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Maintain or improve your squash fitness with some cross-training sessions in the park!

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Just because we're in lockdown doesn't mean you can't maintain or even improve your squash fitness! 

The popular Squash in the Park sessions are back to help you stay squash-fit during lockdown! Our coaches have been outside every day in half a dozen parks and on beaches, conveniently located near you, cross-training our most avid squash players.

If you're lucky enough to have made it into the Sydney pennant grand finals, are half way through the CBD Squash Competitions or simply want to keep fit & improve your squash, the Academy’s Squash in the Park sessions are an ideal way to continue your training regime so you don't lose your edge.

​Squash in the Park Sessions are designed to focus on squash-specific skills including:
REFLEX IMPROVEMENT
  • Ideal for quick shot-making and body-shot defence.
HAND-EYE COORDINATION
  • This will help you to track the ball and anticipate change of direction that is paramount to dominating the T.
MOVEMENT PATTERNS
  • Developing the muscle memory now will create efficiency of footwork when you get back on court.
STABILITY
  • It’s not enough just to get your ‘racket up’, you need to be stable in your position before you hit the ball, this is critical in all 4 corners of the court.
CORE STRENGTH
  • Core strength when moving and striking the ball is the key to have ‘options’ to stick your opponent in place, otherwise he/she will read the only shot you have and not be under pressure – even if you hit a great shot.
PRESENCE AND POISE
  • Physiology is key when the going gets tough and the non-tough crumble or capitulate. This is a learned skill that can be developed during this off-court period and reinforced at home.
SPEED, QUICKNESS AND AGILITY
  • Each one of these is a different skill.
  • Speed: We have all been out-run by faster opponents who can get to every ball. They know how to increase acceleration to the ball and out of their shot.
  • Quickness: We have seen how some players can cut balls off instead of letting them come off the back wall.
  • Agility: We will teach you the specific exercises elite players do to improve their ability to change direction and pivot from left-to-right and front-to-back seemingly effortlessly.

The last thing you want is to lose your hard-earned SportyHQ ranking points you worked so hard to get just because of the lockdown while your opponents are staying fit and sharp training in the park!

We know that players who did not train during the first lockdown came back on court and suffered more injuries that then kept them off court than the ones who were physically active and trained for the squash-specific movements to maintain or even strengthen those important muscles we rely on (adductors, glutes, hip flexors, quads and hamstrings).
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These sessions are tailored for all levels of fitness and squash ability. You can choose between 1:1 private sessions or small group classes (limited to 4 participants for social distancing).

We will provide ALL the essential equipment and hands-on expertise, including:
  • Racquets
  • Balls
  • Cones
  • Ladders
  • Qualified Squash Coach & Personal Trainer
  • Hand wipes and disinfectant before and after the session
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The Park Squash sessions run:

BEGINNER
INTERMEDIATE
ADVANCED
If any of the times above do not work for you, please contact Ursula and we'll make it happen!

The Squash In The Park sessions were super popular during the first 3-month lockdown. Participants stayed fit, avoided injuries when they got back on court and increased their rankings by taking advantage of those who weren't as fit and sharp as they were! 
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These are NOT a Personal Training (PT) or Park Bootcamp sessions, they are SQUASH-SPECIFIC sessions based on your current squash ability.

This is an ideal time to focus on non-ball hitting routines, drills and exercises. The top players in the world train this way 1 hour/day, 6 days per week – ON TOP of their 2 hours on court.

Cross training is always a good thing to do. Olympians and professional athletes do it all the time to build specific muscles, focus on special motor coordination drills and other biomechanical aspects that their chosen sport requires, but can't be developed by playing or practising their sport.

​Mixing things up is a great way to get re-energised and motivated. Creativity is a big part of what we now see on court. That flair, your new inspiration could be triggered with a different perspective in a totally different environment.

Additional reasons to do these sessions:

You'll feel like the game is a lot slower.
You'll stop chasing the ball and get a sense that your opponent is doing all the running.
With better movement, your game won't break down as quickly and you'll play fewer 5-game matches.
Your shot selection will be a lot better because you'll get to the ball 'earlier' and have time to pick the best shot to really punish your opponent :-)
With improved agility and quickness, you will execute shots with great consistency and accuracy.
As you improve these vital skills, you will play a much more intense level of squash without increased risk of injury - Mike will ensure you avoid the most common ways people get hurt.
With increased confidence, you will enjoy paying a lot more - probably because winning is a lot more enjoyable than losing!

Make the decision now STAY IN SHAPE and HAVE FUN trying something new 
Have a question?  Contact us -->
“Squash in the Park is a brilliant way to keep practicing in these truly unusual times. Not only is it an excellent valid excuse to get out of the house, it forces me to focus on my squash-specific movement without the distraction of trying hit the ball at the same time!
 
Mike provides continuous feedback during each exercise on stance, swing, attitude/intention, and believe it or not – court position! This is a great workout that I know will transfer to my game when I get back on court.
 
I recommend it to any player who wants to keep fit, improve court movement to be squash-fit when the courts open back up, which we know they will!”
— Dennis Blythin
"Honestly, I have been so thankful for these ‘Squash in the Park’ sessions!

They have been a great break from WFH but most important – they  have allowed me to swing a squash racket!

Mike is helping me work on my foot/body positioning, swing technique, agility, balance, core strength and of course fitness…

The sessions show we can train literally anywhere… Where there’s a will there’s a way!

I can’t wait to get back on court and put all my new ‘park’ training to use.

Welcome to Australia Mike and thanks for making this happen!”
— Sharon Last
"The “Squash In The Park” sessions are a fantastic addition to the Academy’s range of programs. Mike is a great coach who was very quick to adapt effectively to my level of fitness so I could improve it gradually so I didn’t get hurt (pull a muscle) or get discouraged!

This focus on specific squash-related fitness exercises has increased my motivation, confidence and desire to get back on court ASAP!

And as an added bonus, I’ve lost weight without having to go on a diet… YES! I’m sure that will make me a bit quicker on court right Mike?
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So, a great big thank you to Mike!"
— Jean-Marie Verrier
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