DU Squash Ladder

Hi fellow squash-mates! Professor Hughes has emailed me, searching for answers to several squash related questions...

Jeff:

Here's a common question. Perhaps you can post an answer to the website. . . .?

Q: Is this a let?
My opponent is near the left wall at the service line and hits the ball to me at the tee. He doesn't move, until I hit my return. My return lands near the service line on the right. My opponent asks for a let, because to reach the ball, he would like to run through the tee, where I am standing.

A: Here is a simple way to determine whether you should play a let or not; if you remove the person who is in the way (in this case yourself), did your opponent have a legitimate chance of getting to the ball before the 2nd bounce? Regardless of how early or late they got started towards the ball, if they had a legitimate shot at the ball (this is established during play), then you should play a let. Squash IS a gentleman's sport, right?

Q: Also, how does one improve one's footwork? I recall you saying it's what you watch when you watch a match, but I neither know what to look for or how to make mine any better.

A: Yes, when I watch the pros play, I almost only focus on their footwork. Try it sometime, you'll be amazed!! "Star Drills" will help your footwork. It seems like a simple thing, but will have an amazing effect on your footwork. If you do them 5-10 minutes before you play and 5-10 after you play, I guarantee you will see results in no time!

Video link to demo of the Star Drill.

So, this is my first blog as "Coach Jeff" on the DU Squash Ladder site. Professor Hughes was kind enough to offer me blogging privileges, so I promise not to disappoint.

I guess the logical place to begin is a little history about me? My family and I relocated from San Francisco to Denver in February of this year. My job in software sales brought us out here. I was an assistant squash pro at the Pacific Athletic Club in Redwood Shores, Ca. for the last 4 years and ran several adult and juniors programs. I also competed frequently in statewide tournaments in the 5.5/6.0 division. I began playing squash seriously in 2002, after retiring from 10+ years on the professional racquetball tour. I played racquetball beginning at age 6 and was 29 when I retired, so squash is technically my 2nd love. Since then, I have not touched a racquetball racquet and only play squash. One thing anyone that knows me would be able to tell you is that I enjoy teaching as much as I do playing. So, I am really excited to meet all of you and to help in building the squash program at DU.

At this time, the following items are on my short list of what I'd like to get accomplished at DU:

1. Set up an exhibition match, followed by open play/mixer (great way for everyone to meet each other and see how they stack up)
2. Put together a team of players that would be interested in playing against other local teams, colleges, clubs, etc.
3. Obtain "Club" status for squash at DU (will need help from students on this one)

Please let me know if you have any thoughts, suggestions, or comments on the above. My contact info is published when you select my name.

Lastly, since I have been given the title of "Coach Jeff", I should probably provide some helpful squash tip or information, so here goes...

Here are a couple of links that are great for aspiring squash players. You will find some helpful drills, as well as some amazing mens and womens professional matches, all posted in streaming video.

Guide To Squash (100% free)- http://www.guide-to-squash.org/wm/pages/front/index2.html
PSA Live (pay per view, but great matches) - http://psalive.com/?men=PAGE2

I look forward to meeting you all in the near future and seeing the squash program continue to grow!

Cheers,

Jeff Mayorga