Coaching Tip 9… Need vs Want…

How often have you found yourself in a position playing a shot, even though it is not the shot to play at the time. Common among lower level players and even experienced players. Often, they play with predetermined or preplanned shots, and whatever happens during the rally, they follow through with the shot.

I refer to this as playing what I Want and not what I Need. We would always want to be in a position to play what we Want, yet we find ourselves in positions where we Need to play. During my coaching sessions, I use the terms, I can either dictate the play or I need to play what is dictated to me.

My philosophy is 80 – 20, I need to be able to do all to 80% and not the common 50-50 echoed by the bench. If I am not 80% certain of the shot, will it be worth the risk? The only time I recommend going through with a shot is if I am prepared and confident I will get the result or response I Want.

When you find yourself in a situation, playing a shot you are not prepared for, I suggest not going for a winner or a winning shot (both shot explained in a previous post) rather play the ball to keep the rally going (keep yourself in the rally) until you can play the shot you Want to play and not Need to play.

In closing, shots I want to play are responsive. Shots I need to play are reactive. There is a difference, and you want to be more in a responsive position that reactive.

Happy squash and racquetball matches…

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