Yukon squash players hone skills at week-long junior camp

There was plenty of action at the Better Bodies Cross Training Centre's squash courts last week at the 2008 Junior Squash Camp.

There was plenty of action at the Better Bodies Cross Training Centre’s squash courts last week at the 2008 Junior Squash Camp.

Seven kids, aged eight to 11, participated in this year’s camp, which concluded on Friday after five days of competition.

“It turned out perfect,” said Marie Desmarais, who was the lead instructor for the squash camp.

“I find it really fun introducing the game to people who have never played before and are all excited about it. I think it was very successful and the kids all had a good time and got better.”

The camp is put on by Squash Yukon and also included help from junior squash players Shaun Stinson and Zoe Walker.

The format for the camp encompassed not only the different types of squash shots and strategies, but it also made use of the benefits gained by cross-training.

The different aspects that were taught included strokes, strategies, strength and fitness, diet and nutrition, mental imagery, stretching guest speakers and cross-training.

A lot of attention was spent on drives, which are the most important shot in squash.

The camp began Monday with an on court morning practice session.

The afternoon portion featured the participants being divided into two groups with one working on their squash skills, while the other took part in a fitness class with instructor Linda Reevein.

The theme of the fitness session was centred on agility and balance exercises and was held in the Better Bodies’ aerobics room.

Other types of cross training during the squash camp included playing a variety of sports in the flexihall and swimming at the Canada Games Centre, gymnastics and bowling.

Thursday featured a special treat with an appearance from local tennis star Jane Bell, who finished fourth in the U-17 division at this year’s nationals.

Bell played Stinson as well as the other camp participants in a series of exhibition matches.

Graydon McDonnell, nine, was one of the participants at the camp. He said he was glad about taking part in the camp for the first time.

“It went really well,” he said. “I think I improved a lot.”

McDonnell, who was a member of the 2008 Sunday Junior Squash League, said if the camp is held again next year he plans on attending.