) Heart failure as a result of severe exertion by a player with a heartproblem can cause collapse and death. Older players should have amedical check before starting to play the game or after a long periodaway from squash.
There have been one or two cases where a young, apparently fit playerhas collapsed after playing a match. It has subsequently been foundthat these players had a minor heart condition complicated by a viralinfection (‘flu). The heart muscle or the lining round the heart can beaffected by a virus and care should be taken not to allow players witha raised temperature and suspected ‘flu to play.
In relation to the total number of playing hours the incidence ofserious injury is very small.
Is Squash a Dangerous Sport?
47
Introduction Although squash is played by almost 1.5 million peoplein the UK, it rates very little space in the press and on TV compared tosome other sports with far fewer participants (e.g. cricket, show-jumping).
Television Squash cannot generate a great deal of spectator interestas the court is small and even using the glass or ‘Perspex’ court only3,000 people can watch a game. This factor does not seem to havediscouraged the TV companies from showing for instance snooker ordarts.
Great advances have been with the use of a ball, which has fluorescentdots and shows up far better on television. There is also a squash balldesigned to be used with a digital camera. The BBC has tried toimprove the quality and quantity of coverage of the game of squash.
Recently, the men have changed to playing with a lower tin height andusing the PARS (point a rally scoring) system, which has made thegame more interesting for the viewer.
Newspapers There is far more and better reporting of squash eventsnow in the national papers but even at the height of the squashseason, the game rates minute – compared to football – coverage.
Financial AspectsIntroduction The Association has a vital function in organising eventsat all levels, training coaches and other officials, developing juniorsquash and arranging many other activities to promote the game.
The income of the SRA comes from sponsors, the Sports Council andfrom players through club and individual membership.
Collecting from the Clubs Although some other sports (tennis andgolf) seem to be able to collect much larger annual fees from allplayers through their clubs, this has proved difficult in squash.
Other Income Unlike some other sports. e.g. tennis and football,which have huge numbers of spectators for events, the maximumnumbers even for the final of the Britain Open, is 3,000 and mostevents break even or make a small loss.
The SRA collects some income from coaching course fees, sellinggoods and a few sources, but this hardly covers its costs.
Solving the Problem The Squash players themselves are the peoplewho can and should support the game but how to achieve this hasbeen the subject of much discussion over the years.
It has been suggested that some method of player registration shouldbe tried.
Other countries (Australia and New Zealand) collect fees from allplayers competing in inter-club leagues but they have much biggercompetitions which involve most of the players. A similar systemwould not work so well here as only a minority take part in thesecompetitions.
The Media
48
Unit 10Squash in the Olympics
Squash doubles was very successfully introduced into the CommonwealthGames in 1999. It is hoped that Squash will soon be an Olympic Sport.
Squash has been an open game since 1980 with amateur and professionalplayers able to collect fees for playing, coaching or writing about thegame. Until a few years ago this would have presented a problem andbeen against the Olympic ideals.
It is now accepted that Olympic competitors can earn money which is paidinto trust funds for their use and few are not in some way making a livingout of the sport.
The WSF is trying to persuade Olympic authorities to include Squash asan exhibition sport at the games and hope this will lead to its inclusionin future.
The extra publicity, extra funding from the Sports Council and othersources which go to Olympic sports are probably the biggest attractions.Why Olympic sports should attract extra funds from government sourcesis hard to understand but Squash is working on the principle that ‘if youcan’t beat them, join them’.
The Disabled in SquashMany groups with disabilities can and do play Squash, but theirparticipation is limited by access problems and the nature of the game.
Squash court doors are too narrow for most wheelchairs which might inany case damage the unsealed wooden floor and this makes the gameunsuitable for wheelchair users.
A number of players with single arm or leg amputations do play Squashand the rules allow a one-armed player to throw the ball in the air forservice, using the racket.
Hand/eye co-ordination and movement are needed in Squash but adaptingthe game by using larger-headed rackets and bigger, softer and slowerballs can make the game accessible to some mentally and physicallyhandicapped people.
There are a great many deaf Squash players, some of whom have reacheda very high level and the game is very suitable for them as littlecommunication is required. Problems over understanding of refereeingdecisions do occur and the Association is currently exploring ways ofusing hand signals to indicate essential calls.
Playing and coaching courses for the deaf and other handicapped groupsare organised in various parts of the country, many of them through‘Friends for the Young Deaf’ which is dedicated to improving links with thehearing community through sport.
Is Squash an expensive sport?In local authority sports centres it often costs three times as much to playSquash for forty minutes as it does to swim for an unlimited time.
Squash court hire charges are not related to the cost of the facility or tothe charges for other sports. For example to hire a sports hall forBadminton or other activities is usually charged at a rate which is in effectsubsidised by the local authority through the community charge.
Providing sports facilities to encourage the population to keep fit isobviously an important national aim, but the question must be asked whysome sports should be excluded from this largesse, resulting in playershaving to pay the market rate?
49
These awards are designed to encourage young learners by testing theirability in the basic skills of the game and understanding of rules andtactics of Squash and mini squash.
1. There are ascending levels: Green, Blues, Red, Bronze, Sliver and Gold.2. For Green and Blue Awards only:
a. mini squash equipment and either Squash, mini squash or foamballs can be used
b. the measurements given are intended as a guideline onlyc. testing can take place either on a Squash court or in a school hall or
gym3. Rackets are not required for the Green Award.4. The tester for the Green, Blue, Red and Bronze Awards can be any
person in charge of a junior group.5. The tester for the Referee, Silver and Gold Awards must be an SRA
qualified coach (level 2 or above).6. The skills can be included in coaching sessions, as there is no need for
the whole sets to be taken at one time.7. All the feeding and co-operative rallies may be played with the coach or
a partner.8. Successful players will be sent a free certificate. Please use the
certificate order form.
Squash Rackets AssociationJunior Skills Award
Score a game and write it down using a recognised system.
Question: On timings of the game and the duties of the referee andmarker and who makes what decisions.
Referee Award
1. Throw a ball into the air, let it bounce once on the floor, catch itafter the bounce. 4 out of 6 to pass.
2. Throw a ball against a wall, let it bounce once on the floor, catch itafter the bounce. 4 out of 6 to pass.
3. Stand behind a 2 metre floor line, throw ball onto wall and catch itbefore it bounces on the floor (i.e. on the volley). 4 out of 6 topass.
4. With a partner, have a six shot co-operative throw and catch rally(e.g. ball to be thrown to wall above the 1 metre line and caughtby the partner standing behind the 2 metre floor line Ball tobounce once only.
5. Play a game of ‘catch squash’ to 15 points. Point a rally scoring.No rackets used.
Question: How many times is the ball allowed to bounce on thefloor?
Green Award
1. Bounce the ball on racket 10 times.
2. Solo rally of 10 shots against the wall.
3. Serve from each service box into the opposite side of the court(not necessarily into the back quarter) 4 out of 6 to pass.
4. Hit a straight drive from a simple straight hand or racket feed.4 out of 6 to pass.
5. Play a 10 shot co-operative rally.
Question: Name the court markings.
Red Award
1. Carry the ball on the racket for 10 metres, then return to base.Ball to remain on racket throughout.
2. Bounce ball on racket. Aim for 6 consecutive hits.Scoring stops when error occurs.
3. Solo continuous rally against the wall of 6 shots.Ball to be hit above the 1 metre service line on front wall.
4. Serve from behind the 2 metre floor line to hit above the 2 metrewall line and land in the opposite half of the court. (Partner tocatch and return ball to feeder). 4 out of 6 to pass.
5. Play a 6 shot co-operative rally with partner/coach. One bounceon the floor only. Ball must hit the wall above the 1 metre line.
Question: Show an understanding of the correct grip.
Blue Award
1. Solo rally to 10 shots against front wall, above the service line.Forehand and backhand.
2. Serve correctly from each service box, ball to hit above serviceline and land in opposite back quarter of court. 4 out of 6 to pass.
3. Showing movement from the ‘T’, hit a straight drive from a simplestraight feed. Ball to land behind ‘short line’. Forehand andbackhand. 4 out of 6 to pass.
4. Return straight a simple serve (player should be able to drive thereturn). 4 out of 6 to pass.
5. Showing movement from the ‘T’, play a straight drop shot to landin front of a target placed 1 metre from the front wall, close to theside wall. Coach/partner to feed for each shot. Forehand &backhand 4 out of 6 to pass.
Question: Questions on scoring points
Bronze Award
50
1. Serve from both sides, ball to land behind service box. 4 out of 6to pass.
2. Play a co-operative 10 shot straight rally behind the short line. Allshots to land in correct half of the court and both players movingto the ‘T’. Forehand and backhand.
3. Straight volley return of serve from both sides. Ball to land behindshort line. Forehand and backhand. 4 out of 6 to pass.
4. Play a boast from a cross court feed (feed to side wall behindshort line). Forehand and backhand. 4 out of 6 to pass.
5. Play a straight drop from boast feed. Ball to bounce no more thantwo racket lengths from front wall and must stay close to sidewall. Target area to be marked out on floor by coach/teacher.Forehand and backhand. 4 out of 6 to pass.
Question: On service rules and hitting opponent with the ball.
Silver Award
1. Play a 10 shot co-operative rally with a partner, of boast andstraight drive. Change places after 10 shots. Forehand andbackhand.
2. Play cross court lob from a simple boast. Coach/teacher to judgeif lob is acceptable. Ball should go very high and land in oppositeback corner. Forehand and backhand. 4 out of 6 to pass.
3. Solo VOLLEY rally of 10 consecutive shots from behind the shortline. Forehand and backhand.
4. Play a 10 shot co-operative rally of cross court length, straightlength and boast. Forehand and backhand.
5. Play a 10 shot co-operative rally of boast, straight drop andstraight drive. Forehand and backhand.
Question: On the interference rule
Gold Award
51
Attendance Sheet & Certificate Order Form – Junior Skills Awards
Green, Blue, Red, Bronze, Referee, Silver, Gold
Name(block capitals)
Address(Including post code) (block capitals)
Date ofBirth
SKILLS
Colour 1 2 3 4 5Award
(Pass)Rules
Finish Date
A N Other1 Any Street, Middle Town.1AB 2CD
27.6.80 Blue ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 21.3.92
Please complete in BLOCK CAPITALS
Tester
Address
Club/School
Qualification
Address
Postcode
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Please give number of certificates required: Green Blue Red Bronze Referee Silver Gold
Signed
Return this form to: SRA, P.O. Box 1106, London, W3 0ZDPlease enclose a large self addressed envelope
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