Players of all abilities encouraged to join in with free squash lessons

Squash players of all abilities are being invited to take part in free coaching lessons in Thornton Cleveleys this weekend.

Chris Dawson, squash coach at YMCA Thornton Health & Fitness Centre, is hosting one-hour sessions on Saturday and Sunday.

The coaching begins at 9.30am and continues until 1.30pm on both days.

Chris, a player with over 30 years experience in squash, has recently been appointed as a coach at the Victoria Road East gym and is wanting to get more people involved in the sport.

He said: “I'm trying to get people interested in playing squash who maybe haven't tried it before as well as players who want to improve their racket skills.

“I also want to promote squash in the area as a great way of keeping fit as well as being great for cardio.

“People who find it hard work going to the gym could try squash as an alternative way of keeping fit and keep their mind active at the same time.

“I am keen to help spread the message that playing squash is good for the wider community by increasing fitness for people of all ages.

“I’m hoping to attract anyone, whether they’re beginner level right up to the experienced players. If you’re considering trying it out, I’d urge you to do so.”

Chris will provide all the necessary equipment, so all you’d need to take part is a shirt, shorts and a pair of trainers.

“The idea is to start with the basics,” Chris added. “To get them holding the racket in the right way, swinging and practicing different shots.

“From there we will progress as the lesson goes on, but it’ll be a case of gauging what level they are at.

“Squash as a sport is incredibly active, but it’s also great fun.

“It’s also a thinking game. You need to think how to actually find your opponent’s weakness and then try and exploit it from there.

“It’s a really good sport for high intensity interval training. I do a number of routines that focus on this side of things.

“As a sport it’s very good for fitness and speed. It’s all about movement.

“I used to go out jogging and cycling but to be honest, I found it quite boring. But with squash, I don’t think it’s something you can ever tire of. Once you get the bug, it’s not something you can easily tire of.”

If you’re interested in taking part, book your one-hour lesson by contacting Chris via email on [email protected] or call 07884 133775.