Squash is Jazz

 

For me, playing squash was like playing jazz. Just like listening to Miles Davis, the improvisational nature of playing the game never got old for me. 

The skills that I developed were years in the making.  It took long periods of hard work of trial and error to establish an effectual squash vocabulary and process the words with articulation that withstood the rigors and challenges of competition on the national stage.

Vocabulary? Articulation?  Are we talking about Squash?

Absolutely! The game became about recognizing, understanding, and then cultivating a set of patterns - allowing invention - in squash terms - the rally.  To me squash was an art form - the rallies were simply a way of expressing myself.  Just like Miles, when he performed, he was at the ready and phrased his notes randomly.  Or appeared to phrase randomly. 

T’was an illusion. It wasn’t random  It's all about being quick enough to process patterns and to follow along but aware enough to break them by summoning a note or a phrase to break new ground.

It becomes instinctual and less about thinking. It’s about learning poise which enables performance. One embraces the possibilities and spontaneities. The growth and the feel for the game that I experienced was dramatic. 

I was on the path of a journey discovering my own voice. 

Why hit a precise rail when a cross-court would be less demanding?

Why hit a risky drop shot when a safer three wall will do?

I asked myself a lot of questions and I wanted to find answers. 

to be continued.......