Squash Tips: Rackets, Balance and Strings, plus a Self-coaching idea, also an outtake.

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  • Опубліковано 17 лис 2024

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  • @casperhui5976
    @casperhui5976 7 років тому +2

    Every squash player (especially those who are starting) should watch this - nearly the most comprehensive advice on squash rackets you need

  • @ssaransh
    @ssaransh 7 років тому +11

    Thanks for the great advice. My game has improved a lot since I began following your channel.

    • @BetterSquash
      @BetterSquash  7 років тому +2

      You are most welcome. It's always nice to hear that I am helping you improve. Well Done.

  • @arranhiggs
    @arranhiggs 7 років тому +1

    I have just started playing squash for the 1st time since I was a kid, and your videos have come at the perfect time for me. Many are aimed at small concerns I had and are really very helpful. Slowly going through them, but wanted to say thank you for putting your experience and knowledge into a free medium for me :)

    • @BetterSquash
      @BetterSquash  7 років тому

      You are most Arran, let me know if you have any questions.

  • @jesieniar
    @jesieniar 7 років тому

    The end was the best. And of course very informative, as always.

    • @BetterSquash
      @BetterSquash  7 років тому

      I am glad you like it, I hope the best part was the main content, but I know what you mean.

  • @grahamcurran8744
    @grahamcurran8744 7 років тому

    Great video Phill always the professional and top quality advice. I like that little self coaching tip at the end.

    • @BetterSquash
      @BetterSquash  7 років тому

      Thank you. Be sure to share your ideas for what to write on the Self-Coaching tape.

  • @mikerooney6653
    @mikerooney6653 7 років тому

    Another excellent tutorial, despite playing the game for decades, my knowledge of rackets is a bit shabby to say the least ! Thanks again ;-)

    • @BetterSquash
      @BetterSquash  7 років тому

      Well, in your defense, learning about rackets is not easy. As long as you find a racket you are comfortable with, that's all that really matters, I suppose.

  • @jmuirhead100
    @jmuirhead100 7 років тому +1

    Thank you so much for great advice. As your video alluded to, there really is a lot to consider. Excellent blueprint for finding the racket that works for you. Cheers.

    • @BetterSquash
      @BetterSquash  7 років тому

      You are most welcome. Finding the right combination of racket weight, balance, string type and tension can be difficult but when you get it right, you really notice the difference.

  • @P3N5K4
    @P3N5K4 7 років тому

    Brilliant video, really clear and thorough. Thanks for putting these up!

  • @iLuke28
    @iLuke28 7 років тому

    For the UK viewers I can't recommend PDH enough. They're super-friendly and helpful, but most importantly you can go test out a few rackets before you buy one, which is incredibly useful. Unfortunately I did that weird British thing where I was scared of being greedy and taking too many rackets or too much time, so I only tried a couple of Head rackets at different weights, but that's my silly fault.
    As for the strings, I've tried the Technifibre strung quite tightly, and I broke 2 sets in as many weeks, compared with having never broken strings prior to that, so I'd say if you're a beginner be wary as they're quite thin strings and the tension sure doesn't help. That being said they did feel amazing and the power I could generate was unreal, so perhaps it was just my poor technique killing the strings off quickly.
    Thanks for the video as ever :)

    • @BetterSquash
      @BetterSquash  7 років тому +1

      Yeah, we are often too reserved. You should have taken as many as he would let you try!!
      It's highly unlikely, but possible, that your technique caused the strings to break, but what matters is that they did break and that's clearly not what you want. Maybe next time, try a slightly thicker version and a reduced tension.
      BTW, the gameplan video is coming soon. I have recorded it twice already and wasn't happy with it, so hopefully I can get it right this time. Hope to post it on Thursday. Fingers crossed.

    • @iLuke28
      @iLuke28 7 років тому

      CoachPhillipNet yeah, big regret as I've always head Head rackets and really wanted to give the Technifibre a go.
      Not sure how I managed to break them to be fair - I'm not a terrible player so it's not like I was doing anything terrible, but I had been contacting the ball at the top of the racket as opposed to the centre so perhaps that's why. I'm on some incredibly dense Dunlop strings now as penance for my sins.
      Thanks again for the videos - they're incredibly helpful - particularly how to practice because before I found your channel I'd just hit the ball round the court for 40 minutes. Anyway have a great weekend!

  • @JMUDoc
    @JMUDoc 5 років тому

    Grip size made a MASSIVE difference to me (coming from badminton I prefer pencil-thin grips). I took the factory grip off mine and put an overgrip directly on the wood... COMPLETELY different racket - much more wrist articulation.
    Weirdly, I would suggest a beginner get something both heavy and head-heavy (complete opposite of badminton); squash is all about power in the early stages.
    Lucky to have my own stringing machine so I can try pretty much anything at any tension :).

    • @BetterSquash
      @BetterSquash  5 років тому

      Yes, grip size can make all the difference to how a racket feels. I'll be mentioning that in my upcoming grip video. I'm not sure I agree with your second statements about head-heavy and power, but finding the right racket for each person is important.
      If I played more, I would probably get my own stringing machine too.

  • @alexanderpanasukpmp2761
    @alexanderpanasukpmp2761 3 роки тому

    Awesome video... loved the blooper at the end too. LOL :-)

  • @wyattlehmenkuler5849
    @wyattlehmenkuler5849 7 років тому

    Great video Coach! Keep them coming!

  • @bernardleeis
    @bernardleeis 7 років тому +1

    Excellent video

  • @Popflyer123
    @Popflyer123 7 років тому

    Thanks, always look forward to your videos!

  • @parttroll1
    @parttroll1 7 років тому

    I always put new grip tape over the one on the racket mainly for comfort of grip and for me reduces racket vibration from mishit shots.

    • @BetterSquash
      @BetterSquash  7 років тому

      Yes, the PU grips do help with vibration and feel much better than most factory-fitted grips.

  • @RalphAlberg
    @RalphAlberg 7 років тому

    Excellent video - thank you

  • @admirallongstash8056
    @admirallongstash8056 6 років тому

    Hi, I play with a string tension of 9kg. I helps with getting that extra power on the ball, is my experience BUT it also helps me drop the ball an inch above the tin and into the side nick- I do that a lot. So yeah, for me 9 kg is the right recipe.

    • @BetterSquash
      @BetterSquash  6 років тому

      It's great to hear you feel confident to hit an inch above the tin and get the ball in the nick. The key is that you have found the right tension for your racket, with your string and your swing. Most times, players, myself included, don't keep a racket long enough and restring it enough times to find what works for us.

    • @admirallongstash8056
      @admirallongstash8056 6 років тому

      @@BetterSquash it' s the experience of many years and many rackets. If I like a racket I 'll be buying it for years so you learn over time. I agree that balance is more important than weight.
      Dropping a ball isn't that hard, dropping it under pressure and not leaving a loose ball is...

  • @carlrennie1141
    @carlrennie1141 7 років тому

    loved the outtake :p

    • @BetterSquash
      @BetterSquash  7 років тому

      Fortunately, I don't do that too often.

  • @hamzatatta952
    @hamzatatta952 7 років тому

    hi you are so knowledgeable learnt so much from you.. i have a Wilson 175g and the head is very similar to yours its mid balance to heavy, i am using the same strings as yours, what tension should I do it at i can hit the very well but still some touch as well

    • @BetterSquash
      @BetterSquash  7 років тому

      So sorry for the delay in replying. Tension, just like racket frame and strings, is a personal choice. I suggest starting at about 13 or 14 kgs and seeing if you like it.

  • @danteuchner1760
    @danteuchner1760 2 роки тому

    Great video, thanks!
    In what units is usual to give information about strings tension?
    I heard for example, that the tension is 10 kg, or 11,5/10,5? Its KG/N?

    • @BetterSquash
      @BetterSquash  2 роки тому +1

      It depends on where you live. Most places use kilogrammes but some still use pounds (lbs) 2.2 pounds equal 1 kilo.
      Think of it like this: when stringing a racket, if you had a weight pulling on the string you put through the frame it would weigh 10 kilos.

    • @danteuchner1760
      @danteuchner1760 2 роки тому

      @@BetterSquash Thank you.
      One another question, i found on some page by squash racket stringer this information:
      Lower String Tension = Greater Power
      Higher String Tension = Greater Control
      High Tension = Less Durability*
      Lower Tension = Greater Durability**

      Thin Strings = Greater Power
      Thin Strings = Less Durability
      Thick Strings = Less Power
      Thick Strings = Greater Durability
      About tensions and durability you said the same, but about string tension there are different opinnions.You said that higher string tension = less control becouse there is not too much contanct ball with the racket and ball is quickly gone. Can you help me better understand this ? Thank you :]

    • @BetterSquash
      @BetterSquash  2 роки тому

      My views on string tension and control are definitely NOT the generally accepted view. I accept that my opinion is not shared by 95% of the stringing community, but it is my experience and I can't say anything else. I have always found high tensions produce too much vibration for my liking, even when hitting in the sweetspot. I have also found that high tension causes rackets to break faster. My advice to you is to try both high and low tension and see which suits you the best. Ideally, having two of the same rackets for you to play with at the same time, but I know that is expensive and not possible for most people. So start with high and if you don't like it, try low the next time you get your racket restrung.

  • @michaelgoth713
    @michaelgoth713 7 років тому

    Thank you so much for your videos. I am glad that i casually discovered your channel. My squash has since significally improved! Which Dunlop racket do you actually use? Is it a Blackstorm?

    • @BetterSquash
      @BetterSquash  7 років тому

      No, it's not a Blackstorm. It just say 140 Ultralite. I'm glad my videos have helped.

  • @daxeshs
    @daxeshs 7 років тому

    Very informative. I want to know how can I practice solo and how to start?

    • @BetterSquash
      @BetterSquash  7 років тому

      Hi Daxesh, My videos are made for club players more than beginners but I do hope to make some for new players eventually. To start practicing, simply get on court and see if you can hit the ball to yourself, forehand and then backhand. Try to hit some volleys (don't let it bounce).

  • @adamharwood6647
    @adamharwood6647 7 років тому

    Thanks for the video.I will certainly experiment with tensions and grip sizes . When manufactures state beginner, intermediate and pro racket. Is it purely related to £££ or, like golf clubs are they harder to hit??

    • @BetterSquash
      @BetterSquash  7 років тому

      Great question. I don't think I have ever seen an expensive racket marketed as a beginner's racket. I suppose that to begin with people don't want to spend too much money for something they may not continue to play, but I also feel that beginners wouldn't really notice or benefit from having an expensive racket - within reason. That said, anything less than a good modern racket would be a hinderance to a beginner.
      Think of it this way, if a person wanted to learn to drive and got in a Ferrari it would not make any difference to the person, who can't really control the car very well. Only once you can really control a car would having a Ferrari be worth it (besides the prestige of owning such a car).
      I don't have anything thing against learners owning and using expensive rackets but only if they have tried a wide range before they bought it.

  • @kelvinchodri5085
    @kelvinchodri5085 3 роки тому +1

    I have seen a raquet of prince pro beast I think .... it had different string pattern .... does it effect the game ?

    • @BetterSquash
      @BetterSquash  3 роки тому

      Hello, yes the stringing pattern does make a difference, but as I always say about all aspects of rackets - You just need to find one that you love and forget about what other people say. There is no perfect racket for every different style.

  • @ideaattr9466
    @ideaattr9466 4 роки тому

    Thanks for the vid. What about head size? I am a new guy, and I was hoping that 525mm racquet will help me to gain technique during my start in the game.

    • @BetterSquash
      @BetterSquash  4 роки тому +1

      A larger head will not help you improve your technique. In some ways it will make it less consistent. A larger headed racket has a larger sweetspot - the area where the ball comes off the strings perfectly - there's nothing wrong with that, but it will feel as though you are getting better, but YOU won't be, the racket will just make it feel like that.
      In some ways, having a smaller racket head, like the old days, forces you to have much better timing and technique.
      Please don't misunderstand me. I am not saying your shouldn't get a larger headed racket. I am saying that getting one will almost certainly NOT help you improve your technique.
      It's also worth mentioning that in the case of rackets, larger doesn't not always mean better. Personally, I don't like large headed rackets as I feel I don't have enough control.
      The key thing I try to communicate is that you need to try a lot of different rackets before you begin to understand what is right for you. I know that is often easier said than done, but most people will let you try their racket for 5 minutes and I literally ask everybody I meet if I can.
      I hope that helps.

    • @ideaattr9466
      @ideaattr9466 4 роки тому

      @@BetterSquash
      Phillip, that helps A LOT. Thank you sooooooo much. :)

  • @16pgtips
    @16pgtips Рік тому

    Squashskills should really just get you to take over there channel aswel 😂

  • @khadigadessoky3492
    @khadigadessoky3492 7 років тому

    Thank you for your help , I have a problem bending my wrist during playing , I can't control it
    What should I do ?

    • @BetterSquash
      @BetterSquash  7 років тому

      HI, sorry for the delay in replying. Solo practice allows you to improve your technique without worrying about running around or winning points. Look for my swings video to help you get good technique.

    • @GuilhermePalazzoRodrigues
      @GuilhermePalazzoRodrigues 7 років тому

      I've used to bend my wrists so much that I've got tendinitis (computer work has helped though). As a result, I've got to play with a wrist brace, the kind that goes on your thumb and around the wrist, and it really helped to stiff the wrist a little bit.

  • @landy076
    @landy076 7 років тому +1

    why some raquets produce more vibrations than others? That is the Grip, the frame maybe the string or its à mix of everything?
    Can we reduce it by whatever way?
    Thanks.😉

    • @BetterSquash
      @BetterSquash  7 років тому +2

      Generally, the cheaper a racket is the more it vibrates. This is due to cheaper materials and less complicated construction. Better rackets hit the ball better when contact is made in the sweet spot (The perfect part of the racket head area) but are also more forgiving when the ball doesn't hit there.
      I would suggest that you are not making contact in the sweet spot. Try to make contact with the ball a little closer than you have been and see what happens. It's hard to explain quickly in text but I hope you understand what I mean.

    • @landy076
      @landy076 7 років тому +1

      In the same mind. What is à cheap raquette? A raquet around 100cad plus or minus 20cad is à good or bad? thanks.

    • @BetterSquash
      @BetterSquash  7 років тому +4

      Without knowing the exact range of rackets available any more, it's hard for me to say. 100 CAD is about 70 Euros and I would say that is a fair price for a club player's racket. If you were a tournament player looking to reach his or her potential I would be thinking around the 100 Euros mark - that's about 140 CAD. However, what's much m,ore important is the right racket for you. Test as many as you can. Ask other players if you can hit with theirs. I often find that even 10 hits is enough for you to know if a racket feels comfortable or not.

    • @Ben-dw2dk
      @Ben-dw2dk 5 років тому

      @@BetterSquash can you tell me about flex please and how it impacts the rackets performance?

  • @giedriusmatulionis760
    @giedriusmatulionis760 7 років тому

    I have Tecnifibre Carboflex Speed - no review on this model on PDH channel :(
    Originally it has Tecnifibre synthetic gut 1.25 strings on it, so i would assume I am good with those. For 30€ can not get better than that! :)

    • @BetterSquash
      @BetterSquash  7 років тому

      I don't know the racket or the strings but I would not replace the strings until they break as they seem fine for that frame at that price.

  • @carlrennie1141
    @carlrennie1141 7 років тому

    masking tape idea - haha, excellent!

  • @JMUDoc
    @JMUDoc 5 років тому

    Heh - my spare racket is an absolute shed.
    Need to play a bit more before committing another £65 to a backup! Besides, having my own machine means my primary is only ever down for part of a session ;).

    • @BetterSquash
      @BetterSquash  5 років тому

      So, you have a stringing machine, but only one racket! That's unusual.

  • @janpolakowski5760
    @janpolakowski5760 7 років тому

    Is that true that strings life is longer in the closed racket than in opened?

    • @BetterSquash
      @BetterSquash  7 років тому

      Good question. In my experience, "no", but remember that I have almost always had looser strings than everybody I have ever met. PDH sports or any specialist squash restringer would be a better person to ask.

  • @hamzatatta952
    @hamzatatta952 7 років тому

    what was the sport shop u said i know pdh sport but the other one| i
    missed

  • @uwepietsch3877
    @uwepietsch3877 7 років тому

    interesting review. I missed one thing which I saw at other players, is a cushion/snubber (correct word?) helpful in the lower area of the strings? Your tape hints on the racket make me smile, as I used this in my tennis matches (prefer squash). Instead of writing sentences, I used colour stripes (each refer to diff. actions, I should remember during the game), e.g. "r"ed=rot > "r"unter in die Knie, down to my knees, or "g"reen/grün> zurück zur "G"rundlinie, back to groundline ans so on. ;)

    • @BetterSquash
      @BetterSquash  7 років тому

      Yes, I have seen the item you mention, more on tennis than squash, and have tried them but didn't notice any difference.
      It sounds like you have developed a really interesting communication system.

    • @uwepietsch3877
      @uwepietsch3877 7 років тому

      CoachPhillipNet yes, it is an easy system and good "brain bridge" for me in German ;) But diff. colours might work in engl. as well? But I saw it in my Tennis sessions, if you are in stress situation, you just react, so without theoretical preparation in front of the game, you are still lost. I, don't use it in Squash (...yet).

    • @BetterSquash
      @BetterSquash  7 років тому

      "Brain Bridge" is a great phrase.

    • @uwepietsch3877
      @uwepietsch3877 7 років тому

      In Germany we call it "Esels-Brücke" which is 1:1 "Donkey-Bridge", we use this as a joke-English translation. ;) So my "Brain-Bridge" was my best guess. Is there a real word in English for this? ;)

    • @uwepietsch3877
      @uwepietsch3877 7 років тому

      P.S. I checked it in leo.org and they called it "mnemonic or memory hook". I still like "donkey-bridge" ;) Thx. Uwe

  • @ArsiekDHOL
    @ArsiekDHOL 5 років тому

    I should have watched this video before buying a new one xD xD. For some reason the dunlop apex infinity 3.0 is supposed to be headlight (115g) feels way more heavy then my previous saxon S130 wich was also head light (I think) or more balanced in the middle? still strugling to find a good racket for me. And Yes I have the same thought about less tension is more control :) and more kilo's less controle

    • @BetterSquash
      @BetterSquash  5 років тому

      Bear in mind that a slightly heavier racket with a lower balance point may feel lighter than a lighter racket with a higher balance point. Just keep trying, not buying, as many rackets as possible until you find one. I've never seen any scientific data saying higher racket tension equals more control. I wonder if any exists?

    • @ArsiekDHOL
      @ArsiekDHOL 5 років тому

      @@BetterSquash Thanks for the tip! :) I have been wondering too why most theory online says high tension is more control. I have asked the question to more advanced player that have been playing squash for like 30 years or more in competition and they says less tension is better control :)

  • @rashidthahim8512
    @rashidthahim8512 4 роки тому

    Excellent videos politely disagree the more tension the more control as less torque the less tension the more power as more torque

    • @BetterSquash
      @BetterSquash  4 роки тому

      Yes, that is the usually used reason, but the reality is that not everybody agrees, and I am one of those people. What players need to do is experiment with different tensions (by trying as many rackets as possible, and seeing what feels right for them.

  • @stevedonaldson714
    @stevedonaldson714 7 років тому

    Vv

    • @BetterSquash
      @BetterSquash  7 років тому

      Sorry, I don't understand what your comment means.

  • @carlrennie1141
    @carlrennie1141 7 років тому

    lol - to protect the racket from your head... :p

    • @BetterSquash
      @BetterSquash  7 років тому

      Making videos is a dangerous activity!