Dear Coach W,
“What kind of mistakes do you see top racquetball players making? I can list a few that I notice.
1. Very poor bio-mechanical execution of movement and stroke mechanics. In our sport leading pros are teaching incorrect footwork, horrible stroke mechanics and inviting overuse injuries. Instructors with poor mechanics is bad enough worse, they are writing articles and doing videos about it. They should be absorbing the study of bio-mechanics and working on latest movement techniques so players can learn to play efficiently with less injury.
2. Poor diet–athletes are not eating right and do not understand why they have to watch their diet. I witness issues like fatigue, dehydration, and muscle cramps almost every tournament.
3. No performance routine at all. Athletes sort of bounce around from event to event. I heard a cycling expert call these athletes in his sport, “road bums” who just go from one race to the next. This is what happens in racquetball. Players get caught in a vicious cycle of no money so I have to play more small tournaments between the big tournaments. The funding of these poor athletes who go to these tournaments encourages low prize money and over-use injuries because of #4 and lack of prize money.
Number 4-poor coaching. We have tons of untrained coaches who were ex-players out there teaching and not learning. Many times they also have a belief that they do not need training. They know everything. Too bad the athletes have no idea how poor their coach is until they come to a qualified coach.
The pros deserve respect for the high level of racquetball they play. However, many could be better. We are fortunate to have Kane Waselenchuk, who comes to closest to perfect in all these areas. He is beginning to coach and has access to some great talent. He will turn out more champions. So will I, by the way; my problem is I do not get enough of these athletes as I do not travel as much as I used to.
These are a few problems or mistakes top players have as I see it. I probably left some out so feel free to add on.