ISM March 2017

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WHAT SQUASH CAN LEARN FROM THE WORLD OF FORMULA 1 Data can provide useful insights but how much value is this knowledge contributing to player performance? Applying an engineering mindset Engineers tend to follow a relatively strict approach when looking to innovate and develop new ideas, following a research, do, review and repeat process until the optimum outcome is achieved. Two areas this can be applied are simulation and aerodynamics. Formula One teams regularly use simulators to prepare drivers to face different conditions and challenges. Race conditions can be simulated down to the smallest detail. This approach can also be applied to squash. Coaches already identify aspects of opponents their players should be prepared to face, so why not develop the technology to simulate these? It would enable players to actually practice their game plan weeks before a match, ensuring every return and serve is precision engineered to beat an opponent. The same approach can be applied to equipment. It is already understood that a different racket can make a difference in various points of the game. Squash matches can be incredibly varied depending on opponent, so a racket optimised to different opponents and conditions could be a significant advantage. Changing rackets mid rally is of course not possible, but what if a racket could be adapted mid-way through a game? There has been some discussion around nanotechnology and applying this to produce a dynamic racket that alters its aerodynamic properties and formation at different points in a game. The nature of the sport has meant that Formula One has always been full of engineering minds, but I believe it is now time other sporting disciplines learnt from this. The technical nature of the sport is not just down to the fact it involves cars, but because team members are fully dedicated to constantly looking for that extra millisecond. In short, I believe there is plenty that could be learnt through data sharing between Formula One and squash. To learn how to maximise player performance and success in an insightful way, I would advise the sport examine and adopt the latest technical and engineering principles. Samir Abid, MBA, CEng Samir Abid is Founder and CEO of Pace Insights. Using his expertise from motorsports and automotive engineering, Samir leads his team to design and build customised software tools and equipment that enables elite sports teams to improve performance. A Chartered Mechanical Engineer, Samir has a degree in Automotive Engineering Design, a Diploma in Motorsport Race Engineering and an MBA from Warwick Business School. When he’s not helping professional sports teams produce world class athletes, Samir spends time with his young family as well as competing nationally as a racing driver. About Pace Insights Established in 2011, Pace Insights improves sporting performance through the application of technology. The team leverages experience from the world of motorsports, introducing cutting edge technology and techniques to the wider professional sporting arena to maximise performance success. Taking a problem solving approach, Pace Insights builds custom software tools and hardware equipment. Software products enable complex data analysis and visualisation, providing coaches with the insight to improve performance of sporting stars. Personalised equipment, designed and built to meet both training and competition rules enables high performance professionals to achieve all-important marginal gains. Pace Insights works at individual, team and organisational level unlocking insights that deliver success. Current customers include over 30 British-based sports organisations including: UK Sport, EIS, Team Sky, GB Boxing, British Sailing, British Athletics, British Swimming and the British Equestrian Federation. 12 | March 2017 INTERNATIONALSQUASHMAGAZINE www.isportgroup.com/InternationalSquashMagazine
UCS UCS SWEDISH OPEN OPEN 2017 GREGORYGAULTIERWINS 2017UCSSWEDISHOPEN Gregory Gaultier lifted the UCS Swedish Open title for the third time in his career after he overturned a one-game deficit to defeat World Champion Karim Abdel Gawad in the final in Linköping - bringing an end to the Egyptian’s 19-match unbeaten run on the Professional Squash Association (PSA) World Tour. Defending champion Gawad, the 25-year-old from Giza, looked to be on course to lift a fourth successive PSA World Tour title to add to his World Championship, Qatar Classic and Tournament of Champions titles - the latter of which saw him beat Gaultier in the final - after he pulled away at the end of game one to take the lead. However, a stunning response from Gaultier saw the 34-yearold storm back into contention, with a masterful display seeing him ease to victories in games two and three - without dropping a single point in the latter - before he came out on top of an absorbing battle in the fourth and final game to lift his 35th career PSA World Tour title courtesy of a 7-11 11-3 11-0 11-8 victory. “I pushed as hard as possible to grab the win, he’s obviously been winning in the last three tournaments and he’s the World Champion, so all credit to him, he’s an amazing player,” said Gaultier. “He’s chasing the World No.1 spot and I wish him good luck to get it. I know this feeling and he is a super talented player. I’m sure he is going to get it. “I’m glad I managed to play well here and I’m really happy to come here and support the event. I first came here when I was 18-years-old and now I’m 34. I came to the first edition, so I’m really faithful to the tournament and I will keep being faithful as the tournament keeps going.” Gawad, meanwhile, took time out to praise the new champion, saying: “I had a tough week here, but all credit to Greg, he played some amazing squash today. He was the better player throughout the match, so all credit to him “Since I won the Swedish Open last year, I have had a great season, and to reach the final here again is a great feeling. 2017 UCS Swedish Open Final [2] Gregory Gaultier (FRA) bt [1] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) 7-11, 11-3, 11-0, 11-8 INTERNATIONALSQUASHMAGAZINE March 2017 | 13 www.isportgroup.com/InternationalSquashMagazine
Page 1: INTERNATIONAL MARCH | 2017 ISSN 204
Page 4 and 5: World Amateur Champion (aged 15) Yo
Page 6 and 7: WINDY CITY OPEN GREGORYGAULTIER&RAN
Page 8 and 9: THE MOST ADVANCED AERODYNAMIC FRAME
Page 10 and 11: WHAT SQUASH CAN LEARN FROM THE WORL
Page 14 and 15: Q&A: JOEL MAKIN Makin talks with Q&
Page 16 and 17: IF HISTORY IS AN INDICATION, YOU’
Page 18 and 19: interactive
Page 20 and 21: Barcelona Global Squash BGS PERFORM
Page 22 and 23: ASICS GEL-FASTBALL 2 SQUASH SHOE AS
Page 24 and 25: K E N T B R I D G E S P O R T S L t
Page 26 and 27: Courtcare - the UK’s leading squa
Page 29 and 30: MEN’S PSA WORLD RANKINGS Egypt 1
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ISM March 2017

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