World Squash Coaching Conference Colombia September 2017

Peter A. Hirst Player Needs? The Journey!

“The danger is to assume that international success can be bought and that somehow, we can get cream without milk. Success at the top has always depended on a healthy and vigorous infra-structure” H.R.H. The Prince Philip

What does the Player NEED to be able to do? 1 on 1 direct opposition The ability to play a series of OPEN rallies! Rallies which always follow a sequence of events in order

The order of events is the Diagnostic Clock Question – Difference between Tech & Skill – Where are they on the Clock??????

What is the difference between ANTICIPATION & PERCEPTION? Time to Task the Brain What is the difference between ANTICIPATION & PERCEPTION?

Answer In easy language.... Anticipation is a best ‘Guess’ as to what is likely to occur as a result of the players action i.e. the last shot. Perception is the ‘Proof’ of what the opponent has just done.

Next Question Why is the difference important to us as coaches? Or more importantly – Why is it important for the player?

Answer The answer lies in one of our TOOLS - ‘Hicks Law’ - which is a measure of reaction time!

Further Questions What is Sub-Conscious learning? What is Conscious learning?

Some Answers Sub-Conscious Learning is – Outcome based – That is the RESULT (e.g. can I make the ball do...?) which allows the bodies natural rhythms / coordination / length of levers /neurological pathways, to open and grow – e.g. their own STYLE. Conscious Learning is – The PROCESS (e.g. left foot does this and elbow does that) - conscious thought which inhibits the skill.

How and When to Teach the Differences? Best learned in the sub-conscious Follow the ‘MATRIX’ LTPD – Windows of opportunity

WSF Level – 1 LTPD

Aerobic capacity is primary - Skeletal system is fragile - Neurological pathways opening – Coordination improvements – Mental skills developing rapidly – Focusing of attention – Modeling of game situations – Lots of creative court activities with movement – Development of basic movement skills – Development of speed, power, accuracy and endurance through fun games/challenges

Important TOOLS – WSF L1 WWWH=PDA - Order of coach thoughts Linking Actions to Result –Linked to Hicks Law Grip – To help with accuracy George – To help with accuracy Relaxed Rhythm – To release tension Spiders Web – To develop the PDA sequence as a whole

WSF Level – 2 LTPD

Growth spurts - Improved motor control/ coordination helps skill learning/building & skill performance – Neurological pathways still opening – Performance gains largely from growth. Sensitive to aerobic capabilities, flexibility, strength and speed capacities – Linking actions to result / Choosing targets – Focusing of thoughts to actions – Confidence building -Focusing attention – Imagery – Process goals not outcome. Focus on mastery of squash specific skills – Emphasis on learning to practice not on performance outcomes.Progressive development of skill and mental capacities – No excessive weight bearing activities

Important TOOLS –WSF L2 WWWH=PDA - Order of coach thoughts Linking Actions to Result (Hicks Law) Grip George Relaxed Rhythm Spiders Web – To develop the sequence as a whole

WSF Level – 3 LTPD

Height changes tend to end – Increase muscle mass – Speed and power training – All physical systems established – Increase training loads Structured psychological skills practice – Self talk – Establishing & maintaining peak performance mental state – Establishing & maintaining concentration/focus – More outcome goals Diagnosis of individual strengths and weaknesses game related (tactical) – Trying to win at selected events as learning situations from the experience

How Things Fit Together Player Level Player Emphasis Player Needs Coaching Style ESF/WSF Coach Education PSA / WISPA Training to Win Sum of Below Empower Level -4 National Juniors Training to Compete Tactics/Apply Pressure Direct Level -3 Intermediate Player Learning to Train Skill / Accuracy Coach Level -2 Early Learners Learning to Play Simple Rallies Teach Level-1

Practical on Court Those who want to try, come and try Those who want to watch, can watch and debate in pairs or threes – Make sure you are with someone! Then we sum up

If you have 10 years experience, please use it If you have 10 years experience, please use it! Do not use 1 years experience 10 times! Peter A. Hirst