When providing prognostications on Squash via this and other websites, one is always reminded of the duty in providing an entertaining yet perceptive look at what is more than just a game for some.

I have been told by frends and colleagues that my musings are well written and entertaining. But they are probably humouring me. The lack of feedback and hearty congratulations or even rabid disagreement and/or contempt displayed in the comments/ratings, suggest that most readers don't think they are even worth a response!

But if you think this lack of recognition will have any bearing on my continued attempts at enlightenment, entertainment and encouragement for all those who play Squash are wrong! The web, being truly democratic will always provide spaces for ratbags such as me. Naturally, if someone has something constructive to say about my chatter, I will take the necessary steps to improve the area in which I have been deemed inadequate, and continue my attempts using methods of continuous improvement.

Now I hear you ask, "What has this got to do with Squash?"

When I first started to play the game of Squash, I had no talent or ability to speak of. Or so I thought. Then, I did not meditate for hours on a mountain court, visualising every movement, every aspect of tactics and technique, not to mention the psychology of the game. All this whilst holding the Squash racket, feeling every tie of the strings, fold of the grip and change in profile where some other marketing acronyn has been played out by the frame maker. eg, WTF (Wide Frame Technology) PBT (Power Bulge Technology) etc etc.

Instead, I would scamper and fling myself around the court not unlike a domestic fowl just after being decapitated and just prior to being plucked. I would pester those at the club at which I played, for a practice game, never quite realising what a nuisance I was or how generous those who said "Yes", were. I was manic.

It was not until about four years later, that one of the leading players at the club, who had been one of my practice "victims" years earlier told me something revealing. He would have liked to have told me at the time when I was a beginner, to take up another sport. Squash was NOT the game for me. I was not adept at the skills of the game and saw no way in which I would ever be. Fortunately, he did not have the heart to tell me. If he did it probably would have made no difference anyway.

It is interesting to note that he had the courage to tell me this immediately after I had thrashed him in an important club match. I did have a talent after all - it was heart and persistence. No one practised more than me. I had coaching to improve my game. I tried to iron out my weaknesses - evaluating, improving, trying again.

It is my observation that many Squash players have this talent. If you are one, put it to use. Unlike other talents, the talent of Heart or Courage or persistance as some might call it, can have a dramatic effect on your physical abilities.

Many years later, according to some, I apparently have the talent, but none of the other qualities that i used to take for granted and those which help make top line professionals. I could mention youth, fitness, agility - but I won't.

If you have some of the physical qualities which are essential for excellence, do not throw away a lifetime of achievement and enjoyment with a lack of heart and persistence. Whilst I never quite made it as a player, and may well not as a writer, it has been a fantastic ride, sharing a court with some of the greats of Squash and living to embellish the tales.

Not all of those greats had enourmous amounts of talent, but they all had huge hearts. You too could have a talent like the greats and achieve excellence. Just use methods of "continuous improvement" and remember that there is talent in Heart.

Ray Strach provides off centre commentary on Squash. His articles are widely read in the Squash community seek to highlight the parallels between Squash and life, although possible not life as we know it. See more of Ray Strach's articles at squashgame.info View the orignal of this article where you can comment and discuss at "The Guru Speaks"