ISM March 2017

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Courtcare – the UK’s leading squash court specialists bring you… THE SQUASH REVOLUTION PLAY TRAIN COMPETE Imagine a completely intelligent court. A court that tracks players’ every move and shot. A court that provides the most advanced digital coaching with real-time feedback and statistics. A court that engages players of all skills and ages with exciting new games. This is a court you’ve never before experienced. The interactiveSquash hardware system upgrades standard squash courts with digital training and games functionality. interactiveSquash games are designed to get players active and engaged like never before. They can now choose from a huge range of solo, training and competitive games with full colour graphics and sound - all using the same rackets and balls used in regular squash. Courtcare – a complete range of squash courts products, services and construction. www.courtcareuk.com | 01260 545008 | enquiries@courtcareuk.com
SQUASH POISED FOR DIGITAL COMEBACK! SQUASHPOISEDFOR DIGITALCOMEBACK! Squash, the sport that might have been under the radar lately, is preparing for a digital comeback! We wanted to make it attractive to a whole new generation of players that would normally not set foot on a squash court In association with ASB SquashCourts, Munichbased interactiveSQUASH founder Markos Kern wanted to give the game of squash an extra twist and boost it into the digital age. The idea of interactiveSQUASH was born and only a few months later the first courts are already upgrading their facilities. “We wanted to make it attractive to a whole new generation of players that would normally not set foot on a squash court,” explained Kern. The idea is simple. Sensors track the ball and players. A projection transforms the front wall into a gigantic screen and touch pad where players can choose from applications such as playful games to sophisticated training modes for all levels of players. Stepping onto the court is no different from normal - until a voice welcomes you and enables you to pick one of the 22 different games by simply touching the front wall! More games and training modules will follow soon, and the system will also allow programmers to create their own applications, whilst also making them available on an app store. The interactiveSQUASH App connects directly to the court and lets players track their statistics and compare them to players worldwide. “And this is only the beginning,” adds Kern. “Those who are about to receive their upgrade will be very happy to see what’s coming up next.” The first court in Munich has already proved to be a sensation in terms of participation, especially with new players and kids. New customers are being exposed to interactiveSQUASH every day and sales figures are more than promising. In January the number of hours played on the interactiveSQUASH court virtually doubled, with almost 75% of completely new customers picking up a racquet for the first time. A recent Groupon campaign sold vouchers for 500 hours in less than a week. Monica Wiedmann, a mother of two boys aged 6 and 9, commented: “Everything always competes with smartphone gaming or TV, but now we have finally got them motivated to move. “The entertainment aspect of it is terrific. It was really hard to get my kids motivated to pick up a racquet before – but now it’s harder to get them off the court again!” Jan Weber, father of two who enjoy a game of Monster Match on the court, joked: “My son is even able to operate the court without me being there, allowing me to get some free time!” So far, the creation of interactiveSQUASH has caused quite a buzz, even outside the world of squash. The concept recently won the “BrandNew award” - for the best new product in fitness for 2017 – at ISPO, the renowned annual international exhibition for the sports business. Videos of the games and training modes are shared in high volume social media, leading to substantial exposure. “The sheer number of inquiries from all over the world was simply staggering for us,” said Christoph Babinsky, CEO of ASB SquashCourts, the international distributor for the new system. “The first ten systems will be installed in March, and with all the interest of players, trainers, pros, and associations, it is quite obvious that this development is exactly what the sport of squash needs.” Living squash legend Jahangir Khan, who recently announced a partnership between UNSQUASHABLE, the iconic brand which he used throughout his record-breaking career, and interactiveSQUASH, was equally enthusiastic about such a significant development for the sport. “This innovation adds an important aspect to the development of the sport,” said the record ten-time British Open champion from Pakistan. “The combination with technology opens up whole new fields for the squash business. Whether it’s the way we play and train, or how the sport is seen by media and new players, it’s very good to see initiatives like this advancing - and UNSQUASHABLE is delighted to be partnering with interactiveSQUASH during such an exciting time for the sport.” Leading UNSQUASHABLE player and brand ambassador James Willstrop also recognises that the system offers many advantages for training and statistics for professional athletes: “Daily training routines are a must for any pro,” said the former world No.1 from England. “Challenging your personal best or warming up with some target practice definitely makes it more effective and interesting. After all, it’s the fun to play that drove us all to the sport in the first place!” INTERNATIONALSQUASHMAGAZINE March 2017 | 27 www.isportgroup.com/InternationalSquashMagazine
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ISM March 2017

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