Reading is IMPORTANT, everyone knows this… or at least they should. In the modern day where technology is prolific, reading has taken a backseat to the rise of social media.
 
By not reading, you are MISSING OUT on the experience that a book provides that other forms of media cannot.
 
In the world of sport, books can provide INVALUABLE experiences from the failures or successes of the worlds best from which YOU CAN LEARN FROM.
 
If you are someone who is interested in increasing your knowledge from other peoples experiences to fast track your sporting success, then we would recommend the following books to read.
 
READING = KNOWLEDGE  - KNOWLEDGE = POWER

Welcome back to part 3 of the “Watch the Ball” Series! Before continuing, we recommend reading part 1 and part 2. In this third part, we will talk about how your visual system works, but in a less complicated way. Ever wonder how you see the world around you, let alone follow a tiny black ball zip around a squash court? Read on!  
 
Of course, the visual system in the human body is quite COMPLEX, far beyond what we can explain in our post today. We will break it down into a much simpler version so we understand the BASICS and cover the IMPORTANT stuff, particularly in terms of you as a squash player or enthusiast.
 
The visual system is comprised of both an optical system and a perceptual system. Both systems work together to create “perfect pictures”. The optical system’s role is to send information, in the form of neural signals, to the brain for further processing. The neural signals travel through either a dorsal or ventral stream. The ventral stream functions to process information regarding SPECIFIC objects in our environment, or our central vision. These instances are linked to our conscious control as we DIRECT our FOCUS to specific objects. On the other hand, the dorsal stream functions to process information about movements or actions that occur around the body, basically responsible for our peripheral vision. Of course, all of these processes occur naturally in our subconscious. When we move around, like playing a sport, both systems operate simultaneously to identify the object you are focusing on, how the object is placed in the environment, and where the object is located in relation to your body.
 
So, now you have a very basic understanding of how your brain, eyes, and entire visual system work to perceive everything around you! We often take these abilities for granted, but taking a step back, you remember how incredible the body is. Keep those eyes sharp and keep watching the ball like a PRO!

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA, February 5, 2018. In celebration of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, The East Coast Squash Academy is excited to release a visual treat in the form of an infographic tracing the history, winning performances and other interesting facts which will be of interest to squash players and fans alike. 

The Squash At The Commonwealth Games Infographic captures the journey of the sport since it was first played in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in 1998 to the most recent ones held in Glasgow, Scotland in 2014. Presented as exciting bite-size morsels, the content provides an insight to squash as one of the most exciting sports of the Commonwealth Games and acknowledges both Australian as well as the International stars who have left their mark on the game.

​The infographic also highlights the growing popularity of squash with 119 players from 28 nations, participating in squash in the 2014 edition of the Games. These included a sole representative from each of the nations of Botswana, British Virgin Islands, Guernsey and Lesotho.

Four of the Commonwealth Games out of the 20 held so far have been hosted in Australian cities. Australian squash players have dominated in the Commonwealth Games, with nine gold medals, followed by England with eight.

At the Commonwealth Games squash competition, players have the opportunity to win five gold medals in men’s singles, women’s singles, men’s doubles, women’s singles and mixed doubles, respectively.

The singles matches are played on a knockout format, with the top two players reaching the finals after eliminating others in their respective groups. The eliminated players contest consolation games throughout the tournament.

The doubles tournament is played on a round-robin format, where teams with the most points qualifying for the elimination rounds. 

The infographic was created for public distribution to give more people an appreciation of squash and to encourage them to support the game by attending the matches at the Commonwealth Games. Please feel free to share it on social media with a backlink to the Academy’s website where more than 100 original references are listed.

To view the Squash At the Commonwealth Games Infographic click "HERE"

For more information, please contact: 

The East Coast Squash Academy

Founded in 2011 when Aaron Frankcomb retired from the Professional Squash Tour, the East Coast Squash Academy set out to create a business model to expand the presence of squash within local communities surrounding squash centres. The first installation was at Willoughby Squash Club where Frankcomb was the club’s resident squash pro until early 2017. 

Since inception, the Academy has produced some stellar results including: Attracting a handful of junior players with aspirations of going on the professional (PSA) tour. Its junior program has the biggest contingent of players on the NSW Squash Junior ranking list, with players on the NSW junior state teams, Australian junior teams and Australian senior players. The Academy has developed NSW and Australian Junior Champions. 

The Academy has been home base to two full time senior players that have reached careers highs of top 240 in the world on the Men’s PSA Tour. Its best female professional reached a top world ranking of 130. 

The junior program has boasted (pun intended) over 500 children participating in weekly squads and training sessions. Memberships and participation in squads increased by 100% and 300% respectively and tournament registrations reached at an all-time high. 

Aaron Frankcomb, The East Coast Squash Academy

Tel: 0424 474 001
Email: [email protected]
Website: EastCoastSquashAcademy.com.au
Facebook: East Coast Squash Academy

Aaron Frankcomb
Aaron Frankcomb was ranked in the top 100 professional squash players for 8 years, 4 years in the top 50, winning 3 PSA titles. He represented Australia at the 2010 Commonwealth Games, was a Junior Champion in all age groups including 2 times in the Under 19 category and holder of scholarships in the Tasmanian and Australian Institutes Of Sport. 

He now coaches professionally and remains Sydney’s top ranked squash player and is still considered within the top 5 players in Australia. 

Contact details: 
Tel: +61 0424 474 001 
Email: [email protected] 
Website: www.AaronFrankcomb.com.au 
Facebook: East Coast Squash Academy

Heather McKay AM MBE is an iconic figure when it comes to squash in Australia. McKay is considered one of the greatest female sportswomen to have ever lived, and only lost two matches in her entire career, spanning nearly two decades. 

On Australia Day this year, McKay was recognised once again for her achievements on the sporting field, receiving the honour of Officer (AO). The award was for “distinguished service to squash as an elite player and coach, as a pioneer on the professional circuit, and through support for young athletes” (Source: Australia Day 2018 Honours List). This latest honour will accompany her Order of British Empire (MBE) and the Order of Australia (AM) received in 1969 and 1979, respectively. 

To know more about McKay’s career and player statistics follow the link.