Two lessons I learnt from the Squash court

In sports, where speed, agility, and power reign supreme, strategy defines victory.

As someone who has gone through the highs and lows of this sport, I've come to realize that it's not always the strongest or most experienced player who prevails. Rather, it's the one who wields strategy like a finely crafted weapon, outsmarting the opponent with precision.

1) Strategy Works Where Strength Doesn’t (emotional control wins)

My coach used to talk about a average women player who defeats stronger and more experienced players because of her ball placement and strategy. In squash, ball placement can cause the ball to land at places where it becomes "dead" and hence very difficult for the opponent to pick.  Even though the girl would hit low strength shots, the ball would be dead or land in places difficult to reach.

So, picture stepping onto the court with the assumption of your opponent is an easy target to defeat. In this case your overconfidence leads you to underestimate the game and ultimately lose. If the opponent is better, your inability to maintain emotional control when facing adversity may cause panic, leading you to rely on brute force rather than strategic thinking.

In squash, as in life, it's not always about hitting the hardest or swinging the fastest. It's about thinking several steps ahead, anticipating your opponent's moves, and executing with strategy rather force.

But it's not just about technique; it's about mindset. It's about resisting the urge to rely on brute force and instead, trusting strategy. Squash is about playing the long game, knowing that victory often lies not in overpowering your opponent, but in outsmarting them.

2) Calmness Beats Haste

In the heat of competition, when adrenaline runs through your veins and your body screams for action, it's easy to fall prey to haste. Yet, as I've learned time and time again, it's the calm and composed player who ultimately wins.

Imagine facing off against a formidable opponent, their skills unmatched, their reputation preceding them. Yet, as the match unfolds, they reveal signs of nervousness, causing tremor in their movements and strokes. This gives the opponent the confidence and calmness necessary to lead the game.

Calmness allows you to stay focused, to think clearly, and to execute your game plan with precision. While your opponent may possess superior skills, their haste becomes their downfall, while your serenity becomes your strength.

Conclusion: 

In summary, it's crucial not to let the pressure of competition push you into hasty decisions. By sticking to your strategy and remaining calm, you'll ultimately come out ahead. While others may rush and falter, your thoughtful approach will lead to success in the end. So, stay focused and trust in your strategic mindset!