David Palmer has joined the US based Pro Squash Tour

Posted on November 16, 2011 by Jeff

David Palmer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was only a couple of weeks ago that the squash world was discussing David Palmer’s retirement from the PSA and now he has signed to compete on the US based Pro Squash Tour (PST).  The PST’s full announcement can be read here.

Joe McManus, the commissioner of the PST stated that “David is the sport’s most recognizable name and one of its great ambassadors,” said McManus. “We have seen this type of signing before in sports. Pele came to America to bolster the game of soccer. Later, it was David Beckham for MLS. David’s addition to PST will benefit every player on the tour because his presence will allow us to attract more sponsorship and increase our tournament purses. It is a seminal moment in the history of the Pro Squash Tour and the game of squash.”

I certainly agree that David Palmer is one of the biggest names in squash.  That is because of the success he has achieved on the PSA Tour and because of the longevity of his career.  It is amazing that he left the PSA tour ranked #9 in the world in a game that certainly favours youth.  He certainly is the biggest name on the PST.  Heralding’s Palmer’s signing as comparable to Pele or Beckham coming to the play soccer in the US is certainly a bold statement but there are similarities.  Both Pele and Beckham came to the US later in their careers.  Palmer is certainly later in his career.  Both Pele and Beckham were or are huge names in their sport as is Palmer.  Beckham’s signing definitely got people talking about the MLS.  I am sure the PST is hoping the signing of David Palmer will have the same outcome for them.

I do agree with Joe McManus’s assertion that having signed Palmer should allow the PST to attract more sponsorship and therefore increase prize money.  I would expect that there will definitely be an increased interest in the PST’s events which should lead to larger audiences which should lead to more interest from companies wanting to market to them.

How will Palmer do on the Pro Squash Tour?  Is he going to dominate?  Following many squash related accounts on Twitter that seems to be the consensus.  There is a belief that he is going to completely destroy the competition.  When he left the PSA he certainly was playing at an extremely high level.  I am definitely interested in seeing how he fares and just how well the PST’s current line-up fare against him.

Will more top international players follow Palmer and join the PST?  If the prize money does grow there is a possibility of that of course.  This is definitely an exciting time for the Pro Squash Tour and I look forward to following David Palmer on it and seeing if his signing does indeed help the growth of the PST and squash in general in North America.

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David Palmer has announced his retirement from the PSA

Posted on November 6, 2011 by Jeff

David Palmer has been a fixture on the PSA tour for years and managed to maintain a top 10 ranking for over 10 straight years.  He bridged generations of squash. He entered the top 10 near the end of Jansher Khan’s career when Peter Nicol and Jonathon Power were the dominant players on tour. When he announced his retirement Nick Matthew and Ramy Ashour are now the dominant forces on tour. He finished his career ranked 10th in the world.  He achieved nearly every major milestone in his lengthy career.  He reached #1 in the world on 2 occasions, he won 2 World Opens and 4 British Opens.

The strength of his game in my opinion was commitment.  He committed himself to being the best he could be in every aspect of the game.  His physical training was second to none on the tour.  He has a huge physical presence on court due to his size and strength.  His endurance was equally impressive.  His belief in himself was also an amazing attribute.  He managed to win both of his World Open titles after having faced match points against. Even his swing showed commitment.  The conviction he had when he hit the ball was impressive. He was set, hit through the ball and was very still and balanced while striking the ball.

Congratulations to David Palmer on a very impressive career and all the best in your future endeavours.

Below is a video interview with David Palmer after his last match.

 

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Gregory Gaultier – The Qatar Classic 2011 Champion

Posted on October 23, 2011 by Jeff

Gregory Gaultier 2011 Qatar Classic 2011 Champion

Gregory Gaultier played absolutely brilliantly this past week capturing the 2011 Qatar Classic Championship.

He had great wins over James Willstrop in the finals, Karim Darwish in the semi-final and unexpectedly Tarek Momen in the quarter-finals. For the last year pretty much all of the super series squash tournaments have been dominated by Nick Matthew and Ramy Ashour.  With Ramy having to retire injured and Nick Matthew losing to Momen the draw really opened up.  We got see some different match ups then we have seen recently.  The seeding’s in most of the tournaments have really held true with the 3/4 seeds losing in the semi’s.  Gaultier having been outside of that seeding has quite often run into a red hot Ramy or Nick in the quarters.  With both Nick and Ramy out it was great to see Gaultier have a match with Darwish and then Willstrop.

The real strength of Gregory Gaultier’s play is his strength of movement.  He is extremely quick to the ball and then back to the ‘T’.  Part of this is his how physically fit he is which allows him to keep such a high level of movement deep in to the match.  The biggest part of this though is his leg strength.  Even stretched out he is so strong that he is able to bounce back up and recover incredibly quickly. It is quite astounding to watch.  Even when his opponent has really stretched him out and Greg has made an incredible get he is so quick to get back to ‘T’ that is very hard to win a point.

The confidence he has in his movement really allows him to be aggressive with his play. When playing at the top of his game he has no fear of bringing the ball in short with a drop or a boast as he knows he can cover the next shot even his opponent is quick in to the ball. Not being afraid to move the ball in to the front allows him to relax doing it and player higher quality shots.  This type of play really stretches out his opponents and forces them to do so much work to stay in the match with him.

Gregory Gaultier is a Dunlop player and plays with the Dunlop Aerogel 4D Elite.  It will be interesting to see if he switches to the newer Dunlop Biomimetic Elite model that is current from Dunlop.

Congratulations to Gregory Gaultier the 2011 Qatar Classic 2011 Champion!

 

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Dunlop Biomimetic Evolution 130 Squash Racquet – The racquet of Nick Matthew

Posted on September 25, 2011 by Jeff

Nick Matthew, along with Ramy Ashour are the two best players squash players in the world.  Both use Dunlop squash rackets.  This post focuses on the Dunlop Biomimetic Evolution 130 Squash Racket which Nick Matthew uses.

This racquet is an updated model of the Dunlop Aerogel 4D Evolution 120 that Nick played with last year. The primary differences are the additions of Dunlop’s newer tecnologies: Aeroksin, HM6 Carbon and the Gecko-Tac grip as well as the addition of 10g of weight.

The technologies I have covered in a previous post which you can read here.  Although the racquet’s weight has increased 10g the balance has remained the same.  It is a head light racquet. The addition of the 10g is quite helpful as it makes the racquet more usable for the average player.  One of the biggest complaints of the Aerogel 4D Evolution 120 was that it was so light and head light in addition which made it a difficult racquet for most players to generate enough pace with to have a solid length game.  The Biomimetic 130 being a little heavier overall does help a bit with this.  It still requires the player to generate a lot of racquet head speed but it is not quite as dramatic as with the previous years model.  It is a great racquet though for taking the ball early on the volley at the ‘T’ because of its light weight and head light balance. Both of these characteristics make it extremely quick to manoeuvre which is why it is so effective for volleying at the ‘T’.

Overall this is a great racquet for a player that is aggressive at the ‘T’ taking the ball on the volley and has the technique to be able to generate enough racquet head speed to have an effective basic length game.

We have the Dunlop Biomimetic Evolution 130 Squash Racquet available in our Pro Shop at a great price.  Please check it out.

The specifications from Dunlop:

The Dunlop Biomimetic Evolution 130 squash racquet is handcrafted with a teardrop design for enhanced power whilst maintaining torsional stability through a small bridge in the throat area. This frame provides players of all levels lightweight power capability with an element of control. The racquet is constructed with graphite and features Dunlop’s new Biomimetic technology. 

HM6 Carbon enhances racket feel; Aeroskin technology reduces aerodynamic drag making the racket faster through the air and the Gecko-Tac grip gives ultimate control in all conditions.

The racquet of Nick Matthew, PSA World Ranking #1.

Specifications:
Frame Weight: 130g
Balance: Head Light
Head Size: 490cm2
Stiffness: 78.5
String Pattern: 14×18
String Tension: 20-30lbs
Construction: HM6 Carbon
String: Precision
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Ramy Ashour – Is he using the Dunlop Biomimetic Max?

Posted on September 24, 2011 by Jeff

The marketing information from Dunlop definitely features Ramy Ashour with the Dunlop Biomimetic Max.  Having watched him play at the Australian Open, and not British Grand Prix the racquet he looks to be using is the one that he was using last season, that is based off the paint and the discussion of the commentators.  The frame design of the racquet he is using the the Biomimetic Max appears to be the same.  The paint does not appear to be the same, it looks like the racquet he used last season.  The commentary over the last few tournaments I have watched on PSASQUASHTV.com has been consistent stating that it is a very light racquet, around 110g.  The Biomimetic Max is a 140g racquet.  Based off of what I have seen and heard watching his matches the last few tournaments it looks to me that while the new Dunlop Biomimetic Max has the frame shape as the racquet it is not exactly the same.

So what is he using?  Perhaps something custom from Dunlop.  It definitely has the name Max on it but it still does not seem to be the actual Max that is available at retail.

Ramy Ashour 2011 British Grand Prix Racquet Dunlop Biomimetic Max Squash Racquet
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Squash – The season is starting

Posted on September 10, 2011 by Jeff

I have been playing squash all summer which is nice.  I am in good match shape at this point and am ready to get more serious about match play.

Squash in the summer for me is about working on things.  I try to go on court with the mindset that while I want to win the match that is not necessarily the most important part of the game.  I try to come up with a part of the game I want to work on and focus on that.  It might be movement in to the front corner.  To work on this I might choose to play more boasts and drops then normal in an attempt to get counter drops out of my opponent.  This gives me a chance to work on my movement in and out of the front corners.  I might choose to work on my length game from the back court.  To do this I might let balls pass that I would otherwise volley because I want to work on getting the ball past my opponent when I am stuck in the back corner.

When squash season starts it is time to start focusing more on things that make you successful on the court.  For me that is very simple.  I need to focus on being aggressive.  I have to be aggressive to and from ‘T’.  I need to have an aggressive mindset of wanting to really beat my opponent and to play the best possible point I can on each and every point.  It also means for me that I need to focus on volleying.  I play my best when I am very quick back to the ‘T’ and try really hard to never give it up by taking the ball on the volley whenever it is possible.  It is a simple strategy but that is what works for me.  Hopefully the work I have done throughout the summer on the other aspects of the game will pay off when it is needed but my focus is very clear that I want to dominate the ‘T’ and keep my opponent off of it.

What works for you?  It is time to figure that out as squash season is starting and it is time to start winning your matches!

 

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Squash Racquet Review – The Dunlop Biomimetic Max

Posted on September 5, 2011 by Jeff

Dunlop Biomimetic Max Squash RacquetThe Dunlop Biomimetic Max is part of Dunlop new offerings this year for squash. It is a head light racquet that has a different feel than most Dunlop racquets. Of the new Biomimetic series it is the stiffest racquet. It also has a fan-out string pattern which is unique to this racquet in the Biomimetic series. It is a 140g which is also the heaviest weight of the Biomimetic series of squash racquets.

This racquet is a good overall racquet for several reasons. It is head light which makes it good for taking balls on the volley while at the ‘T’. A head light racquet is good for volleying as it is more maneuverable thus quicker to react to the ball. Volleying in squash is critical as most players know as it takes time away from our opponent. While it is head light it also has enough mass though to provide decent assistance is hitting length shots with pace. If a racquet is too light it requires the player to generate racquet head speed through a faster swing which is difficult for most players to control and even maintain the ability to do throughout a match. The Dunlop Biomimetic Max is a very powerful racquet on its own which makes it great for hitting length. Volleying is often setup by a good basic length game and the Dunlop Biomimetic Max works well for both.

Here are the specifications of the Dunlop Biomimetic Max:

The Dunlop Biomimetic Max squash racquet is an ideal racket for any advanced/intermediate player looking for pure power. The teardrop head shape provides long main strings for greater string deflection enhanced by a Powermax string pattern. The racquet is constructed with graphite and features Dunlop’s new Biomimetic technology. HM6 Carbon enhances racket feel; Aeroskin technology reduces aerodynamic drag making the racket faster through the air and the Gecko-Tac grip gives ultimate control in all conditions.

  • Frame Weight: 140g
  • Balance: Head Light
  • Head Size: 500cm2
  • Stiffness: 79
  • String Pattern: 14×18 Powermax
  • String Tension: 20-30lbs
  • Construction: HM6 Carbon
  • String: Precision

We have it in stock and at a great price in our online store.

Posted in Uncategorized | 13 Comments

Black Knight Ion X-Force Yellow – The racquet of David Palmer

Posted on August 12, 2011 by Jeff

 

David Palmer has been with Black Knight since 2008.  He helped develop the ION series of squash racquets.  His first signature model was the Black Knight Ion Storm.  The Storm is still available but Palmer has moved to one of Black Knight’s new models – the Black Knight Ion X-Force Yellow Squash Racquet.

Black Knight Ion X-FORCE Yellow Squash Racquet

I have been watching the 2011 Australian Open on www.psasquashtv.com and have been intrigued to see what racquets the players would be using as this is the first event of the new season.  I had discussed what Palmer was playing with my contact at Black Knight and had been told it was the Black Knight Ion X-Force Yellow but wanted to see for myself.  I watched his matches with Azlan Iskander and then Tom Richards and indeed he was using it.

The Black Knight Ion X-Force Yellow is a very stiff racquet.  It is also quite head light.  Its weight is measured at 145 grams but its dynamic weight is 135 grams.  Black Knight uses the dynamic weight to distinguish if a racquet is head light or head heavy.  If the dynamic weight is less than the actual weight it plays head light.  The 10 grams difference is fairly significant. This racquet also uses 3 of Black Knight’s latest technologies: Power of 6, Thermal Core and 16K Hyper Tensile.

Power of 6 – The frame is measured at 6 points during processing for optimum density, flex and balance.  This process help ensure consistency from one racquet to the next in the manufacturing process.

Thermal Core - The standard manufacturing process of a racquet is done by sandwiching the carbon fibre framework of the racquet in a mold then inserting the mould into an oven to cure the fibres from the outside in. With Thermal core process Black Knight inserts a tube into the handle of the frame which injects superheated air into the racquet at the same time the mold is curing the fibres from the outside. The result is a uniformly cured racquet from both inside the frame and outside – that is why the racquet is more reactive as well there is less chance of uneven curing that could result in premature breakage.

16K Hyper Tensile - This is the latest and highest quality carbon fibre Black Knight uses. It incorporates 16,000 fibre filaments to produce the strongest graphite to date. The benefit is the ability to withstand high tension stringing without sacrificing the structural integrity of the frame.

The Black Knight Ion X-Force Yellow is a great new racquet and it is great to see David Palmer doing so well at the 2011 Australian Open.  As of this post he had just beaten Karim Darwish which is an amazing result.

 

Posted in Black Knight, Review | Tagged , , , , , , | 5 Comments

The technologies behind the Biomimetic series of squash racquets

Posted on August 3, 2011 by Jeff

I received a request for more information on the Dunlop Gecko-Tac grips.  I spoke with Dunlop to get more technical information on it and received a PDF with the results of their testing on the technologies in their Biomimetic series of tennis racquets.  The technologies in the tennis racquets are the same as the technologies in their squash racquets.  The technologies covered are Aeroskin, HM6 Carbon and Gecko-Tac.  All 3 technologies definitely enhance Dunlop’s current line squash racquets.  Have a read and learn more about the technologies that make up the Biomimetic series of squash racquets.

Dunlop Biomimetic 2012_Tennis_Technology_Presentation

Posted in Dunlop, Review | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Squash – Racquet Preparation

Posted on July 17, 2011 by Jeff

Squash is a very tough game and when playing it we are typically under a great deal of pressure from our opponent. They are working hard to take time away from us to limit the shots we can play.  Early racquet preparation is critical as it gives us time and options in selecting which shot to hit

Good racquet preparation should be the start of every shot hit in squash. What is good racquet preparation though? One of the best answers I have heard on this is from Mike Way in one of his videos with Jonathon Power and Graham Ryding. He said the first part of good racquet preparation is getting the racquet back. If you have time the racquet will probably go up as well but your first thought should be on getting it back. It is also critical that your start your racquet preparation before you get to the ball. It should start from when you leave the ‘T’ and be complete when you arrive at the position you are going to hit the ball from. At the club level you will often see a player get to the ball in decent time but not start to prepare the racquet until they get there robbing themselves of time.

Racquet preparation also gives us options as to what shot we want to hit. We need to generate racquet head speed to be able to drive the ball past our opponent. Having your racquet back is critical to this. It allows you to accelerate the racquet head through the ball to generate good pace. While having your racquet back is essential in being able to drive the ball effectively it also still allows you to play a drop, boast or lob as well.

Consistency in your racquet preparation is also very important. Not only does it give you options as to what shot you want to hit but if your racquet preparation looks the same on every shot it makes it nearly impossible for your opponent to read your choice of shot. This is probably the most key element in deception. If your racquet preparation looks the same for a drive, drop, lob or boast you not only have the option of hitting any of these shot but your opponent will not see which shot you are going to hit from the position your racquet is in your back swing.

Are there situations where we can’t get good racquet preparation? Of course if your opponent as put you under so much pressure that you are at a full stretch to just get to the ball you probably won’t have time to get give yourself options as to what shot you are going to hit. If you focus on getting your racquet back as part of your movement to the ball you will find yourself in less of these situations though and your level of play will improve dramatically.

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