“He’s/She's a born athlete,” is a phrase used amongst commentators and spectators, but what does it actually mean?  It is true some people develop a natural physic better equipped for certain sports, but if you don’t dedicate yourself to your training you will only ever go so far.  You need to have that inner drive and passion for your sport.  

I fell in love with Squash at a very early age but it was only in my late 20's that I finally understood why I loved this sport so much.  As a junior being pushed through those tough training sessions, feeling frustrated with bad performances and sometimes coming off court with so much anger and disappointment in myself that tears just flow down my face.  

With all this talk of anger and frustration you must be thinking, that doesn't sound like fun.  At the time I didn't really understand why I use to get so upset with myself and feel as though the world was going to crumble beneath me.  But its all because I was so passionate about playing squash and wanting to become the best.  Its also because as a youngster you want everything now and I wanted Mum and Dad to be so proud of how well I could play.  

Squash is such a difficult game and it is these emotions and feeling that makes you fall in love with the game.  Its the ultimate challenge physically, mentally, psychologically and skillfully.  Its about becoming a player that has a level head but at the same time has that inner mongrel.

Every young athlete should understand the key to progressing is work, work and more work.  You must learn to stay focused, a great way to do this is to always set yourself little goals so your working towards something.  Once you reach your goal very importantly treat yourself, give yourself a reward for achieving your goal.

You have to stick at it and judge your progress over the course of a few years and not your first competition.  Don't get too over whelmed but your emotions, try and understand why you have these feeling of anger and frustration at times.  Try to understand that your feeling like this because you have a true passion for the game and you only want to become the best at what you do.