Coaching Between Games: A Simple Guide for Squash Parents, Players, and Coaches
One of the most common questions experienced squash coaches hear is: "What should I say to a player between games?" (click link below...
One of the most common questions experienced squash coaches hear is: "What should I say to a player between games?" (click link below for a simple PDF download to include in your squash bag)
Attachment: Between Games Coaching–Quick Guide.pdf
The answer is both simple... and a little tricky.
Why is this worth talking about? Great question! There are two important reasons:
- Parents and players often have to coach themselves during tournaments and it would be great to make that a positive and successful experience.
- If everyone understands the process, it makes the player feel more comfortable and helps parents know exactly how to support.
Here’s a very simple three-step checklist to follow:
Step 1 — Let it Go (Yes, Like in Frozen)
The first and most important thing between games? Help the player reset their mind.
If the last game was a disaster, the player must forget the mistakes and get ready to compete again. If the last game was amazing? They still need to reset — we don't want them daydreaming about their 11 perfect winners. We want them focused, just like they were at the start of the match (Taylor, 1995). Mental regulation — finding that calm, focused mindset — is one of the biggest predictors of success in squash.
Step 2 — Set a Tactical Agenda (Stick to the Plan!)
Between games is not the time to teach new skills or correct technical mistakes. Forget talking about grip or swing!
Instead, talk about where the ball should go — focus on simple tactics the player already knows. Example: "Drive/Drop pattern strict / Dead 1," NOT: "Change your forehand technique." Research shows players under pressure perform much better when they stick to familiar strategies rather than trying new skills (Cotterill, 2010). Fundamentally that's why it helps to understand what the kids have rehearsed in Tiger training sessions rather than "inventing" new tactics under pressure.
Step 3 — Affirmation (Be Their Cheerleader!)
End your coaching talk with an encouraging statement. It doesn’t need to be Shakespeare. Something simple like: "Come on, you can do this Steve!" works wonders — as long as you remember their name isn't Steve when it's actually Sarah. Positive emotional support helps players feel stronger and perform better (Horn, 2002). Even if it sounds cheesy — if it lifts their spirit, it’s worth it.
Final Thoughts
This three-step approach is simple, but powerful.Think of it like the squash version of the doctor's oath:"First, do no harm."
Of course, real coaching between games can be more detailed.But if you start with:
- Reset the mind,
- Set a simple tactical plan,
- Give positive encouragement,you are doing a fantastic job.
And remember — sometimes, a smile and a bottle of water are better than a speech!