Dr. Jekyll and Mr Hyde
Published: 04 May 2004 - 18:42 by Patsy
Updated: 12 Apr 2005 - 01:06
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Dr. Jekyll and Mr Hyde Found Lurking Around Squash Courts
It never ceases to amaze me how many volatile monsters are found waiting to erupt from the most mild mannered squash players. Any squash competition night will find these Dr, Jekyll and Mr Hyde characters milling about waiting their chance to transform. It seems that there is something mysterious within the confines of the court that triggers the transformation.
One minute the players are chatting to their opponents and team members looking for all the world like normal well-balanced people just waiting for their turn for some exercise but when that door to the court slams shut behind them the evil forces take over. If a call doesn’t go their way or they might find themselves falling behind in the score, the monster within begins to appear. Their opponent and the umpire become their enemies and their racquet is the instrument of the devil.
I think that the worst encounter I had with one of these types was in a semi-final. Not only would they not pass me the ball when it was my turn to serve, they would actually flick it to the front wall when I went to retrieve it from next to their foot. I found that saying, “You stay there I’ll get,” in my most pleasant voice followed by a smile seemed to enrage them even more. In fact, the more solicitous I became the worse they got. Angry words were exchanged between player and umpire, every winning shot I made was a “f…… fluke”, the racquet was thrown and I swear I saw hair starting to sprout.
All I had to do was to remain calm and watch my opponent throw the match away because of their inner rage. It was incredibly satisfying yet eerily sinister. Where had all that angst come from and why did it seem to disappear as soon as the match was over and the court door opened?
The only explanation is that the Dr. Jekyll and Mr Hyde phenomenon is real and that the confined space of the squash court is a catalyst for susceptible characters.
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It never ceases to amaze me how many volatile monsters are found waiting to erupt from the most mild mannered squash players. Any squash competition night will find these Dr, Jekyll and Mr Hyde characters milling about waiting their chance to transform. It seems that there is something mysterious within the confines of the court that triggers the transformation.
One minute the players are chatting to their opponents and team members looking for all the world like normal well-balanced people just waiting for their turn for some exercise but when that door to the court slams shut behind them the evil forces take over. If a call doesn’t go their way or they might find themselves falling behind in the score, the monster within begins to appear. Their opponent and the umpire become their enemies and their racquet is the instrument of the devil.
I think that the worst encounter I had with one of these types was in a semi-final. Not only would they not pass me the ball when it was my turn to serve, they would actually flick it to the front wall when I went to retrieve it from next to their foot. I found that saying, “You stay there I’ll get,” in my most pleasant voice followed by a smile seemed to enrage them even more. In fact, the more solicitous I became the worse they got. Angry words were exchanged between player and umpire, every winning shot I made was a “f…… fluke”, the racquet was thrown and I swear I saw hair starting to sprout.
All I had to do was to remain calm and watch my opponent throw the match away because of their inner rage. It was incredibly satisfying yet eerily sinister. Where had all that angst come from and why did it seem to disappear as soon as the match was over and the court door opened?
The only explanation is that the Dr. Jekyll and Mr Hyde phenomenon is real and that the confined space of the squash court is a catalyst for susceptible characters.
How to add images to Members' Forum posts and replies here...
Replies...
Please Note: The most recent replies are now at the top!
From raystrach - 12 Apr 2005 - 01:06
From drop-shot - 11 Apr 2005 - 23:23
Hello friends.
Sorry to disagree on this topic with Stevie Wonder 369. SQUASH IS NOT A AGRESSIVE GAME. It is fast and tense and full of "turning" points but it is not agressive at all. You mean agression from Tai Muai or Karate entering the court? Then I am sorry for you. And I agree that it is much more important to be a good "human being" than F*** As*** in general. So, if anybody is interested in my opinion, it pays more to have HUMILITY to the game and RESPECT to your opponent regardless the level of your game. The same appeal goes to everything you do in your life. And last but not last remark. If you go crazy on court losing your nerves it is better to call off the game. For you it is useless to continue, to your opponent it is simply dangerous. To be hit with the ball or the rackett is far from being pleasant. You know what I have seen on Bermuda Open??? Two A-players (Beachil-Power) on court and one hit the other with the ball. PATHETIC. This is what should NOT happen on proffessional match like this. Beachill was waiting at the glass (in the middle) to hit the straight forehand drive. Power was waiting for that but Beachill screwed the hit and Power's leg was hurt... Isn't it better to stop and ask for let? Even to loose one point...
Sorry to disagree on this topic with Stevie Wonder 369. SQUASH IS NOT A AGRESSIVE GAME. It is fast and tense and full of "turning" points but it is not agressive at all. You mean agression from Tai Muai or Karate entering the court? Then I am sorry for you. And I agree that it is much more important to be a good "human being" than F*** As*** in general. So, if anybody is interested in my opinion, it pays more to have HUMILITY to the game and RESPECT to your opponent regardless the level of your game. The same appeal goes to everything you do in your life. And last but not last remark. If you go crazy on court losing your nerves it is better to call off the game. For you it is useless to continue, to your opponent it is simply dangerous. To be hit with the ball or the rackett is far from being pleasant. You know what I have seen on Bermuda Open??? Two A-players (Beachil-Power) on court and one hit the other with the ball. PATHETIC. This is what should NOT happen on proffessional match like this. Beachill was waiting at the glass (in the middle) to hit the straight forehand drive. Power was waiting for that but Beachill screwed the hit and Power's leg was hurt... Isn't it better to stop and ask for let? Even to loose one point...
From steveywonder369 - 11 Apr 2005 - 02:14
In all the years I've played squash mostly I have kept the lion firmly locked within but on the days I release him I start to win again! Is winning more important than being a good sportsman? Squash is an agressive game but unfocused aggresion brings defeat on and off the court. Let the lion free only if you can control him otherwise let him stay confined.
From rippa rit - 23 Mar 2005 - 07:35
Msian well done - good that you now have realised the error of your ways! How many times have we played the ref, the opponent and ourselves, and surprise, lost the match - and did not like to shake hands. When our kids do that stuff we want to clip them in the ear!! Many of our sections on tactics, things you can control, the use of cue words, etc. will certainly be right up your alley. Good luck.
From msc - 23 Mar 2005 - 04:08
Ah so true!! I used to be one of them, I did not know or had never been taught how to handle frustration when my expectations weren't met. One season I broke 5 racquets. Each time I lost my temper the satisfaction would last for maybe 15 mins before shame would set in to the point where I couldn't stand myself - it was horrible! So I "retired" at 24 years old, recognising I was missing a maturity circuit somewhere (or rather it had short-circuited haha). Two years and two countries later I am playing my best squash because at some point I finally managed to teach myself that the game is about being creative with shots, recognising that Murphys Law will act when you most don't want it to, and it is more satisfying to watch my opponents battle with the temper I once had. "Have fun,focus, and be positive" is now the key to my game and yet I'm more serious about the game of squash than I used to be. Go figure!
From bbob - 30 Oct 2004 - 23:13
When I first started playing i just couldn't understand how that could happen. Like raystrach said, now it's more a matter of life or death.
From rippa rit - 11 May 2004 - 18:04
In view of Patsy's comments I know now why I seriously suggest that all future husbands be put on the squash court before marriage, so the future bride can see what sort of a performance to expect when the pressure in on!!
From raystrach - 09 May 2004 - 18:03
Competition Squash players treat Squash like the life and death matter we all know it is!!
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as a player who has a fair amount of agression, i think the answer lies somewhere in the middle. agression does not mean you need be agressive to your opponent. in well over 30 years of squash i have NEVER attempted to hit or harm another player. all my agression is directed towards improving my performnce. this is where "arousal" comes in. see here
every one needs to approach the game individually - what works for you within the laws and spirit of the game. the combatitive atmosphere in a squash court during competition can be intimidating and it invokes different reactions from individuals. the trick is to be able to get the best out of yourself in different circumstances.
a freind of mine, a former wr top three player, said that to succeed as a pro you needed "fire in the belly". but you must control that fire, otherwise you will burn out very quickly.
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