WE ARE BACK!! After a tumultuous year we are still here thanks to the help of the local community the club trustees and members who have helped and supported us through these incredibly trying times. At this time we would not get a better opportunity than this to carry out a complete redecoration and deep clean of the whole club which we did. From the squash courts to the changing rooms… the gym.. reception area…leaking roofs.. New lighting.. New carpets..
We took a small gamble but, with reduced council tax, secured loans and our own money and labour we were good to go.. Fingers crossed !
Firstly we replaced the membrane and damaged tiles on the gym/changing room roof .. next was the gym.. we replaced old machines.. repainted walls etc replaced damaged ceiling tiles…all new light fittings in all the hallways and shower areas and painted and repaired shower floors in all the changing room areas and all damaged ceiling tiles,,then all the carpets were replaced in the reception and stairwells and the whole area painted ..new floors in the disabled toilets and kitchen..complete refurbishment of all three squash courts… it could now be argued these are the best courts in Coventry!
We have had a slow but steady return over the past few month’s mainly due to the necessary covid restrictions, we are hopeful we can reach some degree of normality by the end of this year.
In other news….
Squash ….
In all honesty squash is not the easiest game to play its not very intuitive and as it is three dimensional it takes a little perseverance to reach a basic standard, but unquestionably worth the effort.
It seems the preconceived ideas about squash being a little eliteist are no longer applicable with the new up and coming generation – I also think the fact that we are a pay as you go club keeps it affordable. We are in a good central position and provide very easy access helps. We also loan out all equipment as needed, so there is no expense until you are sure you are going to stick with the game.
A huge factor for increased interest in children’s coaching is parents from my own generation and younger want their children to be more active, and what a better way than in a safe secure environment and with glass backed courts so you can watch the coaching sessions.
QUICK TIPS.
We’ve coached hundreds of people over the years but the universal problem with most people is holding the racket wrong and getting to close to the ball. You have probably had that feeling of being cramped with the ball on top of you. Try to keep arms length from the ball, it will make a huge difference to your game, especially in the corners
RULES.
Turning
I personally think this is one of the most important rules from a safety aspect. It is usually from the serve but not always, the ball will come on the inside of your body you will then turn to play on your forehand for example instead of playing the backhand. If you are not sure, the biggest clue is your opponent will be cowering against the wall. DO NOT PLAY THE SHOT!! Call the let.
Think about it … you have your back to your opponent with no real idea where they are… probably heading for the T… if they are watching you the chances of hitting them in the eye is quite high.
Over the past 20 years I have personally seen at least 4 eye injuries (2 were detached retinas!) for what? A point in squash?
But also you cant keep turning every time you are out of position and calling a let, you have to play the shot when you can, not keep letting it go.
So if you don’t want to wear goggles (which do take a little getting used to) within reason DO NOT PLAY A SHOT THAT MAY INJURE YOUR OPPONENT, they may be self employed or lose time off work for the sake of a point in squash.
EXCUSES
Never fails to amaze me the excuses squash players come up with,
is it universal across all sports I wonder?
Bearing in mind the parameters are the same for all…..
“The lights are too bright”
“The lights are too dim”
“I cant see the ball against the carpet through the glass back”
“Its too cold ” its too hot”
“The ball does not seem to be bouncing right”
“The showers are to hot” the showers are too cold”
“There is something wrong with my racquet”
“There is something wrong with my toes, foot, shin, knee, bottom, back, neck, shoulders, elbow, wrist, fingers, head and eyes”
“I’m tired”
To name just a few, but my all time favourite has to be,
“If i had been given as much as I gave I would have won that game”
