Paris Platinum 2023 & Progress

This post was originally an email sent out to my email list on August 31st, 2023. Click here to subscribe & receive these emails straight to your inbox.

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Hello from Napoli, Italy!

It is Thursday, which means it is technically "Best of 3 Thursday", but for time being I am still enjoying these update-style emails. As the season progresses, I will be sure to sprinkle in the Best of 3's (technical, tactical, fitness tips), but for now, I'm finding it more genuine to communicate in a more conversational, blog-style manner. I hope that's okay with you!

Paris Platinum Match Review & Other Thoughts

I had my first round of the Paris PSA Platinum event on Sunday. It was a good reminder that although I've trained hard this summer, squash is still a thinking sport. You cannot "shut your brain off" like you do in pressure sessions or 400's. You have to read the game, react, and make decisions.

Am I disappointed with the result and my performance? Yes. However, I think the physical work that I put in during the off-season & pre-season are going to serve me really well throughout these next few months. I also know that now I can take confidence in this fitness capacity, and prioritize matches to hone in more on my game.

Ultimately, it is a long season, and the biggest improvements come to those who are the most consistent. Last season I started off well in my first couple of tournaments, but mismanaged my schedule and burnt out in late October. I spent the next couple of months trying to find the spark again, which I finally did 2.5 months later in mid-January.

All that to say- it's important to remember to play the long game. You may have bad performances or practices here and there, but this does not mean the following one will go the same way (as long as you allow yourself to be open to it!). The quicker you can learn from those mistakes, correct them, and put them into matches (not just practice!), the greater improvement you will see over time.

I think it's also important to be aware of your improvements so that you can actually give yourself some credit when it's due. For instance- despite having a sore throat & congestion in my match (that's another story...), my fitness felt good. Unfortunately I did not play well enough to use this to my advantage, but it is reassuring to know that my efforts are showing when it matters.

Up Next: Coaching in Italy, Training in Dubai, and Qatar

I'm currently writing to you from Naples, Italy, where I am coaching a Squashletic member, Paolo, for a couple of days! We did a session this morning, and will do another one this evening. I have felt very welcome here in Naples, and am really enjoying the food, the people and the hospitality. Tomorrow I am hoping to get out and see the city a bit more, and of course- grab some Neapolitan pizza!

On Saturday I'll fly to Dubai, where I'll be doing a training camp at the Flying Daf Academy, run by my coach, Rod Martin. This sort of event doesn't happen often, so I'm really looking forward to the change of scene. 3-5 days of focused training in a new environment can be just the spark to push you to another level, or give you an edge in an upcoming tournament.

From there, I'll head to Qatar for another Platinum PSA before flying home to NYC.

Anyway, I'm sure I'll pop in next week whilst in Dubai or Qatar and provide another update. If there's anything you'd like to know or hear about, please reply/comment and let me know!

Have a great rest of your week!

Nicole

PS. A new Squashletic program will be coming out on MONDAY, so if you need something to kickstart your squash season, this could be it! Whether you need strength workouts, warmups, mobility sessions, or on court movement, the Squashletic app has it all. Learn more about the membership & what's included!