South Africa’s men’s squash champion has offered some tips that new and advanced players alike can appreciate.
Christo Potgieter (33) won the men’s singles, doubles and mixed doubles South African championships to grab a rare hat-trick in national trophies last year.
Potgieter, who plays and coaches at both Country Club Johannesburg venues (Auckland Park and Woodmead) also proved himself adaptable by winning the squash 57 (racquetball) men’s singles and doubles titles.
“It has been a good year for me and I should thank my physio and personal trainer, Caty Cronin, and sponsors, Salming, who have helped me even through a tough financial year,” Potgieter told Caxton Local Media.
“The squash 57 championships are again in January and Caty has had me working on weights and strength training. In January we will work on my speed and explosiveness.”
As Potgieter heads into a break in coaching, he left squash players with some tips they can use to improve their game:
Simplify your game
“Often as squash players we want to make it so complicated and play certain shots when our opponents are in certain positions,” Potgieter said. “I tell people they should have a clear game plan, like decide to hit most of your shots behind your opponent or play straight against the wall instead of boasting all the time. Sometimes it is best to only use one or two variations of boasts instead of complicating your game. You can always change your strategy later if you decide to.”
Decide on the shot early
In accordance with the first tip, Potgieter said it was best to plan your next shot early instead of waiting to see where your opponent would be. “I always tell people to make the decision early, even if it is the wrong shot, you will play it with quality. If you have two shots in your mind by the time you get to the ball you will not play it well.”
Get into a good position
Potgieter said a good squash player would always maintain balance and try get into the best body position possible before playing the shot. “Otherwise you will have to adjust your shot and when you start doing that you lose consistency.”
Use the T zone
While some coaches will tell a player to stand exactly on the T between shots, Potgieter said a more advanced and accurate tip would be to stay close to the T, to within half a metre, but move around it as you predict the next play. “Watch your opponent’s shot selection and you can vary your position around the T in a radius of half a metre. You can favour the side the ball will be going.”
