Squash Systems Academy

Great time for our head coach .allckx at the European Individual Championship 2024 in Cuenca. Had some coaching on the Swiss side with little sister that performed well finishing 7th. Enjoyed Cuenca by day and by night despite some heavy storms. Thank you to the for the perfect organization of the Championship and to for his work on top of playing the championship. Congrats to and for their well deserved titles. As a French/Swiss binational Roman was happy to witness French and Swiss reaching Silver and, as a Spanish resident, the nice Bronze of
Last but not least, happy birthday to on the day of his fourth place.

Happy to be part of Squash 57 development in Barcelona. Thanks for the article.

From complete novice to being part of a thriving squash57 scene 💥

Before moving to Barcelona, squash coach Roman Allinckx had never played squash57

Now, he's coaching a growing community of squash57 fanatics

Find out more about Roman's journey ⬇️

https://www.worldsquash.org/coach-roman-allinckx-on-why-squash57-is-thriving-in-barcelona/

Squash Systems Academy

Thrilled to have coached and trained with Marcus, Elizabeth, and Thomas in preparation for their upcoming competition at the British Junior Open in England this week. The dedication and effort they've shown during our sessions have been incredible. Wishing them the very best of luck as they compete, and eagerly anticipating the opportunity to reunite soon.
A heartfelt thank you to the entire Wang family for their unwavering support. Let's go!🏆

Rebounding after a severe match or competition loss is a crucial skill for high level squash players, and there are several ways that athletes can recover and continue to perform at their best. Here are four main ways to rebound after a severe match or competition loss:

1. Take time to recover: It's essential to give yourself time to recover physically and mentally after a severe loss. This may involve taking a few days off from training, getting enough rest, and focusing on proper nutrition and hydration to help your body recover.

2. Analyze the loss: Try to understand the reasons behind the loss, and identify areas that need improvement. Use what you learned to make adjustments to your training regimen, technique, or mental preparation for the next competition.

3. Reframe your mindset: It's important to reframe your mindset after a defeat, and avoid dwelling on negative thoughts or feelings. Practice positive self-talk, and remind yourself of your strengths and past successes.

4. Set new goals: Setting new goals helps you to regain focus and motivation after a severe loss. Use the experience as motivation to improve your skills, refine your technique, and set new targets for your performance.

At Squash Systems Academy, we understand the importance of rebounding after a severe match or competition loss. That's why we work closely with our players. Our coach, .allckx, provides support, advice, and guidance every step of the way, helping our players to develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to bounce back stronger than ever before.

How do we keep our pro players motivated during and in between squash training sessions?

Firstly, for each single training session, .allckx set clear goals and expectations for our players, We communicate these goals and expectations in a way that is easy to understand, so that our players know what is expected of them.

Then, we provide regular feedback and support: During and in between our training sessions, we praise their efforts and provide constructive criticism when necessary. We offer encouragement and support to help them overcome challenges and setbacks.

And above all, we document everything: We believe in keeping track of our pro players' progress to help them stay motivated and engaged in their squash training. Not only do we write down each training session program, but we also input tangible results of the player during the training, quantified and comparable whenever possible. Afterwards, the player inputs their feedback on each and every session, and we elaborate on it in writing.

This "goals and feedback written files" approach is like a personal diary and a great way for our players to visualize their progress over time. We share these files online with them, which include the yearly and monthly objectives, an activity calendar, a description of the exercises, and a few more tools related to mental and technical aspects.

By keeping track of our players' progress and regularly sharing it with them, we empower them to take ownership of their own development and cultivate a professional attitude based on transparency and accountability.

Our approach not only supports their sense of accomplishment but also encourages them to continue improving and striving towards their goals.

If you are a pro player or an aspiring junior looking for a training approach that prioritizes clear goals, regular feedback, and progress tracking, here we are!

It’s already Friday but here we’re, reflecting on a successful and exhilarating previous weekend!

Congratulations to Bernat for securing a solid second place at the u17 Catalunyan Championships. After a convincing victory in the first round against Marti Busquets, Bernat faced a challenging match against Carlos Martin. It was a bit of a rollercoaster ride, starting off on a rough note in the first game but making a powerful comeback in the second. Despite a slight dip in the third game, Bernat fought hard to secure the fourth and dominated the fifth, ultimately clinching the victory. While it may not have been his best performance, a win is a win!

Congratulations to Marc Altarriba, who displayed why he was the better player today and emerged as the deserving champion in the final. Now, it's time for Bernat to return to training and focus on preparing for the upcoming end of the season. Together, we'll ensure it ends on a high note!

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On another note, Roman had the pleasure of participating in a Squash57 Exhibition Match alongside his good friend Nilo Vidal. The atmosphere was electric, with a captivated audience and some thrilling rallies. We want to express our gratitude to Nilo for joining Roman in this event and to Jesus for organizing it. Special thanks to for providing us with the opportunity to arrange such a fantastic experience.

Stay tuned for more exciting updates and keep supporting us on this incredible squash journey!

We refer to both Cognitive and Mental abilities a lot in our approach. For some people it sounds a bit like the same, but IT IS NOT!

Cognitive skills and mental skills are two different types of abilities that are important for squash players. The main differences between the two are:

Nature of the abilities: Cognitive skills are mental abilities that are related to the processing and manipulation of information, such as attention, memory, and problem-solving. Mental skills, on the other hand, are psychological abilities that are related to the management and control of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, such as concentration, relaxation, and motivation.

Role in squash performance: Cognitive skills are important for players because they enable them to process and use information effectively, such as by recognizing patterns on the court or by remembering game strategies. Mental skills, on the other hand, are important because they enable players to manage their thoughts and emotions in a way that enhances their performance, such as by staying focused under pressure or by remaining calm in high-stress situations.

Development and training: Cognitive skills can be developed and improved through a variety of methods, such as learning and practice, as well as by engaging in activities that challenge and stimulate the mind. Mental skills, on the other hand, are typically developed and improved through specific techniques and strategies, such as visualization, relaxation, and goal-setting, as well as through regular practice and repetition.

If you’re interested in more tips and advices on how to improve your game, don’t hesitate to reach out to us so we can start with some classes.

What are the top 4 qualities of a squash coach?
In our opinion these are:

1. Knowledge of the game: A good squash coach should have a thorough understanding and practice a continuous learning of the rules, techniques, strategies and trends of the game.

2. Communication skills: A squash coach should be able to clearly explain and demonstrate the general approach, the techniques and provide constructive feedback to players. A good understanding of the player mother tongue is often an advantage.

3. Open-minded: Squash, like any sport, can be challenging to learn and master. A good coach should be patient and willing to work with players of all styles and backgrounds. Multi-cultural exposure can be beneficial to the coaches’ understanding of people differences.

4. Ability to motivate: A good coach should be able to motivate and inspire players to improve their skills and reach their potential. A positive mindset, energetic and friendly behavior will go well along with honest feedback.

We do our utmost to live up to these expectations and believe that our head trainer, Roman, brings a lot in this respect. What is your experience with squash coaches?

The top four pieces of advice for parents to support their high-level teenage squash player include:

Encourage a positive attitude: High-level squash can be challenging, and it is important for parents to encourage their teenage player to maintain a positive attitude. This can include praising their efforts, reinforcing their strengths, and helping them to stay motivated and focused on their goals.

Provide emotional support: Teenage athletes may face a range of emotions, including excitement, anxiety, and disappointment. It is important for parents to provide emotional support and to be a sounding board for their teenager’s feelings and concerns.

Help manage their time: High-level sport can be time-consuming, and it is important for parents to help their teenage athlete manage their time effectively. This can include setting priorities, creating a schedule, and helping them to balance their sport commitments with other responsibilities, such as schoolwork and social activities.

Encourage healthy habits: High-level squash can be physically demanding, and it is important for parents to encourage their teenage athlete to develop and maintain healthy habits. This can include a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and regular physical activity outside of squash. (Ideally not with another racket sport)

On top of these 4 points, parents are essential to provide support for their teenage athlete's training and competition expenses. But be aware that “financing only” won’t be enough…

Squashsystems in India

Feeling incredibly grateful to be here in India, coaching at this amazing squash camp alongside my best friend Sandeep - the official main coach. It's been an unforgettable experience working with these dedicated and passionate junior players, pushing them to new heights and learning so much myself along the way. 🙏🏽🏸

(Congrats groom❤️)

The top four success factors for high-level squash players may include:

Talent and ability: Success in high-level sports often requires a high level of natural talent and ability. In squash, this can include physical attributes such as speed, strength, and endurance, as well as mental skills such as focus, concentration, and determination.

Hard work and dedication: Success in Squash often requires a strong work ethic and a commitment to training and practice. High-level athletes must be willing to put in the time and effort to develop and improve their skills.

Support: High-level squash players often require support from coaches, teammates, trainers, and other professionals to reach their full potential. This support can include technical and tactical guidance, physical training, and mental and emotional support.

Mental toughness: Success in high-level sports often requires mental toughness and the ability to handle pressure and adversity. This can include the ability to maintain focus and composure in challenging situations, and to bounce back from setbacks and failures.

At Squash Systems we are aware of what squash players have to bring in the challenge and where we can support them. We can also help players discover and develop their “hidden” talents.

If you're interested in more tips and advices on how to improve your game, don't hesitate to reach out to us so we can start with some classes.

Spanish National Championship U17

Bernat secured a 4th place finish in this year's Spanish National Championship U17. He started the tournament strong, winning his first two matches comfortably with scores of 3-0.
However, in the semifinal, he faced his good friend Marc Altarriba, who was seeded second in the tournament and ranked sixth in the ESF U17. The final score of 0-3 (3/11, 5/11, 4/11) was a fair reflection of Marc's dominance on the court, but it doesn't take away from the quality and effort Bernat displayed.
In the final match, Bernat played against Javier Fraser, who is ranked ninth in the ESF U17, and despite losing 3-1, he performed admirably, showcasing his mental and physical improvements over the past month.
Although the tournament has ended, Bernat recognizes that there is still much work to be done and remains determined to continue his training. He plans to take it step by step and continue to improve his skills, one day at a time.
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Bernat consiguió el cuarto lugar en el Campeonato Nacional Español U17 de este año. Comenzó el torneo de manera sólida, ganando cómodamente sus dos primeros partidos con resultados de 3-0. Sin embargo, en la semifinal, se enfrentó a su buen amigo Marc Altarriba, quien fue el segundo sembrado en el torneo y ocupa el sexto lugar en la clasificación del ESF U17. El resultado final de 0-3 (3/11, 5/11, 4/11) reflejó adecuadamente la superioridad de Marc en la cancha, pero no disminuyó la calidad y el esfuerzo que mostró Bernat.
En el partido final, Bernat se enfrentó a Javier Fraser, quien ocupa el noveno lugar en la clasificación del ESF U17, y a pesar de perder 3-1, tuvo un buen desempeño, mostrando sus mejoras mentales y físicas en el último mes.
Aunque el torneo ha terminado, Bernat reconoce que todavía queda mucho trabajo por hacer y sigue decidido a continuar con su entrenamiento. Planea dar pasos firmes y seguir mejorando sus habilidades, un día a la vez.

What are Four specific technical skills that squash players should master? Racquet control, Ball control, Shot selection, and Footwork.

Racquet control is the ability to manipulate the racquet effectively to hit the ball with power, accuracy, and spin. In squash, this skill is important for executing a variety of shots and strokes, and for making precise, controlled shots.
Ball control is the ability to hit the ball with precision and accuracy. In squash, this skill is important for placing the ball where you want it on the court, and for making shots that are difficult for your opponent to reach.
Shot selection is the ability to choose the right shot at the right time. In squash, this skill is important for outmaneuvering your opponent and controlling the rally.
Footwork is the ability to move efficiently and effectively around the court. In squash, this skill is important for getting into position to hit the ball, and for recovering after hitting a shot.

At Squash Systems all of these technical skills are trained within our systemic approach that combines them with cognitive, mental and physical skills. If you're interested in more tips and advices on how to improve your game, don't hesitate to reach out to us so we can start with some classes.

What are Four specific physical skills that squash players should master? Speed, Strength, Endurance, and Agility. At Squash Systems we are training these 4 skills on a systemic approach ON THE COURT.

Speed is the ability to move quickly and efficiently around the court. In squash, this skill is important for getting into position to hit the ball, and for recovering after hitting a shot.

Strength is the ability to generate and apply force effectively. In squash, this skill is important for hitting the ball with power and precision, and for maintaining good body control and balance.

Endurance is the ability to sustain high levels of physical activity for an extended period of time. In squash, this skill is important for being able to play at a high level for the duration of a match.

Agility is the ability to change direction quickly and smoothly. In squash, this skill is important for moving quickly and efficiently around the court, and for reacting to your opponent's shots.

If you're interested in more tips and advices on how to improve your game, don't hesitate to reach out to us so we can start with some classes.

Here are four mental skills that squash players should strive to master:
Focus: Squash is a fast-paced game that requires players to be focused at all times. Players should work on maintaining their focus, even during stressful situations or when feeling fatigued. It is important for players to stay in the moment and focus on the task at hand, rather than getting distracted by external factors.
Resilience: Squash players will face many setbacks during their career, such as losing matches, making mistakes, and facing injuries. Developing resilience is key to bouncing back from these setbacks and staying motivated. Players should work on developing a positive mindset and an ability to learn from their mistakes, so that they can grow and improve.
Mental toughness: Squash can be physically and mentally demanding, and players must be mentally tough to perform at their best. This means having the ability to push through physical discomfort and mental fatigue, while maintaining a high level of focus and intensity.
Confidence: Confidence is a key mental skill for squash players, as it allows them to take risks and play aggressively. Players should work on building their confidence by focusing on their strengths and abilities, rather than dwelling on their weaknesses or mistakes. Additionally, players can benefit from visualization techniques, which can help them mentally rehearse successful outcomes and build confidence in their abilities.
If you're interested in more tips and advices on how to improve your game, don't hesitate to reach out to us so we can start with some classes.

We are thrilled to welcome Bernat, our newest junior player who has chosen to join our academy for the rest of his Junior Career and hopefully a successfull start into the PSA Circuit later on. Bernat, we are excited to have you on board and can't wait to work with you to help you develop your skills!
At our academy, we use a unique and systemic training approach, focusing on individualized coaching and quality over quantity. We believe that this approach will enable you to reach your full potential on the court.
So, let's get started! We are looking forward to seeing you grow as a player and become a valuable member of our team!

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Estamos emocionados de dar la bienvenida a Bernat, nuestro nuevo jugador junior que ha elegido unirse a nuestra academia durante el resto de su carrera junior y esperamos un exitoso comienzo en el Circuito PSA más adelante. ¡Bernat, estamos emocionados de tenerte a bordo y no podemos esperar para trabajar contigo y ayudarte a desarrollar tus habilidades!

En nuestra academia, utilizamos un enfoque de entrenamiento único y sistemático, centrándonos en el coaching individualizado y la calidad sobre la cantidad. Creemos que este enfoque te permitirá alcanzar tu máximo potencial en la cancha.

¡Así que, empecemos! ¡Estamos deseando verte crecer como jugador y convertirte en un miembro valioso de nuestro equipo!

We're delighted to welcome Joan as our newest junior player at the academy. He has chosen to join us for the end of his junior career, and we're committed to helping him finish on a high note. Once he's done, we'll work with him to strike a balance with his studies and set new goals accordingly. Joan, we're thrilled to have you on board and can't wait to help you hone your skills.

At our academy, we take a unique and systematic approach to training. We prioritize individualized coaching and quality over quantity, as we believe this will help you reach your full potential on the court.

We're excited to get started and watch you grow as a player. We have no doubt that you'll become a valuable member of our team!

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Estamos encantados de dar la bienvenida a Joan como nuestro nuevo jugador júnior en la academia. Él ha elegido unirse a nosotros para el final de su carrera júnior, y estamos comprometidos a ayudarlo a terminar en una nota alta. Una vez que haya terminado, trabajaremos con él para encontrar un equilibrio con sus estudios y establecer nuevos objetivos en consecuencia. Joan, estamos encantados de tenerte a bordo y no podemos esperar para ayudarte a perfeccionar tus habilidades.

En nuestra academia, tomamos un enfoque único y sistemático para el entrenamiento. Priorizamos el coaching individualizado y la calidad sobre la cantidad, ya que creemos que esto te ayudará a alcanzar todo tu potencial en la cancha.

Estamos emocionados de comenzar y ver cómo creces como jugador. ¡No tenemos duda de que te convertirás en un miembro valioso de nuestro equipo!

The top four pitfalls for high-level squash players:
1. Pressure and expectations: High-level athletes often face significant pressure and expectations from coaches, teammates, fans, and the media. This pressure can be difficult to manage and can lead to stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues.
2. Doping: The use of performance-enhancing drugs (doping) is a major problem in many sports. There are examples as well in Squash (even though, so far limited). Doping can have serious health consequences for athletes and can lead to disqualification and other sanctions.
3. Burnout: The intense training and competition schedule of high-level squash players can lead to burnout, where athletes become physically and mentally exhausted. This can result in reduced performance, injuries, and other negative consequences.
4. Loss of motivation: As players progress in their careers, they may face challenges and setbacks that can lead to a loss of motivation. This can result in a decline in performance and a lack of enjoyment in the sport.

At Squash Systems we are aware about these pitfalls and our mission is to support the players avoiding falling in these traps as good as we can.