PSA Squash: 2021 British Open Final - Paul Coll's Magic vs. Ali Farag - Tactics, Technique, Mindset

[@gedofgont1006]

So happy for Coll. To beat Mohammed ElShorbagy and Farag in successive matches is nothing short of phenomenal. To do it at the British Open even more so. Coll is the epitome of hard work and a constant desire to learn and improve. I've watched his game steadily get better, over the course of his career. I believe he has finally found the best way to counter the all round dominance of the top Egyptian players, by using his strength and fitness to attack from the outset, rather than hoping to win long battles of attrition over 5 games. The next 3 years or so are looking very good for Superman!

[@ARProformance]

Hi Nick - Coll is definitely the epitome of hard work, and the idea that "talent" alone doesn't make a champion. He himself noted that as a junior Ali would triple bagel him. Now he just beat Ali. A great lesson for us all that consistent hard work creates infinite possibilities! 💪🏼 - Ahad

[@eduardogarcia-godosmeneses3080]

Thanks for your thorough analysis. Great match between two players who embody sportsmanship. Still think Farag has led Squash to another level

[@ARProformance]

Thanks Eduardo. I completely agree with you. I'm a huge fan of Farag and of all that he had done and continues to do for the game 🙏🏼 - Ahad

[@pascualreyes5060]

Nice analysis Ahad, you are doing a really good job. This results in prompting interesting comments from the audience too. Cheers!

[@ARProformance]

Thank you Pascual. I appreciate your continued support 🙏🏼 - Ahad

[@jessematthews9338]

Ive been watching your videos for a solid month now and they have changed my squash mind forever! Cheers mate. Id love for you to do a biomechanical reveiw of Paul Coll's defenisive lob. Cause its close to perfection! Thanks again!

[@ARProformance]

Thanks Jesse! Really appreciate your support. I'd love to hear more details about what specifically the videos have triggered in your brain! 🙂💪 - Ahad

[@jessematthews9338]

I am reasonably new to the sport, only starting at the beginning of this year. But i feel the biggest growth ive had from these videos is being able to understand and provide reasoning for why the shot has been made/chosen, rather than just playing it because it felt right. i.e. playing a working boast to brake a pattern, put work into your opponent and apply a "one two punch" combo if executed effectively. Secondly the effectiveness of movement when coming onto the ball. E.g. why holds are effective and how to execute them, settinh and braking patterns of play etc And generally upskilled my knowdlge on the little subtelties of the game. Hard to put it all into one comment. I look forward to more videos to come 😊

[@markjnrowiredu-gyening4158]

Wow!...Great analysis! I never appreciated how mental squash is until I watched this video. I'm subscribing right now.

[@ARProformance]

Thanks for the kind words Mark. I hope that you continue to enjoy and learn from the other videos. All the best, - Ahad

[@markjnrowiredu-gyening4158]

@@ARProformance Of course Ahad, I have taken keen interest in watching your other videos because I am very interested in learning and improving. I tried the website you provided but it appears not to be working. I would be most grateful if you could assist me with my journey to improving in squash. - Mark

[@networkn]

One thing I would say Paul could add to his Arsenal is some kill shots. He rarely makes them even when even a basic kill would be almost a 100% chance. I know it's part of his attritional play style, but some times it's on and he lets it away.

[@ARProformance]

Absolutely. He used more kills and stepped up more on the volley in this match than ever before. It was great to see 👍🏼 hopefully he continues to play this way moving forward! - Ahad

[@saxav88]

This is the first time I've come across this depth of analysis of a game. Thank you. Could even inspire this 64 year old player to actually think about his shots and not just play o autopilot ! :-)

[@ARProformance]

Fantastic! Thank you for sharing. I'm really grateful to hear that the analysis has had a positive impact. Please share updates re your progress 🙂 - Ahad

[@steverogers7473]

Love this, great analysis. Thank you. 👍👍👍

[@ARProformance]

Thanks for your support Steve. Hope you enjoy some of the other videos as well 🙏🏼 - Ahad

[@brianmcdonald7233]

excellent analysis !!

[@ARProformance]

Thank you for supporting and commenting Brian 🙏🏼 - Ahad

[@Spadedeuce]

Amazing stuff. I'm running out of nice things to say about your videos !!

[@ARProformance]

Haha, thanks Sartaj 🙏🏼 glad that you enjoyed the video, - Ahad

[@syedali6146]

Mellow Monsoon, that is a interesting question. I think Ahad can answer it better, however, Ali needs to stay at the T a little bit later to see where the ball is going before he moves. Also Paul was lifting the ball when ever he was in trouble, So Ali needs to volley those lob better so not to give him time to react.

[@robc8645]

Amazing summary! Thank-you

[@ARProformance]

Thanks for watching Rob 🙏🏼 hope this you enjoy some of the other videos as well, - Ahad

[@lPenagoz]

Awesome video as always. In your opinnon what the best way to work on the mental side. I tend to be very strong on the first matches on torunaments but when I get to the final stages (qf-semis) i tend to get nervous and think i Cant play as the best of my abilities due to mental blockage or nerves

[@NGoodwin]

Great video, I enjoyed it hugely. Thank for sharing all that careful work. New subscriber ;)

[@ARProformance]

Thank you Nicholas. I really appreciate your support. I hope that you enjoy my other videos too. All the best, - Ahad

[@TSweezy16]

Insane to see Paul winning at the Highest level. I played him in juniors and all tho he was still a good junior he was not considered in the elite group of talent.. goes to show what hard work and consistency can do. On another note, just wondering why you are refering to the "poaching" as cheating? I have this happen to me by the top player in our club and although i find it very frustrating i dont consider it cheating at all, just very good awareness of the ball he has hit and the shot he can expect from me next. Great video :)

[@M0odez]

In this context "cheating" shouldn't be taken to mean literal rule-breaking. In this case the word is being used to describe Farag trying to take some kind of "shortcut" with his movement in order to do less work; I've not heard "poaching" before but from the context I would guess it refers to exactly the same thing. Quite hard to explain but as a native English speaker I knew exactly what he meant!

[@68sayem]

I am curious about his junior level ... can u tell us more about this ?

[@ARProformance]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and question. As the comment below shows, I am referring to "cheating" as poaching. Ie. The idea that Ali moves for a shot before his opponent has hit it / he positions himself by hedging his bets towards a particular shot. Hope this helps. I appreciate your support 🙏🏼 - Ahad

[@SKB05]

❤️

[@Hallucinatingfreak]

The PSA is trying super hard to portray Coll as the next Gaultier/Matthew which is not true, when one of the Egyptians is on fire and play their game perfectly, they make Paul Coll look like a junior and I am trying to be very polite while saying that but it is true, he looks beyond confused when they are in their perfect form. Ali Farrag is the most inconsistent world number one I have ever seen or now world number2. He loses so easy to anyone in the top 10 and it happened so many times to tell us that he cannot dominate al the players like Ramy, Shabana and others did for a long time relentlessly

[@berenscott9347]

Anyone that feels the need to write "I am trying to be very polite", should probably rethink their contribution.

[@Hallucinatingfreak]

@@berenscott9347 freedom of speech? I do not think i wronged him in any form, i think i have the right to have a different opinion, right?

[@berenscott9347]

​@@Hallucinatingfreak Fair enough. I think I felt a little put off at comparing a British Open champ to "playing like a junior" when they've all put a hell of a lot of work into their achievements. I'm wary of bringing down the achievements of these champions; their stars burn brightly for a short time before time takes it's toll.

[@ARProformance]

Thanks for having a respectful dialogue guys. I believe that Paul Coll's game has evolved significantly recently. In the past the top guys did have the upper hand. If he can repeat the form he just demonstrated / he's overcome the plateau he was stuck on, it will make the top level even more interesting! - Ahad

[@kimozz8187]

The problem with Ali was that he had enough he wasn’t greedy.Because even if he didn’t win he would be no.1

[@ZeeShaanJamal]

Nailed it mate - couldn't have summarized it better 😊 props to Coll though - still takes some winning to close the tournament out via a win over the World Number 1

[@steverogers7473]

I totally disagree. Paul destroyed him physically this time. No way would Ali "bottle" the British Open Final. (IMO) 👍

[@TrickleBoast]

Just found your channel, really enjoyed the analysis! Appreciate the insight of the game at the highest level. Will definitely be back for more!

[@ARProformance]

Thank you for the kind words. Looking forward to future discussions with you and the community we're building here. Take care, - Ahad

[@antoniothehitmanvargas7698]

I was looking forward to this Video, thank you Sir! I will view shortly, but my first comment is.. well done Paul Coll, a much deserved win! Congratulations!!

[@ARProformance]

My pleasure! I hope that you enjoy the analysis. Thanks for watching Antonio, - Ahad

[@adrianprince6064]

That was a terrific analysis, just a few subtle changes to Paul Coll's game made all the difference. Using variety in his shots, changing the pace and hitting a much better length certainly helped Coll.

[@ARProformance]

Absolutely. Thanks for sharing your perspective Adrian. Hope that you enjoy the other videos as well. All the best, - Ahad

[@syedali6146]

Excellent analysis as always. However, to be fair, Ali had more difficult matches than Paul. He was losing both to Aboulgher and Asal, and to come back and win those two matches cost him a lot. I think Ali was too tired to play a physical game with Paul. If he had the energy, he would have done much better. But Paul did play great squash.

[@grahamhiggins1816]

Agreed. I think Farag almost played another final in the form of Asal in the semis,.

[@ARProformance]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts Syed. I respect your perspective. Ali was definitely tired, and that would have an impact, however, a coupe of things to consider :) 1. Both players had approximately 30 minute semi finals the days before (easy matches by their standards), which would have helped both recover. 2. The guys train for these sorts of battles in tournaments. Paul played phenomenally well, and Ali didn't play quite as well as he does at his best. Maybe some day we can get a chance to chat with the guys themselves and hear it from their perspective. That would be cool! Take care, and thanks for watching, - Ahad

[@mellowmonsoon278]

Even if Ali did not have tougher earlier games, the new tactics by Coll was very clear. Coll would have still won on this day. What is most interesting is to see how Ali will play Coll in the future. Him being such a genius , it will be interesting to see.

[@68sayem]

Always great ... Your content becomes unique in the field of squash

[@ARProformance]

Thank you Mohamed. I'm glad that you enjoyed it 🙏🏼

[@mellowmonsoon278]

Amazing analysis man. How do you think Ali is reflecting on this and potentially will be changing his game plan against Coll?

[@ARProformance]

Thanks! So many factors to consider. If Paul continues to play that intelligently, patiently, and accurately, Ali will have to be a bit more accurate. Overall fatigue levels have an impact. Ali needed to be a bit more accurate and patient, and work Paul out of position. He also needs to hold his position on the T a bit longer when Paul is hitting. The tighter Ali hits, the more he can "cheat". It's so wild that it's totally a cascade effect and it all begins with accurate, pressure based length! The final factor to reiterate will be patience. Paul will keep retrieving, but if Ali stays on the volley, and stays patient, accurately, it'll be really well contended! - Ahad

[@mellowmonsoon278]

@@ARProformance I guess this question now is answered. Would be nice to see an in-depth review of how Ali came to defeat Coll. :)

[@vedantjalan4124]

Ahad, great breakdown One request, if possible please make a breakdown of Nour Elsherbinis game and how she has been able to dominate the women's side of the sport despite her injuries. Thank you for this video too!

[@ARProformance]

Thanks Vedant. I'll make a note of your request. Possibly an analysis of the recent final she played against Nouran Gohar 😉 - Ahad

[@khurramzawar77]

Great analysis, keep them coming.

[@shehzadabbasi1917]

It's just one game..I don't think Paul has any comparison with frag..I think he was tired badly..and lost energy in 1st game. Any how let's see on another day..how your analysis comes true.. Paul plays on physicality..Rest Frag is far ahaed in terms of squash

[@ARProformance]

Farag is an awesome player! Paul showed several new layers of game play in the final. If he's able to maintain that standard of play, he will definitely be a tough guy to beat! Let's see how he plays in the next event 👍🏼 thanks for sharing your thoughts, - Ahad

[@jimmorrison4291]

So many subtleties I missed, great analysis, thank you. Loved Ali's consideration at the end, even after a marathon and with the loss. Total class

[@ARProformance]

I'm glad that you watched Jim. I hope that you continue to expand your knowledge and appreciation of the subtleties 💪🏼 I'm striving towards the same thing 💪🏼 - Ahad

[@level27xrock]

Great video! I didn’t realize how many times Ali got wrong footed during the match when watching it on SquashTV, great analysis. I am stumbling across your channel for the first time, you’ve not got another subscriber :)

[@ARProformance]

Thank you for sharing! I'm glad that you're finding value in my work. Looking forward to chatting more in the future, - Ahad

[@santiagogonzalez3500]

Hey, could you maybe consider doing a video on Miguel and how he usually approaches games tactically?

[@ARProformance]

Hi Santiago, absolutely. I'll make a note of this for a future video 👍🏼 his game is obviously based around his aerobic fitness abilities, so he's usually not that pressing with the relentless volleying etc. His height also makes that a little bit more challenging than say Farag or Mohamed Shorbagy. Will be good to view Miguel's game properly at some point 👍🏼 - Ahad

[@christopherfulton2635]

Tough match, hard movement in almost every point. And phenomenal analysis

[@ARProformance]

Thanks for the kind words Christopher. I'm glad that you enjoyed the analysis 🙏🏼 wishing you well, - Ahad

[@johnralph7423]

Incredble match, and an outslanding analysis. Wooohoooooo to Paul Coll - well deserved!

[@ARProformance]

Thanks John! Definitely well deserved! All the best, - Ahad

[@arshadhasan]

Excellent analysis. It was always upto Coll to change his game and not play the predictable straight drops all the time to win it. Also he had to be more aggressive if he wants to win against Egyptians.

[@ARProformance]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts Arshad. Coll did a fantastic job stepping up on the T, and volleying not just long, but also short. The key thing I noticed was that he had purpose behind his hitting (i.e. each shot had an intent), as opposed to simply hitting the ball! All the best, - Ahad

[@arshadhasan]

@@ARProformance The big test will however be against Asal. What do you think Coll should do as he has struggled to win against the newcomer? Should make for an interesting new video.

[@ARProformance]

Absolutely! That'll be a fun match to watch! Coll needs to be proactive as he was against Farag - step up on the volley (long and short). He can't be passive against Asal otherwise he will dominate the T and 'bully' Coll around the court. If Coll is hitting his targets and can play with the same dimensions he demonstrated in the final, it'll make for an awesome match! - Ahad

[@alexandrelade8652]

i love this video!!!!

[@ARProformance]

Thank you! 🙏🏼 - Ahad

[@SergioAvila]

I would like to see the total minutes of Coll and Farag including the semis... for sure Asal's match was more physically and mentally taxing for Farag than the Elias match for Coll.

[@ARProformance]

Thanks for sharing Sergio. I definitely agree about the mental side of it. Truthfully I need to rewatch the Elias - Coll match again. You're probably right though just given the psychology associated with playing against Asal! Thanks for watching, - Ahad

[@gordonpeplinski8293]

Thank you Ahad for this great analysis on a fantastic match and a great example of how to play without relying on fancy shots. I've returned to club pennant after 15 years where i now need to develop my mental game far more because my fitness, which was 90% of my strengths years ago, is no longer there. Your videos are so helpful to me and i actually feel im thinking so much more on the court instead of just getting everything back. Thanks mate

[@ARProformance]

Thank you for the kind words Gordon. I'm grateful for being able to help you think through the game a bit differently :) I hope that you stay healthy, fit, and continue to enjoy the game. Looking forward to hearing about the development of your tactical and mental sides! All the best, - Ahad

[@michaelmolton7884]

phenominal match and description of how to work out how to change up shot play, often unconventionally, and deliver the unexpected. Apart from fantastic defense, that attacking cross court width. I really loved the concept of the wider angle cross so that the ball trajectory is across the opponent's body as it comes off the side wall making it difficult to play a natural volley.

[@ARProformance]

Thank you for sharing your observations and lessons Michael! I'm really grateful that the video highlighted some of the nuances of the game! I'm sure that you will apply some of these strategies. Looking forward to hearing about your development, - Ahad

[@networkn]

Thank you for your video, that was good to watch. I agree that Ali Farag was exceptionally graceful toward Paul and El Shorbagy too.

[@ARProformance]

Thanks for the support. It is great to see the players speaking highly of one another. A good sign of sportsmanship and respect 🙏🏼 - Ahad

[@waseymaqsood7583]

Hey Ahad, do you think Paul Coll is better mentally than Farag?

[@ARProformance]

Hey Wasey - That's a very difficult question. They're all so good. I feel that Coll's accuracy, and positivity put him a notch above in this final. His grit and determination is always there. There was a little extra in everything he did in this final. If he can keep that up, he will surely be a very difficult opponent moving forward! - Ahad

[@altaroxllc3184]

Great analysis. Very useful explanations about the subtleties of their patterns.

[@ARProformance]

Thank you. I'm glad that you enjoyed the analysis and got value from it 🙏🏼 - Ahad

[@Michael-tk9dw]

Great video!! Amazing game and analysis 🙏🏼thanks

[@ARProformance]

Thanks Michael. I appreciate your support 🙏🏼 - Ahad

[@apsimmons]

Super analysis thank you very much

[@ARProformance]

My pleasure. Thanks for watching! 🙏🏼 - Ahad

[@motivationmonday387]

Hello how are you , My name is Tristan davies , I would like to know how Mr Coll trained because he is really fit

[@ARProformance]

Thanks for watching Tristan. From my understanding Paul completes a lot of crossfit style training - a mixture of traditional strength training, interval style training (weights and cardio equipment - e.g. rowing machine). He also does yoga / flexibility and mobility work. At that level all of the athletes are putting in a ton of time off court to build their bodies up for injury prevention and performance. All the best, - Ahad

[@steverogers7473]

Follow him on KZbin for some of his training and daily in the life of.... 👍

[@motivationmonday387]

@@ARProformance thank you sir , I really appreciate it , love your videos and watch them over and over , keep it up

[@MrPatrick1414]

Coll: The Egyptian Crusher

[@vedantjalan4124]

Yes

[@ARProformance]

If he continues to play the way he did in the final, he will be the "Everyone crusher" 😂💪🏼 Thanks for watching, - Ahad

[@mellowmonsoon278]

Nope. He will be up there competing with the top Egyptians, winning some and losing some.

[@MrOgunseyinde]

QUALITY ANALYSIS . BIG UP TO PAUL COL.

[@ARProformance]

Thanks Seun! Appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment 🙏🏼 - Ahad

[@1974xaviers]

Great Analysis... excellent 👍

[@ARProformance]

Thanks for watching PJ 🙏🏼 - Ahad

[@michaelmoore6287]

Great analysis. I think the hold, getting to the ball early and deception are much under rated in squash strategy. If you can be very strong in one corner, as for example Jansher Khan in the front right, it narrows enormously the opponents possibilities mentally.

[@ARProformance]

Thanks Michael. I appreciate your insights and support 🙏🏼 - Ahad

[@Loccie83]

Very enjoyable analysis to watch, thanks for sharing.

[@ARProformance]

Thank you for sharing William. I appreciate your support. Wishing you the best, - Ahad

[@grahamhiggins1816]

Im sorry but I disagree with the analysis here. Farag was wrecked.. Of course Coll is going to appear on it. And congrats to him he executed a good game. But you're making a meal out of this, like he unveiled his master plan or something. I mean 2018 - was the exact same scenario, the opponent in that case was also the no 1, but he had no energy left. And Rodrigues takes the final. Farag gave a good performance, but for his standard the whole game was loose. The guys got about 30 titles, and showed a masterclass against the world no 2 couple weeks ago. Coll has improved the most of all players in the last few years, but dissecting his shots against a wounded Farag just doesn't't make sense I feel.

[@ARProformance]

Thanks for sharing your perspective Graham. I genuinely appreciate the diverse views here. I shared some thoughts under Syed's comment. Please refer to those. One other thing I'd like to clarify is that I am a huge fan of Ali Farag. From my perspective the value in dissecting this match is to analyze effective tactics, regardless of whether Ali was playing well or not. Every player has ups and downs, but to consistently execute well to beat a player of Ali's level is an impressive feat and leaves us with much to digest 😊 I have certainly struggled to close out matches (or play my best) when my opponent hasn't been playing their best - a bit of reverse pressure comes up mentally. I value your opinion, so thank you for contributing. I look forward to your perspective on other videos as well 🙏🏼 - Ahad

[@nicksee1970]

paul coll is usually an attritional player taking advantage of his superb fitness. but in this match, like u have pointed out, he became more attacking and accurate with his short shots. unfortunately farag's short shots on the volley were not tight nor sufficiently accurate enough. i wonder what was rob owen's coaching regime for paul coll.

[@ARProformance]

Thanks for watching Nicholas. I hope that you're keeping well. Yes, I'd be curious to learn more about their training regime as well. Presumably they focused on volleying, and making the mental adjustment to step up on the T. It was likely focused on confidence controlling the middle, and shifting Paul's natural tendency to use his speed and fitness only for defense, and instead harness it for offense. But that's just my guess :) - Ahad

[@steverogers7473]

For me my biggest takeaway was his defensive lob. Almost by default from the front. Paul did not give Ali anything to work with at the front...