Those with Claws eat those with Hooves

You often hear about “being in the zone” and that refers to your level of focus but it can also refer to how aggressive you are.

I played my best squash when I was angry. Not angry enough to verbalize i.e. shout but very close.

Personally, I dislike the displays of aggression from any sportperson but in the heat of battle it’s hard not to let them overflow.

However, what I really want you to start doing is playing from the first point with the same internal aggression as you do when the score is 8-8.

In fact, a good practice is to start at 8-8 for a few games every now and then. It will teach you to not waste any points.

I was often too relaxed at the beginning of matches because I knew there was a long way to go, but I wish now that I had fought with the same intensity in the first few points as I did in the last few.

I can’t exactly say how you develop that skill, but start by finding out what your mental approach and state of mind is when you have played your best.

As I mentioned above, for me it was when I was angry but also had a clear gameplan that I could stick to.

Remember, nobody won a tournament for being too relaxed and friendly on court. I am not saying be rude and nasty to your opponent though.

Sure, you can be nice for a few points but you need to be motivated for 99% the rest of the time.

What I am saying is generate that fire in your belly from the first point.

Imagine a best of five game match where each game was one point only.

How hard would you try for those 5 points?

Play THAT hard for EVERY point!