Yale University hosted the 2007 US Squash Coaching Conference, October 12-14. The conference, attended by nearly forty squash coaches and pros from around the country, kicked off with a presentation on basic stroke techniques and footwork patterns by Mike Way, Head Coach at Canada’s National Squash Training center and former coach to squash legend Jonathon Power. After being officially welcomed to the conference by US Squash Board Chair Jeannie Blasberg, the first evening concluded with a riveting presentation on “The Mental Requirements of Squash,” by Shaun Moxham, of the Belgian Squash Federation and coach to former World No. 1 David Palmer.
Saturday the conference moved into high gear with Way’s expertise on full display as he presented on back corner tactics, volley, boast and serve return. Moxham followed by previewing the virtual future of squash by introducing the attendees to “AMOS,” a software program designed to help train squash players. After a Q and A session with US Squash CEO Kevin Klipstein on the growth strategy for US Squash, the coaches were able to get on court and feel the burn, courtesy of Damon Leedale–Brown of the Reflex Squash and fitness club in Wilmington, Delaware. Leedale-Brown, who holds squash’s top coaching certification level and specializes in sports science, movement and conditioning, demonstrated several of his cross-training methods, specifically as they relate to squash. The on-court activity continued with Moxham and Way sharing their extensive knowledge of tactical and match specific squash drills with the help of tireless Yale squash team members Bill Hatch and Rusty Feldman. The highlight of the day came at the end of the evening when all the coaches and instructors gathered in the glass stadium court at the Brady Squash Center for a spirited discussion on coaching philosophies and best practices.
After a festive group outing at one of New Haven’s dining establishments, the attendees re-convened on Sunday morning, enthusiastically filling their notebooks as Way and Moxham gave their final presentations on drops, volley drops and tactical movement.
The 2007 US Squash Coaching Conference provided a wealth of information for the coaches and pros to take back and implement at their schools and clubs. US Squash would like to thank all the presenters, as well as Conference Director Mark Allen, coach Mike Callaway of Club 800, and a special thanks to our host, Yale Squash Coach Gareth Webber.
