Squash Australia Junior Talent Camp

Thanks Sue Hillier

The annual Squash Australia Camp was run at Squash WA Centre, Belmont on Friday 4 April – 6 April.

HP Manager Lachlan Johnson and Coaches Jenny Duncalf (former World No 2) and Ryan Cuskelly (former World No 12) helped our Performance Squad players improve their games.

We started Friday night with the Squash Australia Next Generation players Teagan Scott and Alex Marsh getting a one-on-one with the coaches.

Saturday saw 9 of our Performance Squad players attend working on:

• Accuracy/consistency (playing & training with intensity) in the morning session
• Playing with pace/cutting the ball off during the afternoon session
• Coach Tim Cowell stepped on court to assist with the learning by setting the pace and accuracy.

After their morning session the coaches made time to coach our Talent Squad along with Lisa Christou and myself working on volleys.  Setting up some easy routines, then utilising this in game play.

From there they went to coach the Youth Squad alongside Dave Fear and Leigh Kaye working on good basics.

Whilst this was happening the Performance players got sustenance and a chance to rest before the afternoon session.

At the end of day 1 the players were treated to home made lasagne and pasta dishes to refuel for the next day. (Special thanks to Anna Bowen for the lasagne)

Day 2

Eager to go again, we worked on using height on the front wall with drills then some condition game play.  At 11am they did the Beep test which was at Belmont Oasis.  Well done to the players great effort by all.

Whilst the Performance Squad were at the beep test, Jenny and I had a session with the Talent Squad again.  Our focus followed the previous days volleys adding in lobs, using the top third of the court.

A small break for the coaches before we hit the courts again with match play.  Two teams were selected, playing under various match play conditions with attack v defend.  Players were asked to put the last two days into practice, showing tactical awareness, playing with intensity with an understanding to constructing rallies.

At this stage the players were starting to fatigue, but being competitive they worked hard and never gave up.  The teams were level with the last team game the decider.

It was a fantastic camp, the group of players worked so well together, challenged each other and had fun along the way.  Our request to the players was to bring your best attitude and effort each day and they definitely did that.  This made it so enjoyable for coaches and players.  Squash Australia’s said that they all put in effort and had a good attitude to each session, along  with many parents and coaches help/support making it such a highlight and enjoyable experience for them.

The parent help of Lisa Christou and Yvette Clement was invaluable ensuring we were well fed and looked after.   Thank you so much.

It was great to have the coaching help from Lisa Christou, Tim Cowell, David Fear and Leigh Kaye, who also came away with more knowledge.  It was fantastic to have the Talent and Youth Squads involved.

To the players, you made it so enjoyable for me each day.  To see your putting in the effort and attitude asked for, having friendly banter with each other makes you champions in my book.  Thank you.