By Peter Nicol
As I now coach year-round, I recognized the importance of taking players I work with to this year’s Tournament of Champions at Grand Central to watch and learn from the best players in the world. I spent my life as a professional looking for other players’ faults and weaknesses so I could exploit them, but now as a coach I need to be looking more for the player’s attributes and what they do well. Not an easy turnaround but, thankfully, due to the high standard of the current players, a somewhat easy task. This got me thinking about what skills a top squash player shows—or any athlete I watch playing their own sport—and how I can learn from them.
I was very fortunate to have one of these learning experiences at a New York Knicks v Miami Heat basketball game at Madison Square Garden. One player specifically stood out to me—Lebron James. Despite my not knowing too much about the intricacies of basketball, I could see quite clearly why he is the superstar of the sport—great athlete, decent height (6’ 8” so not that tall!), fantastic work ethic, good team player, on top of having the ability to do exceptional things on the court. To use squash players as examples, I would say Lebron James is a mix of both Ramy Ashour and Nick Matthew, a powerful combination.
Breaking down James’ attributes from my point of view, I came up with some skills he showed that translate across all sports and reminded me of some areas I should focus on in my squash coaching.
Doing simple things well
Having known about James’ reputation, I expected a little more showtime and less committed and focused intensity. But James played the area of the court he was supposed to be positioned, worked hard up and down the court to be prepared for the next play, was constantly alert on defense and was always looking to be involved in any way to help his team. I’ll get on to the more elaborate skills James showed later on, but one thing that stood out for me is that he was prepared and alert at all times and did all the small, simple tasks impeccably well.
Athletic ability
Lebron James is in fantastic physical shape. The effort he must have made to get into that shape and maintain it throughout a long and arduous season is impressive. To be fair, the whole Miami team was in great shape—no surprise they have been champions for the past two seasons!
Work ethic
James always wanted the ball, was first back in position for defensive duties, played for the team—all traits that are even more important in an individual sport. As a squash player you have no team to rely on, so making sure your work ethic is high is imperative for success.
Sport specific skills
In addition to performing all simple tasks extremely well, working hard and being able to physically perform for long stretches of time, James shows unbelievable basketball skills. His fluidity of movement, ability to change direction in the air, control over the ball—making it seem like an extension of his arm rather than a separate object—and his reading/understanding of the game all make him the great he is.
I often feel that with all the hype and excitement around players who perform amazing feats, some of the basic building blocks are forgotten in the process. Watching James play reminded me that the basics are vital to then be able to achieve those special moments, and all squash players should redouble their efforts working on these areas alongside improving their racquet skills.
Good luck!
