Progress Comes But Slowly
Published: 02 Feb 2006 - 07:54 by raystrach
Updated: 04 Feb 2006 - 08:21
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Sometimes you have to take what little progress that fate throws up. Any progress is good as it provides a base for future improvement. Knowing that you are able to fight your way out of tough circumstances provides confidence that you can achieve difficult goals.
In comparison with the past week or two, I had a pretty good day today. I set the bar a little higher on the morning swim, and even though I mixed metaphors, I was able to come through a tough match with an old adversary and win.
Swim
I really did notice progress on the swim this morning, as I cut down my intervals (it was forced on me as I had to finish earlier - my wife is not patient and wears flippers - she gets weird looks in the street). With 1 min 50 sec intervals I was still able to swim my 50 mts a little faster than I had been from just over 1 min 05 sec down to just over 1 min - some faster. I was also finishing the sets quite strongly.
Squash
The fact that I had made some fitness progress followed through confidence wise for my Squash match. I knew that i could go the distance and not try to do too much too soon. This is exactly how it transpired. My opponent, Brian, at about 58, he is the oldest player on our league - one of three older than me. He is a multiple world masters champion and he is always an extremely tough opponent who makes you earn a win.
The thing I was most satisfied with, was my discipline between points:
Now I just need to play better!
Walks
the usual. I am really putting in the effort on the mental side!
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In comparison with the past week or two, I had a pretty good day today. I set the bar a little higher on the morning swim, and even though I mixed metaphors, I was able to come through a tough match with an old adversary and win.
Swim
I really did notice progress on the swim this morning, as I cut down my intervals (it was forced on me as I had to finish earlier - my wife is not patient and wears flippers - she gets weird looks in the street). With 1 min 50 sec intervals I was still able to swim my 50 mts a little faster than I had been from just over 1 min 05 sec down to just over 1 min - some faster. I was also finishing the sets quite strongly.
Squash
The fact that I had made some fitness progress followed through confidence wise for my Squash match. I knew that i could go the distance and not try to do too much too soon. This is exactly how it transpired. My opponent, Brian, at about 58, he is the oldest player on our league - one of three older than me. He is a multiple world masters champion and he is always an extremely tough opponent who makes you earn a win.
The thing I was most satisfied with, was my discipline between points:
- I stayed calm and focussed despite extreme frustration at times - he is very deceptive and keeps you off balance.
- I stuck to my between rally routine
- reminding myself of my main goals - watch the ball and take your time.
- watching the ball intently off the serve - an old routine I use to help me concentrate
- Thoughts of defeat or of his good shots hurting me rarely entered my mind. Although I lost the second 9-0 I stayed positive, as there were many hand outs.
Now I just need to play better!
Walks
the usual. I am really putting in the effort on the mental side!
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Replies...
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From lowballerdom - 07 Feb 2006 - 14:07
From rippa rit - 04 Feb 2006 - 08:12 - Updated: 04 Feb 2006 - 08:21
Ray, you must have applied yourself to this match, so that is encouraging to say the least.
Brian is an experienced competitor and bounces around like a spring chicken during his matches, and that can be intimidating in itself.
He is left handed so that can make for added concentration - maybe you used both wall this time too to better advantage!
Just keep it going .............................
.
P.S A thought - just reflecting on your match with a younger less experienced opponent than Brian - young players tend to run and belt the ball, whereas older, experienced players do not belt so hard, so there is not the temptation to try to out hit them. Once play becomes a slogging match, it is easy to forget the plot.
Brian is an experienced competitor and bounces around like a spring chicken during his matches, and that can be intimidating in itself.
He is left handed so that can make for added concentration - maybe you used both wall this time too to better advantage!
Just keep it going .............................
.P.S A thought - just reflecting on your match with a younger less experienced opponent than Brian - young players tend to run and belt the ball, whereas older, experienced players do not belt so hard, so there is not the temptation to try to out hit them. Once play becomes a slogging match, it is easy to forget the plot.
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Finally a 'C' Division Championship under my belt! It was this tournament last year that I played in 'C' and realized that I wasn't a 'C' player. I set out to improve and after one year I was able to come back and win it. Now that I've reached my goal I am not really sure what to do, I've played 6 'C' tourneys this year with pretty good results, making it to the semifinals in 2 other tournaments, one of which had a 42 man draw. I've also won 2 consolation finals. Is it time to move up to the 'B' division?
My coach thinks that it would be a good idea to move up and challenge myself more. It was pretty spectacular playing in a final. More people were watching my match on a side court than the mens A consolation final on one of the show courts. It really got my adrenaline going and in the beginning I was so nervous, making all sorts of mistakes, but after losing the first game I sort of just let my body go into autopilot and let the habits take over. With so many people cheering for us, it was easy not to think about what the score was or that I was tired. Some of the top players in the tournament and some other coaches came and talked to me after my win and said some really motivating things.
I feel like it is a really big step to start playing in the 'B' division whether I have the skills or not. I realized recently that squash is played more in my head than it is on court. But what really separates the different levels of players? How can only after a year I go from a total hack 'D' player who barely knew the rules to a 'B' player? On a similar note, how can junior players be so great at the age of 15, when guys who have played for 10-20 years never really improve past the 'C' level? How much of a factor does talent vs. genetics vs. hard work vs. mental toughness contribute to ones aptitude in squash? Can someone who works so hard only achieve so much while someone else who works out less reach for infinity and beyond?
I guess I really want to know what to expect? This is getting a little to deep...but I would love to hear what you guys think about your own improvement. Is it worth it? Other than the obvious health benefits, what keeps you guys motivated? What brings you down? Thanks in advance for your responses.
-Dom
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