It's been a pretty busy fall and start to winter so I'm well behind on blog posts. I do have a lot of updates since the last post. I've had a number of new podcast guests since the last blog post. I've had squash legend Mike Way on discussing Ali Farag, Jonathon Power and college squash. I also recorded a tribute episode to Canadian squash legend, Stuart Dixon. The most recent episode featured Bob Bowers who is 1 of the top squash trainers in the world. If you're interested in training this is a must listen to episode. You can listen to these episodes wherever you listen to your podcasts by searching 'Serious Squash Podcast.'
In other news I'm up to episode 87 of Squash Shots. There's a new episode every Monday morning. If you want to learn more you can check it out at Patreon.com/SeriousSquash or on Instagram @SeriousSquashShots
Last week I thought it would be fun to a figure 8 volley challenge. One take with a cold ball and see how many I could do. I ended up doing around 980 (give or take 10-20) as I lost count once or twice. Here's the video if you want to check it out.
1 Take Figure 8 Volley Challenge
I just completed my first draft of a sport psych workbook. For the time being I've called it 'Winning and Losing Between The Ears: An Athlete’s Guide and Workbook For Maximizing Mental Performance.'
It's 33 pages with 21 sections. Each section includes my viewpoint on the topic and concludes with a work section to customize that area for your game. Even though it's written by a squash player and coach it's applicable to all sports. If you're interested in this you need to subscribe to the Serious Squash email list where I will be sending out a free copy shortly. To subscribe simply enter your email address here: Serious Squash Email List
Currently in Canada, most areas are in lockdown. This applies to my club as well so I've started filming a weekly workout video and posting it online. If you want to check then out you can do so here: Lockdown Workout Playlist I'm going to be rating the difficulty of each workout from 1 to 10. I've also been easing into the workouts since the holidays and the goal is to keep them short (10-15 minutes).
There's always plenty of new updates and posts on the Serious Squash Instagram and Facebook pages. Let's hope we get through Covid-19 in the next few months so we can get back to playing the game we all love.
#11: Forehand figure 8 volley to behind the back to the other corner. This is a tricky one and took me some time to master. The key is hitting the ball low for your behind the back shot!
#12: The Butterfly. This is the only skill challenge I've filmed that I have seen done before. I've tried this one a lot over the years so it's not too challenging for me anymore, but is essential to being able to do some of the other skill challenges I've completed.
#13: Between The Legs Figure 8's. Below I am hitting a forehand figure 8 and then through the legs into the opposite corner. Some of my skill challenges are designed to improve your ball control, while others are just for fun!
To stay up to date with my most recent skill challenges check out my Youtube channel at cchsquashpro and follow me on Instagram at serioussquash.
If you haven't already seen them here are my next 3 skill challenges. I have over 20 so far as the list continues to expand.
#8: I am doing double figure 8 butterfly drill. It's one of the toughest ones I've done to date. But I continue to challenge myself to come up with more challenging and unique skills.
#9: this one may seem tricky, but for a good player it's not really that difficulty. Most good players have hit a few balls over the years with their non-dominant arm and can hit a decent forehand. SO here I am doing right to left handed forehand figure 8 volleys.
#10: this is tougher than #9 by quite a bit. Here I am switching hands again between shots, but I am hitting only backhands. Needless to say the left-handed backhand figure 8 was pretty challenging and the technique is pretty, but I got a decent amount going. Good luck and enjoy!
Follow my Youtube channel (cchsquashpro) to keep up to date with new releases. I've also posted some other short video clips that are excellent solo hitting drills that most amateur players will be able to practice. Feel free to follow me on Instagram (serioussquash) too, where I've posted short sneak peak clips of some of the skill challenges I'm currently practicing.
Here is my 7th skill challenge. This took me a few minutes to get the hang of it. I can do figure 8's and side wall volleys both pretty well, but mixing the two was pretty tricky. I give this a difficulty rating of 6 out of 10. Can you do this? Enjoy and good luck!
For the record, I think my next skill challenge is my best to date! Coming soon :)
Today I'm doing a relatively simple skill challenge. If you can do figure regular figure 8 volleys you shouldn't have too much trouble with these. It's just a nice little variation and keeps your feet moving. Here it is:
I give this skill challenge a difficulty rating of 4 out of 10. Enjoy and good luck!
Here is my 5th Skill Challenge. It's much more difficult than it looks. I've seen many people do the sidewalk version of this exercise, but this is more challenging. Have a look and see for yourself.
If you can't do this yet try the version using the sidewalls. Not only is this a good exercise for your hand-eye and improving your racquet skill, but it also forces you to keep your follow through high after the volley (which is key for a volley drive). Stay tuned for a new Skill Challenge release in the next few days. You can also find small sneak peak clips of me working on some new challenges at my new Instagram page at serioussquash.
Here is my 4th skill challenge. I hit a forehand figure 8 into the front left corner and then a backhand one into the back right. Believe it or not but this exercise is much more challenging than the 4 corner butterfly figure 8 volley routine. Oh and did I mention that you get to see me mess up in this one! I told you it's a tough one and I have trouble keeping it going for 10 or more shots. It's certainly a challenging exercise for me. I give it a 9 out of 10 for difficulty. If it's easy for you, wow I'd be seriously impressed! Good luck!
Here is my 3rd skill challenge. It's the backhand version of #2 and it's quite a bit tougher. I would give this one a difficulty rating of 8 out of 10. How many can you do?
It takes a lot of forearm strength and control to do this skill challenge. As with many of the skill challenges I'm posting you also need to be able to adapt your swing with your wrist to hit a variety of targets when your body is often not in the ideal position. I will post challenge #4 over the weekend which is one of the most challenging exercises I can do. Good luck!
