Wednesday 3 November 2010

Peters Blog... LIVE!!!!!!

http://pcreedontour.blogspot.com/

Visit Peters blog now!!!

Here is the interview from the blog, interview by Damian Burgess of Orange Squash

Quick fire questions.

Full name?
- Peter David Creed

Hometown?
- Caerphilly, South Wales

Favorite holiday?

- Florida

Music you are listening to right now?
- No Diggity - Black Street ft Dr Dre
Favorite food?
- Indian or Thai...
Now to the serious stuff…..

An interesting summer for you with the University Championships in Australia, coming home with Gold well done, tell us more about that trip, highlights and low-lights??
- Well Australia was a blast, not often do you get the chance to visit down under, while getting funded for the occasion. So first i was obviously extremely excited, but also very grateful for the opportunity. Rhwibina Squash Club helped me massively and without them it wouldn't of been possible.

We had a great team, and the cohesion between the group was strong. From the moment we met at the airport, I knew only be positive times were ahead, and that this group, had the potential to achieve Gold, at the World University Championships. Our Team Manager was Andy Hibbert, who was a good friend of mine who I had represented in Avon league. Next was our Coach, Graeme Williams, who works as a regional squash coach for England squash and a new face to myself. On first instincts, I felt a good bond and knew he would be easy to get on with.. We were also lucky enough to have a personal physio by the name of Kate Watson traveling with us, who proved to be the backbone of the team behind the scenes. The players consisted of Joel 'Snoop' Hinds, who had I had shared 2 years at Millfield School with, a good friend and always an easy person to socialize. Chris Hall, who I had competed alongside most of my junior career. Emma 'JL' Chorley, who was also a Millfield representative and a school friend, and Kirstai Mcphee the Yorkshire pudding, who's accent not only could the other teams struggle to understand but also our own.
On with the trip, 1st stop was a 4 day training camp in Kuala Lumpa, Malaysia. What an experience, and the perfect professional start to the trip. The place is incredible, first impressions were cheap, humid and laid back. I loved the place and cant wait to go back some-time soon. People are friendly, food, clothes and taxi's are in-expensive to say the least. We settled in the rooms, quick dip in the pool, some food and a casual night to help the 13 hour flight jet-lag, not to say i slept 9 hours. On court at 10-am the next day, the team expected some condition games and a mess around to get the body going. Coach Williams thought differently and 10 sets of ghosting would encourage our blood flow more quickly than most would of preferred, but impressions are important, mouth shut, push through and set an example were my thoughts. The next few days flew by, "genuine Rolex's" were purchased, Oakley sunnies and plenty of Casio treats were on show. We trained hard and focused on the challenge ahead. On our last day, the Senior Team announced their chosen captain, and much to my surprise but humbled delight, it was me. Smiles all round and now i can really start my antics with my new armband..
Touchdown Melbourne. drastic weather change which reminded me of being at home rather than Neighbours or Home and Away. We sized up our competitors and began getting used to our courts and homes for the next 2 weeks. The individual competition started and the team were treated to everyone winning the first two days. However, my standard of play was lacking due to poor preparation. Unfortunately I had picked up a niggle 3 weeks before, in Toulouse and was unable to train leading up to the trip. Confidence was low and my game was far from its peak. I lost in the Quarter-finals, and with a 3/4 seeding and my own expectations of a medal, I was deeply disappointed and unfortunately unable to compete to the best of my ability. Being named captain, I felt that my emotions needed to be set aside, and focusing on the other players medal chances were important. Joel won the Gold and rightly deserved it, failing to drop a game on course. Emma won Silver, which was a great achievement, and Kirsty pushed through to win a crucial Bronze medal and give us our trio of medals.
The Team Event was next and we were seeded top dogs. Anything but a Gold medal in my eyes would of been a disaster. I was really looking forward to the opportunity to use my own leadership skills and performances to help the team achieve this goal. The groups stages were successful, the team progressed and the semi-final was in-sight. We won 3-0 comprehensively against the Americans, and now could focus on fulfilling our seeding. We decided that a game of Lazer quest would be the perfect occasion to build our already strong team bonding, and gather the team's energy levels before our final battle. The boys yet again succeeded to win at all costs. Back to the hotel, and an After 8 challenge was set by Coach Williams. This consisted of placing the chocolate mint, on your forehead, and attempting to gather the sweet in ones mouth without the use of your hands. El-Captino myself was victorious with a 2 second achievement, from the flick and catch technique. Although my dislike for the actually sweet was very evident. The next morning, Joel and I knew that in order to win gold we both had to win, as their women, ranked 16 in the World was pretty unbeatable. Joel gave us a scare and after a sketchy, hard hitting affair, got us into the deciding rubber. Being named captain was one honour, but the opportunity to bring the Gold home for the team, was unbelievable and an unforgettable experience. I felt good, and the body and mind felt although it had reached its peak. Its these occasions in life that we train for, and wish to never forget. I won 3-0 and put the GBR Squash Squad at the top of the podium. We had won Gold, Well done to the whole team, and thank you all for the experiences we shared with each other along the way.
There are always highs and lows to every trip, I hadn’t played well, but managed to finish on a high. The team were amazing, and I wouldn’t of changed one single thing about the trip. The planning was professional, we trained hard, played hard and achieved what we set out to do. We celebrated our success, a mild hangover was evident and the day had come to return home, well for most of us. A very sad affair, but we all new it was looming. The GBR squad left Melbourne, Australia, and only Mr Hall and myself were left behind.


For the next week, me and Chris intended on seeing as much of Australia as possible, maybe a few pubs and get a further insight into this exciting country, everyone seems to enjoy. We had allot of fun, met some nice people and ate out a few times, while enjoying some hostels, and not enjoying others. Hostels become a mixed bag, you get what you pay for. Cheap = Working people living like slobs, with no-intent on being clean. Medium to expensive = pretty much hotel/travel lodge like, with the possibility of a jacuzzi and sauna. We enjoyed our experiences and the time came for me to be left on my own for the next 4 weeks to compete in Sydney and Rockhampton. To my own confusion of driving this small distance, i was told a 12 hour drive was not ideal and flights were booked. I left for Brisbane, to train and stay with a good friend Steve ‘Stavros’ Finitsis. An Australian born but Dutch resident, ranked within the Worlds top 75. I met a another dutch star, Frank Hartkoren, who I knew from Juniors, but had never had the chance to socialize with. Great guy and a good squash player. Our other living partner was Courtney ‘Kanye’ West, very nice chap, got some skills and eager to move West bound.
Rockhampton was a disaster, i had lost my way. My head was confused and my game was lacking in precision. The temperature was 25 degrees + inside, and warming up was an affair of 2 shirts. I lost in the Quarter-finals, and knew that i needed to find my mind quick in order to finish this trip on a positive rather than negative.
Sydney was next and a slightly bigger tournament lay ahead. I stayed with an old friend Simon Rawlins, who i pay thanks to for putting me up. I trained and began to focus on myself rather than others. Round 1 was successful, and i managed to win 3-0. Next I was playing a good Friend Campbell Grayson’s younger brother boo boo, Alex. Such a nice chap, and at 1-0 down i decided i needed to change my game plan, get myself in gear and push hard. I came through 3-1, and was into the Quarter-finals. Justin Beard was my next opponent, and due to my own gracious beard attempt, felt that I deserved the name a little more.. Anyways, squash, I knew Justin had battled harder than myself in the previous rounds. I kept the pace high, executed my length shot better and created many opportunities. I pulled through 3-0 and felt the joy, confidence and gratitude of why we train in our own sports, for the result and achievements. Now i had to focus on my semi-final, and be humble about my results so far. Jens Schoor was my opposition, and a tricky person to play on cold courts. I struggled to find any momentum, and points seemed hard to get. I had bad starts in each game and within quick time I was out of the competition. I had learnt allot, and thought hard about my experience that week.
I had enjoyed the previous tournament with mixed success. I had met some awesome people, Frank became a close friend, Adrian Dudzicki the philosopher had shared views, and i felt my social network was growing. Sarah Cardwell was friendly and inviting with many of the other Australian and Kiwi players, going by Alex Grayson, Peter Taylor, Nathan Stephenson and an old friend Rasmus Nielson.
My time was coming to a close in Australia, i had one last visit to Canberra to watch the Australian Open, and spend some time with a close friend Joey Barrington. I hadn’t expected to be commentating at such event, but Joey’s surprise attack, was to much delight and a good little earner. I enjoyed the down-time after my previous 5 weeks, and continued my training while socializing with the best players in the World and some great friends. 5 days later i was on the plane home and my Australian Adventure, down under was finished. Thanks to everyone i met, people who helped me and Team GB.

What else kept you occupied through the summer?
Upon return from Australia, i began my next stint of an 8 week training program. Lots of strength and conditioning was planned, and I was extremely excited to get started. I continued my part-time job working at All Saints. I enjoy this opportunity, which takes my focus away from squash 24/7, and the working colleges are good friends of mine.


I also made sure to catch up with some of my close friends at home. Stability in life is very important, and balance of social downtime mixed with the professional sports athlete is crucial to prevent burnout I feel. M.Howe, a great reliable friend and I resumed our weekly friday food conversations, and shared the previous 6 weeks of our lives. I caught up and socialised with my friends from school, and settled back into the routine of home.. Food cooked, washing done and my own transport.

That’s all in the present, lets go back to when it started, when and why did you start playing squash?

When did you win your first competition? You still have the trophy ?
- First competition win seems a blur, but winning the Cammarthen Junior under 12's seems to ring bells, and regards to the trophy, its in the attic mim sure.

When did you realize or think that squash could be a big part of your life?
- Squash in general changed in the year of 2001 for me. My parents could see by the age of 14 that my love for the game was started to take shape, and maybe i had some potential in the sport. They sent me to Jonah Barrington's Summer Squash Academy, and although the euphoria glow around Jonah was beyond belief, my knowledge was slightly misted. I sweated my heart and soul out on them courts for the next five days, for a yet unknown reward that would not only sculpture my squash career, but my whole life ahead of me. I had never pushed so hard, and ran as many court-sprints in my life. With Junior J.B screaming down my neck to go faster, i could only obey.. The end of the 4th day arrived and Jonah approached my with a proposition beyond my own belief. I remember every exact would as if it was yesterday, "how would you like to come to a school like this my boy"


http://www.omsociety.com/old-millfieldians/sports-news/Sports-News-Squash/

If you were not a squash player, what sport do you think you would be playing?
- Well my passion of rugby is strong, and my school days of playing were most enjoyable. Unfortunately, as much as I love the sport I believe with my height and size, my career couldn't of blossomed in the sport as much as I would of liked.

How is the squash coaching? Do you see coaching as a natural progression for you after playing? What sort of coach would you describe yourself as?


Coaching seems a natural progression for any professional squash player, however the coaching life isn't easy one, and isn't for everyone. I could see myself coaching in the states full time for a few years but not for an extended period. I have a passion for fashion, and hope that may take me somewhere in life, whether it be deigning, buying or merchandising. However, most of my life i have spent in sport, and could see a future in this field. Who knows, people's ideas change.. so watch this space.

Who is your sporting idle? Any other influences outside of sport?
- Well I have many idles and influences I look up to. I believe that there are people like Armstrong, Ali and Federrer that you look up to, but there are the more important people than personally have a huge influence on your life.
The first person who made a massive impact for me was Jonah Barrington. J.B not only taught me about the physical side of the game, but also the mental strength needed to succeed in such a tough sport. Jonah's influences not only helped my sporting abilities, but extended to my outlook in life, and what I would need to sacrifice if i were to achieve anything in and out of the game. This man is great, his experience and aura is something that you only get caught up in while spending time around him.


The other great influences in my life are my parents, and the stability they show behind the scenes. I have the upmost respect for them, and truly believe that my career pays most credit to their dedication, to help me fulfill my dreams, goals and ambitions. My parents are very different people, and level me in their own ways. My mother is like my best friend, the talkative one, always there to listen, night or day. She helps me make decisions in my life and sways me when I'm uncertain. Whereas my father is the quiet one, shy one some say. Very emotional yet emotionless. Although, he feels like my older brother, someone i can hang out with, learn allot from both positive and negative. His desire for my game is beyond imaginable.

Currently no. 123 in the world, a career high, what is the next goal?
- I am off to North America for two month stint, which consists of 6-7 Tournaments. I hope to be as close to the top 100 in the World by the time I return in preparation for the new year ahead.

How busy will you be this season, many travels? Do you have a full calendar of events?
- I will spend October right through to December on the other side of the World, with a busy schedule of competitions. Return for celebrations and time with the family before i plan my excursions for the New Year of 2011.

Finally any words of advice for any up and coming juniors who are currently playing and entering competitions??
Train hard, be wise and do what you need to improve your game. Everyone is unique and progress your game in the way you believe how. Be happy, stay positive, but always think more can be done. Lastly listen to your body and mind, its good at telling you when to rest, when you need to do more and when to be sincere...
If your fortunate and lucky in life, be sure not to waste it. Never regret.

Thursday 16 September 2010

Peters Blog...

World number 123 and one of the top Welsh players on the tour Peter Creed will be posting a blog at orange squash this season, Creed will be touring the U.S soon and playing in a number of competitions here and overseas. We look forward to hearing from Peter on his travels..... stay tuned for an interview with Peter before the season starts.

Good Luck to Peter on all his squash this year.

TEAM SQUASH

Damian Burgess of orange squash has played team squash for Caerphilly, Risca, Cwmbran, Newbridge and now is playing for Llantwit Fadre in South Wales Division 1A,.

Llantwit have a strong team for the 2010/11 season, so stay tuned for updates on the team and how they get on.

Damian is also playing for Newbridge in Gwent 1, he will be playing at number 1 in this team, 18 matches scheduled all together before Christmas for both teams.

Saturday 4 July 2009

Just to start

29th June - 5th July 2009
For my first three blogs ive chosen to give you some tips..... hope they help. The next are about Damian Burges and the coaching of Orange Squash.....


4th July today, Independents Day for the Americans. Today i have been coaching in Newport Squash club, actually been coaching there most of the week. Started Monday with sessions at Newbridge from 2pm. A few one to one sessions to start then the school session with Newbridge Comp, followed by the small juniors at 4pm, the older juniors were then on at 4.30. With it being the end of the month i had to finish my ladder matches at Newbridge, i done so with max points...... I then finished with a one to one with up and coming young star Joel Gould, he did well considaring he had sunburn and spent all day running i the sun in his sportsday.

A busy way to start the week, Tuesday and Thursday i was at Newport coaching all ages. The numbers are somewhat low, its summer and wimbledon is on so its all good. Some of the elite boys and girls were leaving for Germany and the Pionner Open this weekend, good luck to all of them. I took Dan Bergin onto court before he left for Germany. If he sticks at his squash he should be fine.

Friday was the penultimate week for the school children of Malpas Church down at Newport Squash Club, lots of fun all day. Thanks to all the kids who turned up, what a great few weeks we've had. Some of the kids have started to come to the Saturday sessions and done really well because of it.

Now to Saturday, the day started at 11 am with the open group at Newport, a massive 16 jids turned up. WOW!!! We all had loads of fun and can't wait to see if they come back next week. The second session we only had james turn up but had a good 5 for the last group. One of the boys who did turn up was Jack Timothy, he is coming on very well and is in the squad to face Saudi Arabia on the 15th July. good luck jack! A good day and a good week of coaching..... more next week.

www.orangesquash.me.uk

DB

Taking the ball early

It is key that when receiving your opponents serve that you take the ball early and volley, this gives your opponent less time to prepare. When volleying, don’t go for a fancy winner; keep the ball straight and as far away from your opponent as possible. This makes him do more work and if your length is tight and deep he or she will find it difficult to retrieve. This then puts you in control and ready for the boast or loose shoot that follows.

Try and do this also when in a rally, cut out the crosscourt with a volley length, don’t let the ball come past you! If your opponent plays a good shot, acknowledge this and give respect to the ball, don’t try and play a volley on the stretch, you will probably hear the sound of the tin shortly after.

Be patient. A key element when playing squash, but is forgotten easily in the heat of a long and fast rally.

Give it a go in your next game and see the results for yourself.

DB


Watch the ball

All squash players say "watch the ball". But, did you know that there is a certain way of watching the ball? During a rally your opponent will be either in front, behind, or parallel to you. There is only one way to watch in each of these circumstances.

When your opponent is in front of you, it is easy to see where and when your opponent is going to hit the ball. The secret is to stay as close to your opponent as possible, without crowding, as he or she is striking the ball. This adds mental pressure to your opponent because by doing this your opponent knows you're ready, especially for a drop. If your opponent is in front, remember the drop is the most likely shot to be executed. And this means trouble. So get close to your opponent when he or she is in front of you.


When your opponent is next to you or behind you, try not to look directly at the ball. Use your peripheral vision. The reason to do this is that it may be physically impossible to follow a fast crosscourt and turn your head at
the same time. Follow the ball with your eye to the service line and then lock your eye at the serve line area and let your peripheral vision track the ball to your opponent's racket. The only exception is if you've hit a high length shot that comes off high on the back wall. In this instance you need to watch your opponent closely. Just make sure you're watching from the front while on the "T".

DB



Defence to Attack

In a game of squash you will find in every rally that one player is on the Attack and the other is retrieving the ball and is playing the defensive game. The work rate is the big difference between the two; the attacking player is usually moving the other player around the court and making him do all the work. This is because the defensive player is only just getting the ball back and is usually playing retrieval shots that can sometime be loose. The main thing to remember when being on the wrong end of a hard rally is to try and keep your shape and always get back to the T, if you can get back to the T position you will have a great chance of turning the rally around. When being stretched by your opponent, at the front or back of the court, remember to lift the ball to length; this then gives you time to get back to the T. Rally mentalities will change frequently over the course of a match, the way to stay on the attack is to remember the T, and when on the defensive the T position even more so. Give it a go in your next game and see the results for yourself.

DB