‘There is nothing better for fitness’
Hangs up his necktie and bluetooth headset for one of his most physical challenges yet: squash.
Stephen Heard
Squash, the more reckless of the racket sports, is a hard and fast, net-less activity often thought of as the game business executives play between boardroom meetings. Keeping with the dark horse status, for years ambassadors have been battling off-court to claim squash a place at the Olympics – only to be rejected in place of wrestling and golf.
The basics
The game of squash can either be played between two individuals or as two teams of two in a doubles match. One player serves a small, squishy ball to start a rally which proceeds with alternate strikes until one player fails to reach the ball before it bounces twice or is hit beyond the lines of play. There is no net and the court is enclosed within four walls which are used as the backdrop for your strikes. There are several scoring options, though professional games are played to 11.
Giving it a bash
It may seem like the main point of squash is to simply thrash a ball as hard as you can against a wall to intimidate your opponent. Subtler tactics soon become apparent. One of the most obvious challenges is anticipating just exactly where the ball will go. Staying as close to the centre line between shots allows for easier movement around the court when your opponent responds; it’s also a good way to force your opponent to keep moving and use up their energy, as I discovered.
Under the constant cry of squeaking shoes and a sweaty brow you’ll soon realise how fast-paced and physically demanding the sport is – after all, Forbes once called it the world’s healthiest sport. Perhaps my opponent’s initial suggestion of a ‘‘first to three’’ match wasn’t such a bad idea.
Why you should try it
The screaming muscle fatigue spanning ankles to buttocks the following day is a good sign that squash is a fantastic workout for the lower body. The combination of explosive activity with short rests between is similar to what you get from high intensity interval training.
Former New Zealand squash champion Dame Susan Devoy says: ‘‘There is nothing better for fitness than squash if you are looking for an all-round workout, however people make the mistake of playing squash to get fit when really you need to work on your fitness before playing.’’
A study by the UKK Institute for Health Promotion Research suggests that sports like squash can even reduce your risk of death by 28 per cent. As well as great cardio exercise, the sport is a challenge for the mind as you anticipate your opponent’s shots and play out strategies.
'People make the mistake of playing squash to get fit when really you need to work on your fitness before playing.' Dame Susan Devoy Former New Zealand squash champion
Risk rating
Because of the physical demand of the game, researchers from Liverpool John Moores University have warned that older and unfit people should avoid launching straight onto the court. Injuries are possible but uncommon. A log of squash injuries recorded from 1980 to 2000 states that players most often sustain soft-tissue injuries to the eye and head region, courtesy of wayward rackets and balls. Less severe injuries don’t tend to be reported.
Any surprises?
The real surprise here was how much fitness and endurance play into the skill level of squash. Good, comfortable footwear is crucial, as is a sweat towel.
Where to get more info
nzsquash.co.nz