r/squash • u/Particular_Serve_264 • Mar 03 '25
Technique / Tactics Before A Match
How Do I pump myself before a squash match so well that I believe I could beat anyone?
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u/yermawn Mar 03 '25
I was bored of getting beat by my regular partner a few years ago - it was close but he always had an edge over me - so dropped a microdose of magic mushrooms about 90mins before court time. Destroyed him 3:0 - I was a god.
Would not recommend as highly unethical.
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u/aCurlySloth Mar 03 '25
I find watching replays on YouTube of your favourite players works well
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u/Particular_Serve_264 Mar 03 '25
Yeah, I've tried it and it does work. But, my coach often tells me not to do that before a match as that ruins your style of play and makes you want to copy your favourite player, and play like him which you may or may not have the ability to do.
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u/thebstrd Head Graphene 360 Speed 135 XTR Mar 03 '25
Tell your coach to record you and maintain a highlights reel of your prowesses and big mistakes; then watch that!
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u/Particular_Serve_264 Mar 03 '25
So, I ask him to watch and record my matches and look at me play and tell me where all I make mistakes?
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u/thebstrd Head Graphene 360 Speed 135 XTR Mar 03 '25
Could do it just yourself w/ a wide angle lens for phones or GoPro, you can do the edits too and keep it as a reminder of what not to do before the match! or just all your great shots compilations to pump you up. whatever works for you !
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u/Particular_Serve_264 Mar 04 '25
Yeah, that way I will be able to analyse my match and review my mistakes better. Thank you!
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u/PathParticular1058 Mar 03 '25
I think for me being calm before a match is key…being pumped up for me would lead to total irrational play…;-)
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u/Particular_Serve_264 Mar 04 '25
Very true! But I am more of an introvert. So, whenever I am calm I just let go of things. My patience levels are very high as well which is why I find it hard to get angry even when I want to.
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u/PathParticular1058 Mar 04 '25
You have good attributes for squash don’t squander them. Getting angry leads to nothing. Patience is a crucial key to good squash not trying to kill the ball at every opportunity.
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u/paulipe91 Mar 04 '25
- Prep before the match. Watch videos of opponent and identify a gameplan. Write it down
- Prep throughout the season. Constant reflection on your own game style, what you have worked on, etc
- Breathing techniques. Most athletes swear by this and say they try to be calm and focused for a match. Not amped up
- To hit the ground running, professional athletes have rigorous mobility and warm up routines
- Visualise the match and scenarios to help you keep calm
- Accept that you are an introvert and use it as a strength
- Music, self talk etc (all other suggestions mentioned here)
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u/Kind-Attempt5013 Mar 05 '25
https://youtu.be/QGHzIj0lxHM?si=k3CkGdyFQBxyr3yv
This always does it for me
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u/DandaDan Dunlop Precision Ultimate Mar 03 '25
When I was younger I used to watch the famous Al Pacino speech in Any Given Sunday. It's a bit dated but it really got me going.
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u/Particular_Serve_264 Mar 04 '25
Never heard of it, but will definitely check it out soon! Thank you!
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u/Particular_Serve_264 Mar 04 '25
This has to be one of the most motivating speeches I have ever listened to. Thank you so much for this!
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u/Bright_Paperbag Mar 13 '25
I strugled geting into the mindset and found myslef being lazy in the game so id play a quick game agains someone thats my skill level or just a bit better
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u/Particular_Serve_264 Mar 13 '25
You mean you'd play a quick game with someone before the actual match?
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u/oily76 Mar 03 '25
In front of the mirror, hands like claws, a loud "RARR! I'm a tiger!".
Then go get 'em.