Players aim to lift their game in summer tuition

Squash players Ellen Verry and Jessie-Rose Ward-Thomas have made big inroads in their games this year, but the hardest work begins now.

The Tawa Squash Club members did well at the junior nationals in October, finishing sixth (Verry) and 13th (WardThomas). They are part of an academy established at Tawa by coach Nick Mita, who says they have bright futures in the sport.

The summer training that members of the academy – and anyone else who wants to sign up – will be participating in is not for the faint- hearted. Plenty of runs, strength and aerobic work and technical work is designed to give everyone a head start into the 2013 season.

‘‘My game improves so much during these sessions,’’ WardThomas, 16, says. ‘‘It’s hard but it can be an advantage as we have the national camp in February.’’

She and Verry, 15, are part of the New Zealand development squad, and though there are excellent junior players ahead of them, the duo have confidence in achieving their squash goals. They want to represent their country at the Junior World Championships in Poland next year.

The girls spend most days on the court. Verry says the academy players work well together.

‘‘It’s an individual game but you often play in teams events and at Tawa the club is very supportive.’’

Contact Nick Mita on 021 526 224 if interested in the fitness and technical sessions, which run on Monday and Wednesday evenings, and on Saturday and Sunday.