Sore But Strong

Published: 07 Jun 2006 - 00:18 by raystrach

Updated: 07 Jun 2006 - 00:18

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I have been so busy since getting back from my little holiday that I have not had time to resume my Squash Blog. I am sure all readers have been hanging out for the resumption. And resume I will.

When I arrived back, I thought that I was still quite fit although not match fit. When I turned up for my first match against Peter Taylor, the best player in our competition, I knew that my fitness and form would be tested. If I resumed like I used to after coming back from a break, and my fitness was not as good as I had anticipated, a zipping was on the cards. Peter is improving all the time and returned recently from the National Junior Tri Series as 7th ranked in the 19yrs age group.

Fortunately, I started strongly and got the first point which avoided the zipping and was quite competitive, especially early in the first game. I then followed the now all too familiar path of going for too much too early instead of being patient then taking opportunities which I have created. I did the same in the second but recovered in the third to be competitive again.

Sure, I did get a little tired and was was quite sore a day or two after (mainly right wrist and forearm and backside) but i was pleased that my technique was quite strong. I had not gone too far backwards.

I practised on Sunday at medium intensity for over 90 minutes which was useful. I did some drlls with a player who has recently had some health problems, but who used to be a very good player. I hit the ball quite well in the drills, but found it hard to moderate my form to give him a good game. I was either thashing him or he was thashing me. I was having trouble keeping to a clear strategy and my decision making was poor.

Also played a young player who has potential but has not yet realised it. He played better than he has ever played and struggled a little. having said that, I was pleased that when I decided to up the ante, i was able to quite convincingly.

This all gives me confindence for the next few weeks when I want to get my form up for the Australian Masters in September. I was able to reflect when on holiday, about my game. My biggest weakness at present is my decision making, tending to go for too much too soon, then not attacking enough when the opportunity presents. I am not going to reach my target standard if I continue to hope that miracle shots will get me there.