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Improving Through Opponent Selection |
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By Shona Kerr
Head Squash Coach, Wesleyan University
Playing is after all what it is about - but have you ever thought about which opponents you should play and when?
Tournaments and league matches select opponents for us but who we play in our own time and during practice we have control over. Who you play can have different benefits to your game and where you are in your training plan can determine who you might want to call up.
This chart outlines the values commonly achieved by playing opponents of different abilities:
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Training Benefits |
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Opponent ability |
Technical |
Tactical |
Physical |
Psychological |
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Weaker
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Excellent–allows time to focus on swing/movement adjustments
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Good-allows you to practice being in control and to choose your shots
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Average-does not push you physically
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Good-builds confidence in being in control, shot selection and technique |
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Same
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Good-allows you to test how well and how long “good” technique will stand up to an equal player
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Excellent-it is here where you will see improvements in perception, anticipation and shot selection. Also test out and practice sticking to game plans |
Excellent-pushes you physically hard and tests fitness
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Excellent-good practice to remain focused in the moment and staying emotionally in control
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Stronger
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Average-a stronger player will apply too much pressure for you to have time to consider technique |
Good-can be used for defensive game practice, working on patience in rallies
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Good-more pressure equals more work
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Good-no pressure to win, good practice on hanging in a match and being patient |
So as you can see there are different benefits to be gained from playing different opponents, all of which are valuable. The timing of each should be considered for maximum effect within your season plan.
Shona Kerr is the head coach of both men's and women's squash and holds the rank of adjunct assistant professor of physical education at Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT. Shona previously coached a t Wellesley College, University of Wales Institutes Cardiff (UWIC) and at Cardiff University Squash Club.
As a player, Shona was a four-year member of the Welsh Universities team from 1996-99. More recently, she was a member of the UWIC team which won the Women's Welsh Premiere League. She also represented Wales at the 2000 European Club Championships, held in Amsterdam. In the United States, Shona was a national squash age-group champion for under-35 and at the 5.0 skill level in both 2004 and 2005 and also played for the Boston Ladies "A" Team which won the Howe Cup.
In addition to her playing and coaching experience, Shona holds Level III advanced coaching certification from the England Squash Association. In the summer 2003, Shona traveled to Cairo, Egypt as a presenter at the World Squash Federation Development and Coaching Conference. She also has been active in several camps as a coach including SquashBusters summer camp for which she served as director. Shona began a two-year term as vice-president of the College Squash Association in 2005, of which she has been a member since 2001. In Ocotober, 2006, Shona acted as local coordinator for the College Squash Association's Coaches Conference held at Wesleyan. Shona also organizes activities around Wesleyan's Rosenbaum Squash Center to foster greater interest in the sport in the area. Shona earned a bachelors degree in music from Cardiff University in 1998 and graduate certification in management from Oxford University in 2000.
For more information, contact Shona via e-mail
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
or visit www.wesleyan.edu

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