Activities in between games (Tournament)
Published: 11 Feb 2005 - 22:22 by drop-shot
Updated: 22 Feb 2005 - 06:36
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Hello over there at the end of the connection,
I have a question regarding tournament activities. I know almost everything about preparation for the tournament and the game, but I still wonder, how can i help my mind and muscles to relief and to charge in between games. The break period seems to be ca. 2-3 hours.
Thanks for support
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I have a question regarding tournament activities. I know almost everything about preparation for the tournament and the game, but I still wonder, how can i help my mind and muscles to relief and to charge in between games. The break period seems to be ca. 2-3 hours.
Thanks for support
How to add images to Members' Forum posts and replies here...
Replies...
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From drop-shot - 22 Feb 2005 - 06:36
From raystrach - 21 Feb 2005 - 23:13
yes slavi (and every one else for that matter)
it does not pay to ever think it is easy. this is all about "arousal." when under aroused, the senses are not quite as sharp, the body not quite prepared, which reduces performance (see mental skills).
the beauty of competition is that it is never static. the opponent is trying to do to you, what you are trying to do to him (her).. it is truly a battle of wits. sometimes a small change in tactics can change the complex of a game completely. experience in competition is invaluable in this regard. you learn how to adjust your tactics on the run.
you will also find yourself reflecting on what happened during your wins and losses. this is a vital part of the improvement process. as a result you will be better prepared next time!
it does not pay to ever think it is easy. this is all about "arousal." when under aroused, the senses are not quite as sharp, the body not quite prepared, which reduces performance (see mental skills).
the beauty of competition is that it is never static. the opponent is trying to do to you, what you are trying to do to him (her).. it is truly a battle of wits. sometimes a small change in tactics can change the complex of a game completely. experience in competition is invaluable in this regard. you learn how to adjust your tactics on the run.
you will also find yourself reflecting on what happened during your wins and losses. this is a vital part of the improvement process. as a result you will be better prepared next time!
From drop-shot - 20 Feb 2005 - 18:09
Hi there,
Well, the answers are here:
"1. You were unaware it was best of 3 games? Usually there is an Entry Form circularised for all tournaments, and one of the things it states is "Tournament Conditions" and then is under control of the Tournament Controller/Referee in case of disputes, injury, etc. Did you read one of these?"
As I said before, I did not read anything like this. This document was written in their native language and nobody wanted to translate it for me. After the tournament I talked to Organizers and they PROMISED to prepare one copy in English for me.
"2. What number out of 88 did the guy who beat you 1-2 come in at? I'm thinking that if you won the first game? If yes, he would have to change something, as your deep driving and volleying game, and your fitness, was too tough for him."
He was seeded guy, so I expected some troubles ;-) And he plays squash for 8 years. I am really angry at myself but I know my mistakes. First game I won because I was too fast for him. He can not run and is very slow. AFter the vicrtory over me he lost next game and was out. What he changed? He started to play nasty squash - a lot of reverse angles, turning and twisting. And I watched his another match - I knew what I dod wrong immediately... I Should have played more lobs and loose crosscourts. If you remember, second game was 9-7 to him and third 9-5.
"3. Did you jot down a few notes? For example "what you would do if you repeated that tournament next week end?" "
YES! I have my notes as I am the good student ;-)))
Good things:
1. Fit, stretched and warmed up;
2. Very well prepared psychicly - my mind was ON THE COURT;
3. Realising the tactic plan; focus on the ball, come back to T.;
4. Varying the serve technique and the pace during the rallies.
Mistakes:
1. After the game I won I thought myself : It is too easy.
So I lost humility. That;s what makes me angry at me;
2. I could not find the answer for his squash type as I haven't experienced that before.
Second game was a lot easier because I was focused on my plan all the time, while the same time I let my game be the game. And two games passed in 22 minutes without any mistakes. The crowd was cheering and applausing our match.
Next tournament in a month. I will be there. Iam happy anyway. The only bad memory - broken strings in my Liquidmetal :-)
Rita&Ray, Thank you for all your support and help. Without it I may not perform that well.
Well, the answers are here:
"1. You were unaware it was best of 3 games? Usually there is an Entry Form circularised for all tournaments, and one of the things it states is "Tournament Conditions" and then is under control of the Tournament Controller/Referee in case of disputes, injury, etc. Did you read one of these?"
As I said before, I did not read anything like this. This document was written in their native language and nobody wanted to translate it for me. After the tournament I talked to Organizers and they PROMISED to prepare one copy in English for me.
"2. What number out of 88 did the guy who beat you 1-2 come in at? I'm thinking that if you won the first game? If yes, he would have to change something, as your deep driving and volleying game, and your fitness, was too tough for him."
He was seeded guy, so I expected some troubles ;-) And he plays squash for 8 years. I am really angry at myself but I know my mistakes. First game I won because I was too fast for him. He can not run and is very slow. AFter the vicrtory over me he lost next game and was out. What he changed? He started to play nasty squash - a lot of reverse angles, turning and twisting. And I watched his another match - I knew what I dod wrong immediately... I Should have played more lobs and loose crosscourts. If you remember, second game was 9-7 to him and third 9-5.
"3. Did you jot down a few notes? For example "what you would do if you repeated that tournament next week end?" "
YES! I have my notes as I am the good student ;-)))
Good things:
1. Fit, stretched and warmed up;
2. Very well prepared psychicly - my mind was ON THE COURT;
3. Realising the tactic plan; focus on the ball, come back to T.;
4. Varying the serve technique and the pace during the rallies.
Mistakes:
1. After the game I won I thought myself : It is too easy.
So I lost humility. That;s what makes me angry at me;
2. I could not find the answer for his squash type as I haven't experienced that before.
Second game was a lot easier because I was focused on my plan all the time, while the same time I let my game be the game. And two games passed in 22 minutes without any mistakes. The crowd was cheering and applausing our match.
Next tournament in a month. I will be there. Iam happy anyway. The only bad memory - broken strings in my Liquidmetal :-)
Rita&Ray, Thank you for all your support and help. Without it I may not perform that well.
From rippa rit - 20 Feb 2005 - 08:47
Thanks for letting squashgame know how you went at the first tournament. You did well for your first, and the experience will help for the next time too. This is what I got from your post and I want a couple of questions answered please:
1. You were unaware it was best of 3 games? Usually there is an Entry Form circularised for all tournaments, and one of the things it states is "Tournament Conditions" and then is under control of the Tournament Controller/Referee in case of disputes, injury, etc. Did you read one of these?
2. What number out of 88 did the guy who beat you 1-2 come in at? I'm thinking that if you won the first game? If yes, he would have to change something, as your deep driving and volleying game, and your fitness, was too tough for him.
3. Did you jot down a few notes? For example "what you would do if you repeated that tournament next week end?"
My theory suggestions are - go to squashgame Tactics, click tab About your Opponent for some revision. My practical suggestion is - go to Routines/Drills and pick out specific routines for breaking up a deep, hard driving game, eg drive,boast,boast,drive.
Good keen work Slavi.
1. You were unaware it was best of 3 games? Usually there is an Entry Form circularised for all tournaments, and one of the things it states is "Tournament Conditions" and then is under control of the Tournament Controller/Referee in case of disputes, injury, etc. Did you read one of these?
2. What number out of 88 did the guy who beat you 1-2 come in at? I'm thinking that if you won the first game? If yes, he would have to change something, as your deep driving and volleying game, and your fitness, was too tough for him.
3. Did you jot down a few notes? For example "what you would do if you repeated that tournament next week end?"
My theory suggestions are - go to squashgame Tactics, click tab About your Opponent for some revision. My practical suggestion is - go to Routines/Drills and pick out specific routines for breaking up a deep, hard driving game, eg drive,boast,boast,drive.
Good keen work Slavi.
From drop-shot - 20 Feb 2005 - 04:52
Hi there.
As promised, here's the summary of my today's debut at amateur tournament. Out of 88 players I finished my career at first 16. I arrived to the club 90 minutes prior the scheduled game. At home I did start stretching and warming up. All the other pre-game activities I did were taken directly from Rita (Thanks a million, dear).
First match I lost 1-2 as nobody informed me about the basic rules ;-))) on the tournament [I told you, I am foreigner in this country]. I was much better than my opponent though he was playing a nasty squash - a lot of reversed shots, using the adventage of four walls and the ceiling sometimes. Nevermind, I shook my head off the sweat and first shock and then the second natch was really entertaining. I was relaxed, firmly stood at "T" (still bouncing on the toes), volleying almost everything and making my opponent run a lot. Needles to say, my Head polo was not even wet after the game. 2-0 (9-2, 9-2) ... I rest a bit, sip some Isotonic stuff and after 30 mins played my third game ... Again, relax, bouncing, volleing. Focus on the ball and footwork. First game finished at 9-1 and the guy asked for the injury break and never came back ... That's my tournament debut story.
As promised, here's the summary of my today's debut at amateur tournament. Out of 88 players I finished my career at first 16. I arrived to the club 90 minutes prior the scheduled game. At home I did start stretching and warming up. All the other pre-game activities I did were taken directly from Rita (Thanks a million, dear).
First match I lost 1-2 as nobody informed me about the basic rules ;-))) on the tournament [I told you, I am foreigner in this country]. I was much better than my opponent though he was playing a nasty squash - a lot of reversed shots, using the adventage of four walls and the ceiling sometimes. Nevermind, I shook my head off the sweat and first shock and then the second natch was really entertaining. I was relaxed, firmly stood at "T" (still bouncing on the toes), volleying almost everything and making my opponent run a lot. Needles to say, my Head polo was not even wet after the game. 2-0 (9-2, 9-2) ... I rest a bit, sip some Isotonic stuff and after 30 mins played my third game ... Again, relax, bouncing, volleing. Focus on the ball and footwork. First game finished at 9-1 and the guy asked for the injury break and never came back ... That's my tournament debut story.
From drop-shot - 13 Feb 2005 - 02:18
Thanks a lot!!!I will have a lot of rest from now on. Your help is really a huge inspiration. Thanks.
From raystrach - 13 Feb 2005 - 00:19
slavi
as rita said, you need to develop a routine in between games. you might also consider listening to some cd's/mp3's to help relax, maybe talk to a few fellow competitors etc, but stay relaxed. i repeat, don't play the game before you get on the court. you will probably need some carbohydrates in between games (eg fruit and sports drink/water) or something substantial if waiting a long time.
as rita said, you need to develop a routine in between games. you might also consider listening to some cd's/mp3's to help relax, maybe talk to a few fellow competitors etc, but stay relaxed. i repeat, don't play the game before you get on the court. you will probably need some carbohydrates in between games (eg fruit and sports drink/water) or something substantial if waiting a long time.
From rippa rit - 12 Feb 2005 - 16:57
Hi Slavi - Firstly, I would ask have you looked at all the Forum Archives which list all forum articles as well as all of my coaching tips? They could have some info to interest you. Anyway, every match is new/another game and should be given the same preparation and detail as the first game/match that includes physical and mental preparation. What you eat and drink in between matches is important, muscles will probably be stiff so don't "front up" without a good stretching session. The difference will be how you "front up" after a win or loss, eg disappointed, elated, stiff, flat or "over the top" - but the basics are still the same. Forget about the previous game, except any improvements you might consider making to your preparation and game plan after evaluating your performance in that match, eg walk slower in between points to stop rushing, play to the opponent's weakness, etc.
Only put your energy into thinking about the things you can control and that in itself will help concentration and the ability to focus on the task.
Slavi the idea is to gradually develop a routine for preparation, as well as the routine in between points and games. So, say 30 mins before have a drink, go sit and gather your thoughts about your opponent's game, formulate your game plan based on your ability against the opponent's strength (don't over analyse - always go back to basics if in trouble), warmup/stretch, visualise playing the shots you wish to use. eg lob serves, tight length.
So Slavi this will be a new challenge and learning curve where you are trying to put all the "stuff" together.
Enjoy and play your best is good too.
Only put your energy into thinking about the things you can control and that in itself will help concentration and the ability to focus on the task.
Slavi the idea is to gradually develop a routine for preparation, as well as the routine in between points and games. So, say 30 mins before have a drink, go sit and gather your thoughts about your opponent's game, formulate your game plan based on your ability against the opponent's strength (don't over analyse - always go back to basics if in trouble), warmup/stretch, visualise playing the shots you wish to use. eg lob serves, tight length.
So Slavi this will be a new challenge and learning curve where you are trying to put all the "stuff" together.
Enjoy and play your best is good too.
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Once more. Thanks for encouraging words and constructive critics. It all works well for me. Next tournament is on the International Squash Day, and I know how to prepare myself. First rule of squash - never underestimate your opponent.
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