Level 3 squash coach to teach 2008 Junior Squash Camp

Squash enthusiasts looking to refine their skills or simply take up the game are in for a treat as Squash Yukon is set to host the 2008 Junior Squash Camp.

Squash enthusiasts looking to refine their skills or simply take up the game are in for a treat as Squash Yukon is set to host the 2008 Junior Squash Camp.
The camp is scheduled to take place on Aug. 11 to 15 and will be taught by Spider Jones, the head squash coach in Yellowknife.
“It’s lots of fun and it’s exciting,“ said Marie Desmarais, the squash pro at Better Bodies. “We have had it in the past and it’s always been successful.“
The last time a summer squash camp was put on in the Yukon was 2006. This year’s camp is eligible to anybody who is eight or older.
It will be run each day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the cost will be $185.
Participants will be divided into two groups according to their skill sets.

The higher skill level will be introduced to more tactical play and game strategy.
Some of the more tactical being able to size up or analyze your opponent’s strengths and weaknesses and then just play a style that focuses on their weaknesses.
The other category will centre more on on basic strokes, such as the forehand, backhand, boast and serving.
There is a minimum of eight players before for the squash camp to take place, while the maximum amount is 14.
The registration deadline is Aug. 4. Individuals interested in registering can leave a message at 633-5245 ext. 4.
In previous camps there have been a combination of practice and games played.

The games can sometimes be modified and don’t necessarily play up to nine points.
Other game methods include playing for five minutes straight and when getting of the court to allow someone else the opportunity to play.
There have also been target practice to work on accuracy where a game could be won by hitting all of the targets on the court and you win the game if your shots land in the targets.
Since Jones is leading the camp, he will bring some of his own ideas as well.
Jones has experience playing varsity squash for Trent University. He also has trained and worked at the 12 court facility in Auckland New Zealand. Jones has coached across Canada. This will be the first camp he has coached in Whitehorse.
Desmarais said she is pleased about Jones teaching at the camp.
“The reason why I invited Spider up here is because he is a student of the game,“ she said. “He just comes up with such innovative ideas, the kids love him in Yellowknife and I think we are privileged to have him come up here. I’m very excited about it.“
This year’s camp will encompass strokes, strategies, strength, fitness, testing, visual learning, diet and nutrition, mental imagery, stretching, guest speakers and cross training.
She said it is important to hold the squash camp.
“I think it’s very important because first of all, if you go to this camp you will learn something and you will have fun,“ Desmarais said. “If you have hardly played, guaranteed your squash game is going to get better and you are going to have fun.

You will learn a lifetime sport.“