The Most Required Squash Accessories

Squash is a game that requires lots of speed, fitness and endurance. The ball is hit hard and fast and can reach upto 170 miles per hour. The game demands a lot from players and from the equipment they use. In such conditions, players need the best squash accessories so that they can play a good game.

Obviously, first among squash accessories is the squash racquet. The squash racquet may be made of titanium, carbon or aluminum. It has a short handle and the head is made of interwoven strings. Squash racquets may weigh as little as 120 grams or as much as 210 grams. So, what's in the weight?

Skilled players prefer light racquets. Light racquets give more control but they need to be handled and controlled well. Junior players and women also like to use light racquets for obvious reasons. Heavy racquets give more power but are harder to control. Squash racquets are typically teardrop shaped or rectangular. What you choose is a matter of personal preference. Experienced players prefer smaller racquets because this gives more control.

Squash balls are important squash accessories. As mentioned earlier, squash balls have to put up with a lot. So they need to be sturdy. The kind of ball you choose depends on your skill level. Beginners are more comfortable with squash balls that generate high bounce. Intermediate players use medium bounce balls. Low bounce is preferred by advanced players. Extra low bounce is preferred by 80% of advanced players who like to use yellow balls.

Squash shoes are also important squash accessories. Squash players have to be extra careful with their shoes because they need to move fast and have proper grip. Squash shoes are cushioned for shock absorption. Gummy layers at the bottom increase traction and do not leave marks on the court.

Squash players need excellent grip when they are playing the game. Most experienced players use squash overgrips to increase control. Lightweight, non slip overgrips increase moisture absorption. They also improve shock absorption thus enhancing control and feel.

Squash accessories are not complete without squash bags and racquet bags. Experienced players use squash bags that contain different compartments for carrying the racquets securely. Good quality bags are thermally protected so that the racquets enjoy maximum security. Squash racquet covers can hold only a single frame and they are ventilated nicely so that they are thermally regulated. Some players prefer to carry their squash racquets in a pack bag. These are again provided with thermal insulation and can carry several racquets.
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Squash As a Metaphor For Life

In my long hours of reflection, contemplation, meditation and introspection, I often make a mental list of my many faults. Now this is not as boring as it sounds as the list, while always long, is never the same. My determination to succeed at everything (including exposing all my weaknesses) sees to that.

This I was reminded of whilst watching the modern cult classic, "Momento". As in the movie I am never sure if I have remembered what I have forgotten, or forgotten that I can't remember (or both simultaneously).

Coincidentally, this is why it is always true when I tell young Squash hopefuls that I have forotten more than what they know about Squash, I am being very truthful. Curiously, I am constantly being remined about that which I have forgotten, so I now don't know what I have remembered and what I have forgotten. (If you can understand that, please email me or leave a comment, so that I can remember what I actually meant!)

But sorry, I digress...

Whilst dissembling myself as a form of therapy, I am usually reminded of the parallels of my life and my Squash game. It is said that within every adult the child remains, and so it is that Squash magnifies the characteristics of childhood, good and bad as they may be. Equally, it is true that one learns something about oneself when under extreme pressure.

Those who have just completed a challenging task such as a solo circumnavigation of the globe by boat, or a trek to the South Pole, will often say that they learnt a lot about themselves during their ordeal.

In real life, many of us attempt to do exactly the opposite - keep one's head down, stay out of trouble, not look sideways - in general, taking the path of least resistance, minimising the pressure times. People like this usually don't play competitive Squash.

My time in boxing has shown me many parallels with Squash. Two gladiators hellbent of the other's desctruction for the period of the contest. All the while, playing by the Marquis of Queensbury Rules. Of course. There is no place to hide, no where to shield oneself from the challenge being brought by the worthy opponent.

Unlike a situation where one's physical safety is at risk, the only form of real defeat is when one chooses not to produce the absolute best one can humanly muster at that moment in time. Choosing not to dig into the depths of one's very soul when staring defeat in the face is real defeat. Succumbing to superior skill or fitness of an opponent on the day is no disgrace.

And so it is in life...

I choose to give my all in everything I do, or at least try to. The results are not always as I would like, but on that day at that time it was my best. I am after all a victim of human frailties. I have my own combination of spirit, talent, confidence, skill, genetic typecasting and experience. In that, I am identical to each individual on earth. Each of us is truly unique.

This belatedly brings me to my point...

While all this is true, we do not remain the same. What makes me very happy, is that any of the things that help me improve my Squash game, also help to improve me as an individual. Learning to deal better with victory or defeat helps me deal with life's successes and inevitable failures, the discipline required to eradicate my game's weaknesses, provides me with the blueprint for doing the same in my daily existence.

Keep improving your game, keep giving your all, leave nothing off limits in discovering the truth about what stops us moving forward. We will enjoy glorious victories and suffer almost intolerable defeats, but if we treat each as the imposter it really is, we will have tasted real success.
Ray Strach provides off centre commentary on Squash. His articles, widely read in the Squash community, seek to highlight the parallels between Squash and life, although possibly not life as we know it. See more of Ray Strach's articles at squashgame.info View the orignal of this article where you can comment and discuss at "The Guru Speaks"

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Squash Bags

Anyone that's been playing squash for a few years, has probably started to accumulate a bunch of squash gear. Racquets, balls, shoes, bandannas, grips, goggles, wrist / elbow / knee / ankle supports, and maybe even a book of squash rules. For the longest time, I basically carried around 2 bags every time I went to the squash courts. One with all my clothing, towels, shampoo, deodorant etc. And another bag, with my racquets, balls, and whatever else, I could cram into the bag that came with my racquet. It wasn't just a head cover bag, but one that could hold a couple of racquets and a few balls and stuff. Eventually, I got tired of the 2 bag scenario, and purchased a good 4 racquet sized Head squash bag.

I went looking on YouTube for a video about squash bags, but couldn't find one. So I made one and uploaded it. My first YouTube video. Pretty cool huh? You can actually put quite a bit of stuff in a squash bag. What you don't see here, is the clothes I wear to play. The fit in the same compartment as my shoes. My towel fits in there as well. Not to worry, that compartment is well ventilated, so even the sweaty stuff can survive in there for a while.

What you don't really see in the video, is the shoulder straps. This bag can be worn just like a backpack. Or, it can be carried like a suitcase with a regular handle. I wanted the backpack option, since some days I bike down to the courts to play. Helps me stay in shape...yea right ;)
There are plenty of places to buy squash bags, but I've assembled a few of my favorite. I also put my squash bag video up on my blog, so you can see how much stuff actually fits in.

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