The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Anna focuses on healthy mindset during her time away from court
Promising young Perthshire squash player Anna Halliday is placing as much emphasis on maintaining a healthy mindset while she can’t be on a court as she is on her physical wellbeing.
Under normal circumstances the 14-year-old from Crieff would be competing or training six days a week.
Based at the Bridge of Allan Sports Club, Anna’s career is being guided by former world top-10 player Jane Martin.
The benefits of a strong mentality were already being prioritised before the coronavirus shutdown but the competitive hiatus has afforded even more time to work on it.
“Over the last year, that’s something I’ve really looked to work on,” said the Crieff High School pupil.
“Sometimes I get into a negative frame of mind on the court and forget to concentrate on my game plan.
“Now I try to think more positively because mindset is as important as the physical and technical side of squash.
“I’ve started talking to my coach about all these things and I’m definitely improving.”
Anna added: “When I lose a match now, I start to think of it in a positive way. Rather than reflect on the loss and getting down on myself, I think about what I need to work on to be even better next time.
“I follow Allistair McCaw on
Twitter who is a well-known mindset coach and I find what he talks about very interesting. Mental health and maintaining a positive mindset is so important.”
BeforeAnna’ssquashseasoncame to a premature end, she had finished runner-up in the Scottish Junior Championships girls’ under-15s and at the Irish Junior Open, third at the Welsh Junior Open and fifth at the British Junior Championships.
Her last competition was in March at the German Junior Open where she placed 10th.
The Scottish Squash Girls Academy player said: “I was most proud of my performance at the British Junior Championships because I played very well and lost to the eventual winner Asia Harris.
“I recently picked up a hamstring injury, which impacted my performance in Hamburg, but I’ve used this time away from court to build my muscle back up and it’s much better now.
“It’s a shame I haven’t been able to play in more European events this season because I love experiencing different cultures and competing against different styles of opponent.
“I’m obviously really keen to get back on court again but overall I’ve been coping well mentally during lockdown, which is very important for everyone.
“Next season my overall goal is to win the Scottish under-17 title and continue to represent Scotland at international events.”