My First Squash Match EVER on a Glass Court: 2024 U.S. Skill Level Championships (5.0, QF)

[@ChrispySquash]

My Reflections: What a match! This was my first match ever on a glass court so I think something I really struggled with was understanding the way the ball bounces off the glass and finding my length. After watching the match, I am disappointed in how few of my shots actually reached the back wall. Another thing I need to work on is my movement. My movement at 5:46, 6:20, and 23:55 is pretty laughable... definitely need to focus on why I have a bad habit of guessing or moving inefficiently. And finally, I think my mental strength was quite weak in this match. I had a very slow start in many of the games and pretty much almost got 3-0'd if I didn't fight back to win that 2nd game. The fourth game I had two match balls that I couldn't convert - both shots which were very gettable in the front court (one was me guessing and the other was just one step away in the front right). More importantly to note though is how many errors I made in that game. I was up 4-1 and then lost 5 points in a row - many of which were silly points to lose. Something I am happy about is that I think I am improving on the quality of some of my holds (it's my favorite shot if you couldn't tell). The timing of the shot definitely seemed to disrupt my opponents movement - I just need to work on getting it deeper. I definitely felt like I was in control in this match, but shout-out to my opponent for saving match points and getting the win!

[@RisingSun0904]

New Sub! Good luck in your next match!

[@ChrispySquash]

@@RisingSun0904 Thanks!!

[@kyleburns9951]

Kyle Here-> that was an awesome match and thanks for posting it. I think I was playing pretty well until 10-5 in the second and then I got very rattled mentally until you were up 4-1 in the fourth. It seems like you won most the rallies that ended in the front court whereas I won more rallies with shots to the back. One thing I have to work on is hitting the ball the same way everytime as the variations in technique is causing erratic length. I was a little surprised when I won the fourth and I think it gave me a boost going into the 5th because I was able to play relaxed. Hope to play again! - Kyle

[@ChrispySquash]

@@kyleburns9951 Thanks for the comment man, and great match! Congrats on getting 2nd place!! 😎

[@timinri]

5 on 5!

[@ChrispySquash]

what does this mean?

[@timinri]

@ 5 Skill Level, 5 games

[@ChrispySquash]

@ yes!

[@RisingSun0904]

Your opponents technique is so hard to read but I thought you did pretty well at managing him! Also, great dive at 6:20 haha

[@ChrispySquash]

@@RisingSun0904 LOL thanks! Bleed for the sport 🫡

[@swingeasyguy]

I saw at least 100 opportunities to drop, esp. on your forehand.

[@ChrispySquash]

@@swingeasyguy yeah for sure.. I was trying to extend rallies instead of finish

[@pierresoorden5975]

so squash is a thing in college but badminton isn't?

[@ChrispySquash]

@@pierresoorden5975 badminton actually is a thing in college LOL there was a strong badminton in my college. I’m not sure how great marketing is, that’s really it

[@360-VV]

Does a 5.0 skill level mean you are ranked 5.0 on clublocker

[@ChrispySquash]

This section in the tournament is 5.0 which means everyone in the draw is under 5.0 in club locker.

[@ChrispySquash]

Holds I Like: 5:25, 9:17, 12:10, 13:19, 13:37, 14:42, 15:04 (3 holds lol) Holds I REALLY Like: 9:55, 19:44 Nick: 16:10 Favorite Shot of the Match (featuring Talvon's Scream): 15:32

[@sachachandler4605]

Congratulations! All I would say is that you should learn how to finish the rallies off! A tough drop or a smash can really get you quick points and help build momentum - your technique was better than your opponents in my opinion, especially on the backhand. But good work ! :)

[@ChrispySquash]

@@sachachandler4605 thank you! Ive been trying to build rallies up more to put work on opponents bodies so ive kind of gotten into a habit of trying to extend even when its probably not necessary, thanks for the advice!

[@sachachandler4605]

@@ChrispySquash No worries man! Anytime :) I totally understand - but when you're playing a less 'unpredictable player' you want to extend the rallies. But when your playing someone who is just 'hitting the ball' rather than placing it, you want to cut the rally short as to not let him get back into the ralley !

[@jackuson1130]

your opponent basically foot faulted every single serve from the forehand, you or the people watching you should keep an eye out on that next time.

[@ChrispySquash]

YES! My friends told me this mid match, but I wasn't paying enough attention. Ref's didn't catch it, but I felt weird calling it out. Will definitely keep my eye on it in the future, thanks for the comment!