This continues a series of guest columns on how technology is reshaping hobbies and passions – basket weaving, rugby – whatever.
This time it is Nick Dembla who at Capsilon helps mortgage companies squash their paper processes. Here he talks about his passion for the sport of squash.
“Thirty plus years ago I walked into a squash court in Bombay, India for the first time in my life. Squash was introduced to me by my father, who was an avid player at the club, and later my coach. I was hooked the first day. The idea of smacking a little black ball against the wall was strangely appealing to me. I also broke an inordinate number of rackets growing up. But before you start psycho-analyzing me, let me tell you the sport Forbes once called the healthiest - and it had nothing to do with veggies.
Compared to its cousins, tennis and racquetball, squash is relatively unknown. The sport originated in the 1500s in France when players used webbed gloves to hit a hard ball against the wall, the opponent would return the shot and the rally would begin. There were few standards as it gradually spread across Europe. In fact, it was called by three different names; Fives, handball, and even Tennis. Hence the word “squash”, squashed all the names to one name. Today, borrowing from technology it would likely have been called a “mashup”!
Then in 1923 in the UK, the Squash Rackets Association was formed, setting the standards for the game and propelling the game to the rest of the world. Squash is now played in most countries in the world, and the World Squash Federation is actively pushing for Squash in the Olympics. The video below is of the famous Khan brothers from Pakistan who dominated squash world for years – in some ways more dominating than Tiger Woods or Michael Jordan or Lance Armstrong in their sports.
Technology has indeed played a critical role in evolution of the game from a “back alley” game to a world recognized spectator sport that has the growing attention of major sporting manufacturers and of corporate sponsors.
The Court
Squash is played in a court roughly 21 feet wide by 32 feet long. The game is typically played as “singles”, but there are few players that play “doubles” as well. Back when I started playing the courts where solid walls all around, typically a small entry door, and sometimes a gallery area above where spectators could lean against the railing and watch. This explains why squash was not a popular spectator sport, unlike tennis. The idea of cramming up against a railing, or sitting on uncomfortable stands for tournaments was unappealing unless, like myself, you were addicted to the game. Also, you could not really see every corner of the court if you were up on the stands, therefore, the spectator would miss all the action of the ball coming off the back wall. Technology has changed all that, today there are a significant number of glass backed courts, as well as, glass side walled courts.
Now it is not uncommon to see tournaments in “glass boxes” in a mall in Hong Kong or at Grand Central Station in New York. Spectators can watch the game from every conceivable angle. The technology of tempered glass, steel galvanized framing, tongue and groove plastic laminate wall and ceiling panels, flush mounted metal halide and fluorescent light fixtures with high impact lenses . The new standard floor is made of hardwood maple floor system on top of a resilient padded subfloor. The bounce of the ball is completely different as a result from when I started playing.
The Racket
When I started playing the squash racket was made of laminated timber (typically ash) and was strung with natural gut strings, and had a round head. The chances of breaking your racket were always high, either smashing it against the wall or sometimes (not always innocently) against your opponent. I think I was called a “power player” for my ability to destroy many a racket:)
In the 80s, composite materials were introduced, and now all the rackets are made of materials like graphite, Kevlar, titanium, and boron. Today the strings are almost always synthetic, which last much longer and maintain their tightness longer. Most rackets are now lighter and better balanced as well, ranging from 110 to 200 grams. The heavier the racket, the more power, the lighter the racket the more control you have of the ball. The standard shape of the modern racket is now changed to a “tear drop”, giving you an additional “sweet spot” area.
The Ball
The original squash ball was a hard ball, today it has a hollow core and is made of 2 rubber compound spheres glued together and buffed to a matte finish. Since the racket became more robust, the ball had to also evolve. The power drives sent the ball propelling towards the wall at speeds in excess of 125 mph. One player was recorded at 170 mph. Talk about autobahn!
In 2000, the World Squash Federation decided that they need to introduce a slower ball, hence today’s new standard the “double yellow dot”. The idea is the ball should “die” in the corners of the court making it more challenging for the opponent to return the shot.
The Community
When I was a competitive player in India (I was #2 on the junior squash ladder at one of the most popular clubs in Bombay) I used to try to get to the court as early as possible to get a play time. Now, I simply lean back in my office chair, bring up a web site for my club in Plano, Texas, and reserve a time slot to play. I have started a squash Yahoo group that has grown to 24 members at my local club. The concept is to give the members a communication tool, as well as, a simple method to schedule games. The group site has been very successful and we have actually used it to conduct polls, share pictures, training tips, start leagues, sharing videos, and even to set up social events.
Another positive of the Internet is that we can now watch all the world’s top players in action on sites such as Youtube videos. This has been a great help in getting competitive tips on strategy helping players “out fox” their opponents. We also use web sites such as squashgear.com to purchase equipment since most local stores do not carry squash specific shoes, eye glasses, balls, rackets, and clothing.
So, if you haven’t tried to play squash, take a step into the court. Maybe, just maybe you will become an addict like me. And routinely burn 1,000 calories an hour…”
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