Irish Squash

Mini Squash

Leinster Area

Mini Squash sessions are now up and running in Ballyfermot with all local schools in the area organised by Frank Donnelly.

Paul Byrne is taking the juniors through their paces in Westwood with schools from local areas and as far away as Knocklyon and Palmerstown travelling across the M50 to take part in Mini Squash.

In addition some of the new trainee coaches held some Ballyfermot with boys from Mary Queen of Angels taking to the courts. A slide show of some of the action is attached on right.

Connacht

Mini Squash is very active in the Connacht area with Paul Bell working hard in Galway, Sligo and Mayo taking part in sessions. There is huge enthusiasm from the partipants with some of them already taking the next step and becoming members of Galway Lawn Tennis Club.

With the qualifications of new coaches pending over the coming months this promises to be a very exciting time for Mini Squash.

What is Mini Squash?

Mini Squash is the Squash approved 'mini' game suitable for children aged 5 to 11 years. It offers an ideal introduction to the game of squash and is played using specialised equipment. The specialised equipment and learning programme enables children to develop skills in the game of squash and to keep fit whilst having fun. The ideal combination to ensuring that kids enjoy the sport and also lead a healthy lifestyle.
There are three levels, which are traffic light coded - Red, Orange and Green.
These three levels called FUNdation, Improver and PRO and each have individual stages of progression with each stage becoming more challenging.

FUNdation





This is the first level of Mini Squash and is vital to the building of skills and confidence. The emphasis is very much on developing fundamental skills including movement and co-ordination while being introduced to the basic elements of the game of squash.

Improver




The Improver level develops basic racket/eye coordination through hitting practices and games. The ball used for this is bigger, bouncier and slower than a traditional ball thereby giving the player more time to learn and play basic strokes.

PRO





PRO is the final stage and prepares players for the full game of squash through the development of the technical and tactical principles of the drive, volley, service, service return, boast, drop and lob.