I can’t believe that this topic isn’t talked about more. It really is amazing what a difference early racket preparation makes to power, timing and direction. If only I knew this years ago. Great video.
This is great, I live in a small town and don't have access to a hi- level coach such as yourself. I would really like to do some on court analysis of my swing and game with you. Thank you for doing this, it is very much appreciated.
Great video I only watched today! Been playing for years and racket prep is the first thing I work on in practice, doesn't come naturally to me. I love Farag's backhand prep, he seems to keep the racket low but gets so much power; and I love watching Victor Crouin's prep as well. Thanks Ahad.
Another excellent piece, Ahad. Your ability to break down complex movements and then teach it succinctly is what makes your channel so valuable to squash nerds like me :).
Thank you. I'll do my best. A bit difficult given the depth of analysis and all of the things that come to mind. I take the approach of wanting to explain things thoroughly - not leaving anything off the table. I hope that you continue to gain value from them. - Ahad
Thank you for all your videos, it is truly appreciated and inspiring to watch, I love your videos, I always apply what I've learnt from you into my game to improve myself as a player. Keep up the good work
Very kind of you to say Matt. I appreciate you (and everyone else) for coming together and creating a positive community where we can all communicate respectfully, candidly, and maintain a growth oriented environment. I hope that you enjoy future videos as well, - Ahad
Hi Ahad, this is an excellent analysis of racquet preparation. I have found that practicing a good racquet prep, it gives you more variety of shots and also allows you to use deception. Cheers Leo from Australia 🇦🇺
Excellent analysis Maestro!! I will definitely incorporate these tactics into my game play next Squash night, will post comments on my improvement. I would also ask a favor, if you could discuss grip strategies in a future session. As I always see the Pros change their Grip position depending on the shot selection. Thanks again for the excellent analysis!!
Thanks for the suggestion Antonio. I'll make a note of it. I'll see if I can find appropriate video clips to highlight this 👍🏼 And yes, please let me know how the application goes. You will probably need to practice it a bit outside of games before seeing consistent improvement, but I am keen to hear about your experience! - Ahad
Great analysis, I love your channel! I was wondering how do Elshorbagy and Farag always appear to have such a low racquet preparation on the back hand side and generate so much power and cut?
Thomas, typically the low back swing is only when they are under a lot of pressure / the ball is low. Coll has a very traditional technique, which is why I used his example because it resonates with everyone. It is definitely possible to generate power from a smaller and lower swing. It requires a lot of timing, forearm strength, and quick acceleration / snap using the forearm. More advanced technique that all pros must use given where they hit the ball from :) Hope this helps, Ahad
I tried this today and I improved so much. I was amazed. But then someone who is so hard to play showed up and I lost concentration and I played like I always do 😞 not bad but not as good as I was playing before he came. so I guess next step is doing this no matter who is in the court and get used to it
Exactly. It will take time and consistent practice. First in solo, then with weaker players (when you have time). Then eventually against stronger players! Enjoy the learning process. I'm glad this helped! 🙏🏼 - Ahad
another informative video! thks much ahad! regardless of whether the racquet prep is high or medium/low, i was always told that in the neutral ready position, the racquet head must always be pointing up. i used to be guilty of letting the racquet head point downwards and dangle when a lower racquet prep was called for. truth be told, sometimes i see this from ramy ashour also but then again he's a pro and we are not
Some pros do drop the racquet head, but as you mentioned, it is Ramy after all, and his racquet head speed, anticipation etc was at a different level. The other side of the argument is that constantly holding the racquet up like that fatigues the forearm muscles, so dropping it periodically but having it in a good position before the opponent strikes the ball is a great skill to develop! - Ahad
I can’t believe that this topic isn’t talked about more. It really is amazing what a difference early racket preparation makes to power, timing and direction.
If only I knew this years ago.
Great video.
Thank you Bryce 🙏🏼 better late than never :) let me know how your implementation goes!
- Ahad
Already one of my favorite channels. Thanks for doing the work. This level of analysis is a great contribution to the sport.
That's very kind. Thank you!
- Ahad
This is great, I live in a small town and don't have access to a hi- level coach such as yourself. I would really like to do some on court analysis of my swing and game with you. Thank you for doing this, it is very much appreciated.
Thanks for the kind message. Please send me an email at ahad@arproformance.com and let's chat further. I'm looking forward to helping,
- Ahad
Video was awesome, thorough and easy to understand. I can implement it immediately 💯👍
Thank you. Hope that you keep learning and growing! 🙏🏼
- Ahad
Amazing breakdown as always. Best squash coaching resource on the internet!
You're very kind Lachlan. I sincerely appreciate it 🙏🏼
- Ahad
Great video I only watched today! Been playing for years and racket prep is the first thing I work on in practice, doesn't come naturally to me. I love Farag's backhand prep, he seems to keep the racket low but gets so much power; and I love watching Victor Crouin's prep as well. Thanks Ahad.
Glad you're continuing to enjoy! Hope you're well!
- Ahad
Another excellent piece, Ahad. Your ability to break down complex movements and then teach it succinctly is what makes your channel so valuable to squash nerds like me :).
Thanks very much for the kind words. I really appreciate your support 🙏🏼
- Ahad
This is indeed a great channel! Do share other channels if you can.
AR you do the BEST squash analysis videos in the world....period. If I can make one suggestion, please edit them to under 20 minutes. :-)
Thank you. I'll do my best. A bit difficult given the depth of analysis and all of the things that come to mind. I take the approach of wanting to explain things thoroughly - not leaving anything off the table. I hope that you continue to gain value from them.
- Ahad
NO, don't edit them down. Focus on content rather than length! :-) Great videos
Thank you for all your videos, it is truly appreciated and inspiring to watch, I love your videos, I always apply what I've learnt from you into my game to improve myself as a player. Keep up the good work
Thank you for the kind and supportive message Avalona 🙏🏼 I hope that you continue watching, applying, and developing! Take care,
- Ahad
I second Antonio "The Hitman" Vargas suggestion about a video on grip. Excellent video never the less.
Thank you Ruchir 🙏🏼
Ahad, you are on a trajectory to Legend status my friend ... the sharing of your knowledge is very much appreciated. Thankyou 🙏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Very kind of you to say Matt. I appreciate you (and everyone else) for coming together and creating a positive community where we can all communicate respectfully, candidly, and maintain a growth oriented environment. I hope that you enjoy future videos as well,
- Ahad
Another first rate talk, well illustrated and motivating! Thank you!
Thanks for it support Nicholas. Much appreciated 🙏🏼
- Ahad
Hi Ahad, this is an excellent analysis of racquet preparation. I have found that practicing a good racquet prep, it gives you more variety of shots and also allows you to use deception. Cheers Leo from Australia 🇦🇺
Thank you Leo. You're spot on! More options and more consistent execution 💪🏼 keep it up!
- Ahad
Ahad THE MASTER” Raza! I learned so much! Thank you my brother! ✨🙏✨
My pleasure Enrique! Great to see you viewing and learning brother 🙏 Looking forward to catching up soon,
- Ahad
Great video!! Can you give a drill with each video to make it easier to practice? Maybe one solo and one for pairs
Thanks for the suggestion Hersh. I'll look to share some in future videos where applicable :)
- Ahad
Excellent!!
Thank you!
Enjoyed video
Another brilliant video. Thanks
Thank you Steve. I appreciate your continued support 🙏🏼
- Ahad
Great analysis dear. It will definitely benefit many players to improve their game 🎯
Thanks very much Sharad. That's my sincerest hope 🙏🏼
- Ahad
Excellent analysis Maestro!! I will definitely incorporate these tactics into my game play next Squash night, will post comments on my improvement. I would also ask a favor, if you could discuss grip strategies in a future session. As I always see the Pros change their Grip position depending on the shot selection. Thanks again for the excellent analysis!!
Thanks for the suggestion Antonio. I'll make a note of it. I'll see if I can find appropriate video clips to highlight this 👍🏼
And yes, please let me know how the application goes. You will probably need to practice it a bit outside of games before seeing consistent improvement, but I am keen to hear about your experience!
- Ahad
Very interesting chanel ! Thanks you for work
Much appreciated! 🙏🏼
- Ahad
Great analysis, I love your channel! I was wondering how do Elshorbagy and Farag always appear to have such a low racquet preparation on the back hand side and generate so much power and cut?
Thomas, typically the low back swing is only when they are under a lot of pressure / the ball is low. Coll has a very traditional technique, which is why I used his example because it resonates with everyone. It is definitely possible to generate power from a smaller and lower swing. It requires a lot of timing, forearm strength, and quick acceleration / snap using the forearm. More advanced technique that all pros must use given where they hit the ball from :)
Hope this helps,
Ahad
This is an awesome video, thank you sir
Thanks for your continued support Tristan 🙏🏼
- Ahad
I tried this today and I improved so much. I was amazed. But then someone who is so hard to play showed up and I lost concentration and I played like I always do 😞 not bad but not as good as I was playing before he came. so I guess next step is doing this no matter who is in the court and get used to it
Exactly. It will take time and consistent practice. First in solo, then with weaker players (when you have time). Then eventually against stronger players! Enjoy the learning process. I'm glad this helped! 🙏🏼
- Ahad
Fantastic thank you!
My pleasure Jim. Thanks for watching 🙏🏼
- Ahad
Good analysis 👍
Thank you 🙏🏼
Great video!
Thank you!
So goood
Thanks Stuart!
another informative video! thks much ahad!
regardless of whether the racquet prep is high or medium/low, i was always told that in the neutral ready position, the racquet head must always be pointing up.
i used to be guilty of letting the racquet head point downwards and dangle when a lower racquet prep was called for. truth be told, sometimes i see this from ramy ashour also but then again he's a pro and we are not
Some pros do drop the racquet head, but as you mentioned, it is Ramy after all, and his racquet head speed, anticipation etc was at a different level. The other side of the argument is that constantly holding the racquet up like that fatigues the forearm muscles, so dropping it periodically but having it in a good position before the opponent strikes the ball is a great skill to develop!
- Ahad
We need more coaches like you! Thank you!
That's very kind of you. I appreciate it!
- Ahad