Yes, I need to make a lengthy visit to the house of mirrors so that I can take a good look at myself. Although I performed OK at times in my past few matches, overall, I am performing well below my capabilities.

I am simply not playing good strong smart Squash, the way I tell everyone else to play!

Instead, i am continually trying to hit crazy winners in impossible situations then, when I get a real opportunity, I only go for it half heartedly. This just is not good enough.

After being in the house of mirrors for quite, a while this is what I saw.

• Lack of discipline and concentration on the return of serve
• I can hit winners, but the better players get the ball out of my hitting zone
• I should be less predictable as to where I stand so that it puts the pressre back on them
• I am too closed a the back of the court on the backhand - my approach to the ball should be less beside the ball and more from the centreline of the court
• this is partially a judgement problem as I think I am going to be able to volley, arrive too late, so get caught chasing the ball to the back
• This results in a weaker return and more time spent returning to the T
• I need to compete better on each point - I used to be good at making each point a mini competition -I need to start doing that much better
• I need to be less fearful of the opponents' returns - it's like getting caught in the glare of the headlights
• I need to watch more carefully and sum up during the swing so that i move faster and pick up the intended direction of the hit much better
• I really need to get the ball deeper more often and then look for the weaker return putting into place some of the things mentioned previously.
• When arriving a the ball with some time to prepare, i need to be a little less predictable and change the rythym of the shot like I used to do, but have recently have got out of the habit
• My court movement to the front forehand court is rubbish, trying to run up to the ball and getting over it instead of stopping short and reaching out  with legs and racket outstretched. this gets me lower and helps me make a better return. i may need to do some strengthening exercises to ensure i have the strength to carry out the technique effectively

That should give me a few things to work on in the coming weeks. after a light pactice yesterday, I did work on some of those things and had some sucess although I as not able to consistently apply myself. For the next few weeks  you will see an evaluation of those points  to see how I am faring. There has been too many excuses and not enough preparation How to add images to Members' Forum posts and replies here...

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