Q. How do you cope with jet lag? (Andrew, 33, international businessman, Nth London)
A. Well when we have a tournament is Asia which is 8 hours time difference we tend to go so we have a least 3 full days there. We try to adjust to the time difference as soon as we get there so going to bed at similar times as we would at home. It is difficult but we get used to it.
Q. Any alcohol? (Nick, 45, sports executive)
A. Not much at all during the season, only on special occasions really. You can’t really go and drink when we are in tournament phase. Also it helps that i don’t like wine or beer.. (strange hey)
Q. How much training do you do in a typical week – please provide a breakdown (Sarah, 14, Huyton Comprehensive School, Liverpool)
A. I do 2 sessions a day- 5 and half days a week (half day Saturday and then rest day sunday) Training consists of on court work- routines, match play, pressure sessions as well as fitness work on and off court (more off court over the summer months) I try and do 2 weights sessions a week as well as other gym work as well.
Q. Do you have either/ each of a positive/ negative game plan when approaching important matches? (Name and address supplied but withheld)
A. You have to go on with a positive game plan otherwise its game over before you start really. I try and think about my opponent’s strengths and weaknesses and remember the last time i played them. You just have to believe that you can go on there and win and believe in the work that you have put it, confidence is a major part in this- having some self belief.
Q. I note that you always wear a skirt for matches – is this old fashioned? Should you feel free to wear anything you like? (Danielle, 28, fashion expert)
A. Hmm.. i’m not sure what else you could wear apart from a skirt.!! I think it looks professional that we are all wearing skirts and tops. You don’t want people playing in a major final wearing shorts and a baggy t-shirts.
Q. Do you think many people realise that squash is either the 6th or 5th most popular sporting activity on the planet (in terms of numbers of active participants)? (Gordon, 16, squash fan)
A. No i don’t think people would think that squash is. There is so much media attention on the ‘Big’ sports such as football, rugby, tennis etc that squash gets overlooked. That is one thing that needs to change- we need to get more media coverage and get the recognition that squash deserves.
Q. Can you offer any tips on glass court tactics? (Steve, 45, lawyer and drop shot expert)
A. A lot of the glass courts tend to play differently.. some are a lot deader then others. You just have to try and get used to it as quickly as possible, the glass court tends to take your shots better then a normal court. I would say to find your length is one of the most important things on the glass court, so if you get that right you are half way there.
Q. Am I too young to start playing squash (Molly, 6, Barnet)
A. No way Molly! I would say the earlier the better. I started playing when i was five so i say pick up your racket and go for it!
