Train like a Pro

June 4th, 2009 Mithun Mukherjee Posted in General | Comments »

So its the summer and you’re having a hard time finding the motivation to drag yourself to the court when its warm and sunny outside? Its okay – take a break. But if you want to stay in shape and be ready when the fall squash season comes around, do it like former World #1, David Palmer (Photo by Warren Clarke, InsideSport.com):

“I do a lot of lunging on the stability ball (half Swiss ball with a solid, flat base), holding my balance, keeping my core tight. For me it’s one of the best things in my program, because squash is not just about speed, being fast at the front of the court, it’s also about control, and if you can’t control your body you’re in strife….The main endurance work I do is on the track, running 800s. I sprint 600m then jog 200m. I run the 600 in two minutes, jog the 200 in one minute. Then I start again, with no break in between. At the moment I’m trying to build up to eight-to-ten sets nonstop….
…Sometimes I turn it into an endurance exercise and do 300 lengths in 15 minutes. That’s a real mental drill – one of those drills you dread. But knowing you can do 300 court sprints in 15 minutes is a real confidence builder….”

Read all about David’s training schedule at InsideSport.com.