I was asked at work to talk about a subject I am passionate about – squash. Below are some thoughts of mine on the joy of squash. I have been playing in leagues for over a decade now giving me a regular group of friends to play against and opportunity to improve in higher boxes.
Squash is not pretty to watch as it is in a confined space and can look monotonous to the casual watcher. IT was rejected as an Olympic sport for a long time. It tends not to be seen on television making it the minority of minority sports.
I joined the life of squash late – in my twenties – so I missed out on the junior squash training that turns young people into ninja squash players – for me it is a labour of love. I found it easy to learn – as are most sports – but demanding of hours on the court, training and fitness to be able to improve.
My work is largely office-based so playing squash is about existing in a different world that is adrenalin driven. For me it is about living in the moment. Over the 45 minutes time stops still and I am solely focused on the next point.
Squash is partly about the physical aspect. It is a high impact game. The need to be laser- focused on the opponent, the shot and the ball happens at rocket speed. One mistake and you will have a bee sting on the skin or even a bloody nose. I once played a match in which the opponent desperately lunged for the ball but he failed to stop in time as hit the wall and ended up in hospital.
Squash is also about the psychology of winning – mind games. Even when I am losing, winning a point can change the game – winning the momentum swing and forcing the opponent on to the back foot.
There is a balletic angle to squash. Both players are focused on controlling the T but at the same time ensure we do not crash into each other. Movement has to be economical so each shot action is an artistic sweep.
I have played long enough to regard losing as part of learning to improve. Just playing squash is enough – enjoying the time on the court.
Squash can be called an allegory for life – it is about both competition and cooperation. The ruthlessness of playing to win, and the civility of both opponents jointly refereeing their match together and being noble with the rules.
So squash is one of those elements in my life which, if I have not played for a week, I miss it. When I enter the squash court and start to warm up the squash it is always a feeling of “welcome back.”
