Finding a squash coach might not be the first thing on your list of priorities as you learn the sport, but it probably should be.
A good coach can:
• help you learn the essentials of squash more quickly than you would otherwise,
• keep you from establishing bad habits, and
• provide some motivation when the going gets tough (as it will).
Here are six key steps to finding a coach, and one who’s right for you.
A good coach can:
• help you learn the essentials of squash more quickly than you would otherwise,
• keep you from establishing bad habits, and
• provide some motivation when the going gets tough (as it will).
Here are six key steps to finding a coach, and one who’s right for you.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: At least one hour
Here's How:
- Ask your playing friends if they know of any good coaches. They may have been taking regular or occasional lessons and have some names to share with you.
- Get names and contact information for local pros from the US squash website or from your local squash association website. If the pros aren’t listed there, look at the listing for courts or clubs and then contact them to ask about their resident pros.
- Play tournaments and see whether any of the top players are teaching pros. They may not want to talk with you during the 90 seconds between games, but they would probably be glad to talk between matches. If they aren’t teaching pros themselves, they may be able to refer you to some good local coaches.
- Attend squash camps or clinics. These intensive sessions, held over a few days, can help you improve your game, and the professional staff will usually have multiple coaches in order to keep the teacher/student ratio at a desirable level. That way, you can quickly meet several coaches, as well as a group of fellow students who may have coaches to recommend.
- Take a single lesson. When you do find some prospective coaches, you might begin by taking a single lesson from each of them, and evaluating which one seemed most enjoyable.
- Take a series of lessons. The ultimate evaluation of whether a coach is right for you can only come after you take a series of lessons from one coach, and then evaluate the change in your game after some time. It is rare to make significant changes in only one lesson, so be patient before you ask yourself whether your coach is helping your game. You should be following your coach’s instructions between lessons, as well, so that you can solidify what you learn during your lessons. If you’re playing better after three months, congratulations to you, your coach, and your partnership!
What You Need:
- squash racquet, eyewear, clothing
- computer and/or telephone
- money for lessons
- patience and persistence
