Cat or Middle Linebacker?
A wide stance keeps you low on the ball on return of serve. Yes, if the ball is within your reach or stride. If not, you will be in no position to return a serve offensively. What is wrong with a low stance in a defensive return of serve? Well, in most levels of play […]
Go Vote
Ok-Ok-it is a presidential election year and this is as close to political as I will ever get in this forum! Go out and vote and no matter what the outcome, and remember you can vote. In some other countries that is not an option. One other thing you should remember. When you post […]
Squash vs Racquetball Training
Today the top players employ two things the squash players of yesteryear did not. Modern footwork and the kill shot. Yep, at the pro levels they do go for it from the deep court. Admittedly the defense is spectacular too but the rallies can be pretty long and intense. Tennis and pickleball have similar […]
Don’t Forget the Milk
Distractions distractions distractions-How do you deal with them 101? Here is a tip I first heard from a handball champion in the 60s. “Never take your eye off the ball, even during timeouts and between games.” I tried that and it worked! Let me explain why (at least for me) When I looked outside […]
Coaching vs Teaching
Coaching people vs teaching racquetball to people; that is a subtle difference. Teaching someone return of serve may go like this: Work with them on the court. Work on their footwork. Collect the money. Make an appointment for the next lesson and go home. One of my athletes told me the first lesson with […]
Fear-Stink
At a reunion of my college football teams one of my former teammates, who spent years coaching football and baseball said something that stuck with me. “The smell of fear is a powerful stink. Opponents can smell it first but it travels to coaches and into the stands so the fans can smell it […]
Phar Lap-Athlete or Coach?
Thoughts on the top men’s and women’s open/pro racquetball play leads to Phar Lap thoughts! Most of the time one player has risen to the top and the others are chasing that athlete. The number one spot is not easy. Not only do you get everyone’s best effort but as the others struggle […]
Brat Attack!
This one floated across my desk some time ago. Dear Coach, Recently I encountered the most obnoxious junior player who was extremely disrespectful. What was worse was his father seemed to encourage this behavior. I just wanted to grab and him and say listen here kid. You’re really good. Like REALLY good but you […]
The Workout Changes-Here’s Why!
Two of my athletes were overheard talking racquetball. They were discussing training and improving but one thing I had not thought that much about was being discussed. “Each training session he (meaning me) changes the lesson! Did you ever notice that? “Yes, and each year he changes to work on something totally new.” There […]
Be Where Your Feet Are!!
Recently I saw an interview with an NFL position coach. The reporter asked that coach for their favorite saying. The coach’s reply? “Be where your feet are!” That resonated with me. Here is an extra message to send to your feet! Don’t worry, be happy! While many coaches, myself included, use speed ladders and […]