Training to Competition Ratio
• About 35% training – 65% competition (40% tournament play, 25% practice matches and competitive drills). Players are introduced to international competition (depending on their developmental age).
Periodization
• Year-round periodization to include national and international competition schedules, tours and
training camps.
Technical
• Maintenance and continuation of squash-specific skills.
• Maximize strengths: develop based on skill set the athlete has developed to this stage.
• Increased emphasis on performing technique under pressure.
• Optimize squash-specific skills while learning to compete.
Tactical
• Further develop pattern recognition skills and situation analysis.
Physiological/Physical
• Growth in height typically ends in this stage (females 17-18 years, males 19-20 years).
• The presence of testosterone increases the potential for increases in muscle mass (particularly in males), as well as the positive response to speed and power training.
• All of the athlete’s major physiological systems have been established during the early part of this stage, so adult training regimens can be introduced at levels appropriate to the individual’s training history and level of development.
• The skeletal system responds favourably to appropriate training loads and direction.
