Squash for Health and Wellness Blog

Getting the Basics of the Game Correct

2008-03-25T23:23:00.012+05:30

In this video we will see how to hold the Squash Racket Correctly. This is popularly known as the "Handshake Grip" Where in the right handed player hold the racket in his /her left hand and approches it as oif to shake hands with it. The racket grip engages into the palm diagonally and the but of the grip rests (as shown) at the bottom of the palm the middle, third and the little finger actually grip the racket grip while the index finger extends slightly and circles around the neck of the grip so that the racket does not fall / drop on the impact of the ball. The thumb also just wraps around - ensuring the leading edge racket edge rests right in the center of the "V" it creats with the index finger.

The Racket Grip
There are no similarities in the way a carpenter holds his hammer and a painter hold’s the brush. The carpenter needs a firm hold, the painter holds his tool gently – respective preference determined by the type of work at hand.

If the painter grips the brush like a hammer the finesse will vanish from his work likewise the carpenter would not be able to give strength and stability to the furniture if he holds the hammer like a paint brush.

How you treat your racket is going to impact in a major way in how you perform on the court. Use it like an axe, gripping it firmly and making fierce downward strokes at the ball, and you are not going to get very far. Too subtle a touch is going to mean that there is little or no beef behind your volleys and backhands, and the racket is going to move around in your hand with disastrous results. So a solid, but relaxed, contact between handle and palm is the right approach. The grip is one of the most important things you need to learn. It is a basic fundamental and getting it wrong from the start will only lead to problems with your game in the future. The wrong grip:

Will restrict you from playing a full range of shots
Will restrict your ability to play deception
Will make you hit the ball into the tin

Whether you are just playing for fun or have serious ambitions in squash, it is necessary that you make the change to the continental (handshake) grip. It will not be easy; you will need a lot of determination and patience; but it will be worth it!

The Handshake Grip
This method - is the fastest and simplest way to learn how to hold the racket correctly. Because the handshake is a natural grip, beginners are advised to hold their racket in the other hand and approach it with their playing hand as to shake hands with it. This can be better understood as mentioned below and to view the same you must definately check the following link out for better understanding - http://sports4healthunlimited.wordpress.com/2008/02/11/getting-started-the-grip/

When we shake hands the junction between our thumb and the index finger goes and settles into that of the other person. While the fingers wrap the butt of the palm of each other.

The photoson the above link will illustrate and help you understan t h e “handshake grip” that has been adopted and used by all great players of the game. Not only is this the most comfortable way to hold the racket but it also gives you the added advantage of very versatile maneuverability.
Stage One – getting ready let us now approach to shake hands with our racket
Stage Two – the junction between the thumb and forefinger settles on the left border of the racket making what we also call the “V”
However, care must be taken to ensure that the thumb is not used by the player to exert pressure onto the grip as illustrated in the following link http://sports4healthunlimited.wordpress.com/2008/02/11/getting-started-the-grip/.
This is often noticed with players who are unsure of their back-hand stroke and bring the thumb into play in order get sum punch in their shots. The thumb and the extended fore finger only act to stop the racket head from falling backwards or forward.
Stage Three – now to understand how high or low does one hold the grip. The top or the bottom - Please refer to the same link as above.
The above link illustrates and shows the bottom of the palm on which the butt of the racket must rest. This helps ease out pressure on the wrist to take the racket weight for extended periods. The photo below will help clarify the same.
Stage Four – taking off from Stage Two - the index finger remains extended from the other three only to ensure that the racket does not fall backwords and that a proper balance is maintained.
Thelink http://sports4healthunlimited.wordpress.com/2008/02/11/getting-started-the-grip/ also illustrate the same from different angles for easier understanding
Stage Five – notice the open racket face i.e., racket face tilted towards the ceiling slightly. The racket is ready to fire for with all the sharpness, balance and control.

Also consider the following issues on the grip;

Hold the grip firmly neither too tight nor loose.
Some players hold the racket down at the bottom of the handle while others hold it right up closer to the shaft. You must decide which is better for you by checking out on the power, control and comfort.
And finally, if you learn to hold the racket correctly can be your insurance against what is popularly know as the tennis elbow.

YES YOU GOT IT RIGHT you can get a tennis elbow playing squash as well !!

HISTORY OF THE GAME OF SQUASH RACKETS

2008-03-22T14:07:00.002+05:30

State & National Squash Bodies in India

2008-03-16T14:37:00.006+05:30

State Institutions affiliated to the Squsah Rackets Federation of India (S.R.F.I)

Tamilnadu Squash Rackets Association - Dhun Building, III Floor, North Wing, 827, Anna Salai, CHENNAI - 600 002.
Kerala Squash Rackets Association - "Sreeragam", Thiravonam Nagar, Cochin University Post, COCHIN- 682 022.
Pondicherry Squash Rackets Association - No.11, Kumaran Street, PONDICHERRY - 605 012.
Karnataka Squash Rackets Association - House No.88A, Jal Vayu Vihar, Kamanahalli Main Road, Banaswadi, Kalyan Nagar Post Office, BANGALORE - 560 084.
West Bengal Squash Rackets Association - C/o, The Calcutta Racket Club, 95, J.L Nehru Road, Chowringhee - KOLKATTA- 700 071.
Squash Rackets Association of Hyderabad - 6-3-883/1, Somajiguda Circle, Panjagutta, HYDERABAD - 500 082.
Madhya Pradesh Squash Racket Association, 29, L.N.I.P.E, Gwalior 474 002. M.P.
U.P. Squash Rackets Association - A-45, Shanti Nagar, Kanpur -208 004.
Goa Squash Rackets Association - Phena De France, Choelo Vaddo, Briloria, Post Betim Bardez, Goa - 400 101.
Bihar Squash Rackets Association - Near RR Dairy, Kathira, ARRAH, Bhojpur District, BIHAR – 802301.
Rajasthan Squash Rackets Association - 154, Ajit Colony, Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
Chhattisgarh Squash Association - 3/61, Behind Poojari School, Raja Talab, Raipur 492 001.
Uttaranchal Squash Rackets Association - D-23, DHEL, Shivalik Nagar, Haridwar, Uttaranchal.
Jharkhand Squash Association - College Road, Rasikpur, Tumka, Jharkhand.
Chandigarh Squash Rackets Association - 2390, Sector 44C, Chandigarh.
Haryana Squash Rackets Association - 243, P/R Model Town, Karnal, Haryana.
Orissa Squash Rackets Association - Goods Shed Road Berhampur 760 008.
Gujarat Squash Rackets Association - Lagotia MIG Colony Summer Club Road Jamnagar, Gujarat.
Himachal Pradesh Squash Rackets Association - No.54, Gandhi Nagar, Ward No.6, Hamirpur - 177 001.
Andaman & Nicobar Squash Association - No.13, Aberdeen Village SISTI Nagar, Dignabad P.B. No.265, Port Blair Andaman.
Delhi Squash Association - E - 348, Greater Kailash Part - II, New Delhi - 110048. (Check out link to DSA's blog)
Squash Rackets Federation of India - (please click on the link to the federations official web-site www.indiansquash.net and know more).

2008-03-15T22:30:00.005+05:30

THIS BLOG IS DEDICATED TO WELLNESS & SQUASH

The blog is dedicated to the wonderful game of Squash Rackets and for me you can say a small contribution to the game – that literally gave me strength and inspiration on my way to recovery after a serious road accident left me with a brain hemorrhage in 1990 that required close to eight months recovery.

In 26 years of my playing the game I have found nothing even half as intense, and challenging. I am sure all my friends, fellow squash players and others who follow the game will agree that no matter what the outcome a 30 minutes session inside the squash court not just provides you a complete body work-out but also helps you de-stress and gets you to feel fresh & alert.

A world where lifestyles are becoming 24/7 health and general wellness is taking a hit. Leading to serious questions being asked about where we are heading and if we are not simply killing the future generation - When you watch the following video you will appreciate what I am trying to say.....

The games finer points have been explained with the smallest detail with the objective of taking it to the masses. Entry is free and open for all – the whole objective is to create something for everyone. And if you are a parent, uncle, aunt, even a grandparent you will find something cute and educating for the little ones. Let me take the liberty expressing a word of thanks and gratitude to the following people who have inspired this my effort at bringing the game closer to the masses:

Mr. N. Ramachandran (Secretary General), Mr. Srivatsan, Manan Mashruwala; Cyrus (National Coach); Major S. Maniam (Consultant Coach); Rajeev Reddy – Squash Rackets Federation of India for their active contribution towards development of the sport in India;
Dr. N.K. Pandey (Secretary) U.P. Squash Rackets Association for working tirelessly at promoting the game in the state and also ensuring it development at the grass-root level;
Mr. Vijay Goel (President) & others Delhi Squash Association;
Friends Dr. B.I. Singh, Mr. Samar Hamid, Ajay Bhalla, Sharad Sharma, Faisal Ashraf, Lalit Advani, Vijay Ingle, Vivek Goel, Anil Malhotra, Amit Kaushal, Pradeep Kumar, Mrs. Khatri, Nikhil Pant, and Hemamt.
To Col. Thapliyal & Col. Kaushik for silently working behind the scene and promoting the game in East Delhi.
To my late father Col. P.K. Sharma for inspiring me and always acting as my pillar of strength;
Also to the late Col. Handa who trained me briefly and was the only player to have taken a game of the legendary Geoff Hunt.

And others including YOU dear readers who either plan to indulge or are already enjoying the different flavors of the game. I must also talk abour my students young and old for posing challenges for me everyday and thereby helping me realize the greatness of the sport. Half of them are busy with their exams here are some of my "DARE DEVILS" (Picture on the sidebar).

The profile of kids that under go coaching is diverse the youngest, (the kid in yellow is in 3rd standard), the two girls at the back are in the first year of their college. However, my oldest student is not in this picture and is a middle aged lady who has taken on herself to learn the game and help herself stay fit and the oldest player I have seen play is a lady 70 plus – EVERYONE HAS SOMETHING TO TAKE BACK FROM THIS WONDERFUL GAME.

Friends talking about Squash in the NCR – especially Delhi without mentioning about the selfless dedication of brother & sister team would be incomplete. They have been associated with the game longer than myself and continue to do so. Yogendra Singh, (Tubby as he was known to us in the good old days) is the only Indian Referee on the World Squash Federation’s list. His illustrious sister Bhuvneshwari Kumari (Candy to friends) is a recipient of both the Arjuna and Padmshri awards is associated with the Squash Rackets Association of India. Both also continue to pass on the game to the youngsters through coaching.

“This is – Squash for Health & Wellness Blog is my humble initiative to give back to the game". If only we let the game rise above vested interest and reach out to those who do not play it, will its purpose be served.”

The blog also tries to address issues pertaining to general health and wellbeing. It is an effort to educate people without creating too much “FUSS” on issues concerning health, lifestyle and fitness which despite claims of modern medicine are at an all time low. Though I would actually like everyone to go through the entire blog and benefit from its message. I understand how we are all running short on time and accordingly categorized sections to appeal your choice and need. You may navigate based on any of the following:

SQUASH – The Sport
HISTORY OF SQUASH

TO READ MORE ABOUT THE SPORTS HISTORY PLEASE CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW... http://sports4healthunlimited.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post.php?action=edit&post=73

SQUASH GEAR

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT WHAT YOU ARE REQUIRED TO REACH THE COURT WITH. PLEASE CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW…. http://sports4healthunlimited.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post.php?action=edit&post=10

THE SQUASH GRIP

TO UNDERSTAND THE SQUASH GRIP IN MORE DETAIL PLEASE CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING LINK... http://sports4healthunlimited.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post.php?action=edit&post=116

MORE ON HOW TO PLAY THE GAME WELL
THE FOLLOWING LINK TAKES YOU TO THE CATEGORY FOR LESSONS... http://sports4healthunlimited.wordpress.com/category/lessons/

HEALTH & WELLNESS

HEALTH AND WELLNESS ARE NOT ONLY COMPLETE SUBJECTS IN THEMSELVES BUT ALSO THINGS THAT ARE VERY PERSONAL AND DEPENDANT TO CULTURES AND UPBRINGINGS. SOME OF THEM MAY ACTUALLY APPEARE BASIC AND FIMILIAR BECAUSE THESE ARE BASED ON BASIC PRINCIPLES OF POSITIVITY THAT HAS ITS SOURCE IN LOVE, COMPASSION AND FORGIVENESS. THERE ARE NO BIG STATEMENTS AND MAGIC WANDS – SIMPLY A REALISATION THAT HEALTH IS IN YOUR OWN HANDS – THEREFORE THE CHOICE IS SIMPLY YOURS..
http://sports4healthunlimited.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post.php?action=edit&post=99

BREAKING NEWS
THIS SECTION WILL BE USED TO SHARE ALL NEW FINDINGS FROM THE WORLD OF HEALTH & SQUASH. APPRECIATING THE CONSTRAINTS OF TIME AND RESOURCES I WOULD LIKE TO REMING VIEWWERS THAT POSTS HERE MAY NOT BE CURRENT LIKE THEY HAPPENED YESTERDAY BUT THEY WILL BE FRESH AND APPROPRIATELY LINKED TO WHAT IS BEING COMMUNICATED.

FUN ZONE

THIS I THINK IS THE MOST IMPORTANT SECTION – BECAUSE IT IS THE LACK OF FUN AND LAUGHTER THAT HAS RESULTED IN OUR BEING BURDENED WITH SO MUCH STRESS. THERE WILL BE LOTS OF DESTRESSING THROUGH THIS SECTION WHICH WILL FURTHER GET CLASSIFIED ACCORDING TO THE AGE GROUPS – BENEFITS OF LAUGHING HAVE NOW BEEN ACKNOWLEDGED BY MEDCIAL SCIENCE AS WELL. HERE IN INDIA WHERE OUR HOMES ARE BOMBARDED WITH HIGHLY OBJECTIONABLE CARTOON CONTENT WE WOULD LIKE TO USE SOME OF THEM FOR CONNECTING WITH THE KIDS AND GETTING THEM TO REALISE THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING ACTIVE.

OTHERS
THERE ARE OTHER GENERAL ISSUES RELATED TO SQUASH RACKETS THAT CAN MAYBE ACCESSED BY THOSE WHO WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE GAME.