3 LEVELS OF ‘ACCELERATION’
ACCELERATION OF THE ATHLETE
Rapidly improve the squash skills and knowledge of competition of the junior athlete (and parents).
ACCELERATION OF THE COHORT
Increase the number of junior athletes competing in categories such as Mixed U9s and U11s.
ACCELERATION OF THE SPORT
Increase the number and level of junior athletes involved in competitive squash and the number of years spent in competition.
THE ACCELERATE SQUASH HOLISTIC APPROACH
Accelerate squash is based on a holistic approach where the development of athletes interested in competition covers technical and tactical aspects of squash, as well as performance nutrition, sports psychology, strength and conditioning (S&C) and injury prevention. Accelerate Squash is based on a model of competition where healthy habits incorporated at an early stage can create positive mental and physical outcomes for junior athletes beyond sports.
Personalised junior athlete profiles with input from athletes, parents and all members of the multidisciplinary team (squash coach, sports psychologist, sports nutritionist, S&C coach and physiotherapist) to identify strengths, areas to improve and set competition goals.
COMPONENTS OF THE ACCELERATE SQUASH PROGRAMME
PERFORMANCE CAMPS
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Intensive performance camps for junior players matched by level.
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Support in all aspects of the Accelerate Squash model: squash technique and tactics, performance nutrition, sport psychology, injury prevention and S&C.
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We will email you with information about the camp and how to make the payment.
PROGRAMMES
NEW COMPETITORS
Weekly programme that includes the following topics:
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Tournament paths (UK and European Squash Federation)
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What to bring to a tournament
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From day 1 to finals day
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Setting a tournament goal with realistic expectations
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How to do a warm up and when
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Match structure
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How to do a cool down
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How to use a scoresheet
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Refereeing and marking (for juniors and parents)
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Weekly training programme
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S&C routine focused on flexibility
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Condition matches with players of similar level
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Sharing of experiences between parents
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Sessions for parents on sports psychology, performance nutrition and injury prevention
Video 3
Video 2
Video 1
EXPERIENCED COMPETITORS
Weekly programme that includes the following topics:
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Setting a tournament goal with realistic expectations
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Developing a long-term competition strategy
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Guidance on solo practice and ghosting
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Tactics
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Weekly training programme
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Strength and conditioning routine
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Condition matches with players of similar level
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Tournament support and match analysis
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Nutrition for competitors (dietary review and follow-ups with sports nutritionist)
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Sports psychology for competition (initial assessment and follow-ups with sports psychologist)
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Becoming a professional squash player
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Squash and university pathways
INTERNATIONAL TRAINING HUB
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Development of a training base for international junior players competing in the European Tour (providing access to squash courts, fully equipped gym, squash coaching and match analysis, physiotherapy, S&C coaching, dietary reviews and sports psychology one to ones)
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Support of Accelerate Squash junior athletes traveling for competitions outside of the UK
ABOUT US
Lucas Cannistraci
Programme Director and Squash Coach
Lucas is an England Squash & Racketball Level 3 UKCC coach who works as Head Coach at Coolhurst Tennis & Squash Club and Oakleigh Park Club. He is the former Head Coach of Middlesex Juniors and has extensive experience training junior athletes for competition. He is responsible for the overall direction of the programme and the development of squash technique and tactics for all junior athletes on the Accelerate Squash programme.
Theo Abramson
Sports Psychologist
Theo is a sport and exercise psychologist (in training), currently working towards full accreditation and registration with the Health Care Professionals Council (HCPC). Theo works in a number of elite youth athlete settings, delivering 1-2-1 and group support to young athletes around their progression and performance, as well as their wellbeing within their challenging developmental context. His experience ranges from working with athletes currently at primary school all the way up to 18 years old. Theo also works in schools in South London, delivering psychological interventions through the use of sport and exercise to children with behavioural or emotional needs, adding to his expertise when working to support younger individuals with their psychology. He provides support in sports psychology to all junior athletes on the Accelerate Squash programme.
Katie Paydon
S&C coach
Katie Paydon is a Level 3 Personal Trainer and Nutritional Advisor with experience in strength and conditioning (S&C) coaching of junior squash players. Katie has an interest in the use of strength to improve performance and reduce the risk of injuries. She currently provides S&C coaching to all junior athletes on the Accelerate Squash programme.
Dan Riches
Sports Nutritionist
Dan is based in the Southeast of England, having studied Sports and Exercise Science in Cardiff (BSc Hons) and Applied Sports Nutrition in London (MSc). His background in sports and exercise science provides him with a great understanding of the physiological demands and characteristics of general exercise and activity, as well as physical training and competition. This understanding helps him to put his knowledge from his Master’s degree into practice as he assists individuals to achieve their health, fitness and performance goals. He is a current graduate registrant of the Sport and Exercise Nutrition Register (SENR) and has experience working with a variety of people and sports, including youth and professional athletes. He supports all junior athletes on the programme with dietary review and guidance.
Paddy Joyce
Osteopath, focus on injury prevention
Paddy graduated from the British School of Osteopathy with a Masters in Osteopathy (MOst), and is a fully registered osteopath with the General osteopathic council. Prior to this, he completed a BSc in Sports and Exercise science at Loughborough University. As a sports scientist, he specialised in the biomechanics of sports movements. He currently uses this knowledge to understand how dysfunctional movement patterns/sports technique may contribute to injury and the strategies junior athletes on the Accelerate Squash programme can use for injury prevention.
Cecilia Vindrola
Programme Coordinator
Cecilia currently coordinates the different components of the programme, interactions between members of the team and is the first point of contact for junior athletes and their parents. Cecilia has a background in social and behavioural sciences and expertise in business development.
