Submitted by Peter Langmaid

1. Arrive at venue at least 45 minutes before matches begin:

• Stretch
• If possible, find an empty court and quickly run through your entire repertoire of shots, including serves to both sides.
• Evaluate the court and compare it to what you’re used to:
      - liveliness of walls (front, side, and back)
      - lighting (bright or dim)
      - floor (darker or lighter than you’re used to, slippery or sure)
      - background (if back wall is glass)
      - ambient temperature (hot or cold)
• Clear your mind of life’s aggravations (e.g. girlfriend, homework, George W. Bush, etc.)
• Review basic match strategy:
      - Variety of shot selection (hard & soft rails, lobs, drop shots, boasts, soft and hard serves, volleys, etc.)
      - Keep your opponent pinned to the back wall
      - Limit mistakes (give your opponent the chance to lose)
      - Move your opponent (remember: squash is a game of attrition)
• Hydrate
• Go to the bathroom
• Relax
  

2. Pre-match warm-up with your opponent (2 ½ minutes per side):

• Run through your entire repertoire of shots again, this time judging your opponent’s reaction to them.
• Evaluate your opponent (fit or out-of-shape, quick or slow, hard hitter or counter puncher, can he volley, which side—backhand or forehand—is stronger, etc.).
• Limber up.
  

3. During the match:

• Try and extend the first rallies to dissipate your jitters and to confirm/modify your pre-match observations.
• Don’t become predictable, even if something’s working (keep your opponent off-balance with variety).
• Be prepared for each rally. I give myself two reminders before every rally begins: watch the ball and don’t hit stupid shots. This helps me focus and minimizes my tendency to try and get rallies over quickly. Having a pre-point routine is especially useful when you’re tired or winded.
  

4. Between games:

• Hydrate
• Rest
• Listen to your coach (as a player, you may not be aware of opportunities your opponent’s giving you).

About the Author (In his own words):  Peter Langmaid is a sixty year old squash player who came to the game in his mid-thirties.  He loves the intensity and competiveness of the game.  Like most squash players, he has more opinions than skills.

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