Are you a passionate squash enthusiast looking to deepen your understanding of the game? The world of squash literature has much to offer! We’ve got a list of the best squash books that will take you on a journey of triumph, perseverance, and success.
From autobiographies of squash legends to guides on technique and strategy, these books will inspire and motivate you to become the best squash player you can be. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, these books about squash and success stories will ignite your passion for the game and drive you to greatness. So, let’s dive in and explore the literature about the game of squash together!
Top Picks: Best Squash Books for Enthusiasts
The Book of Jonah by Jonah Barrington
“The Book of Jonah” by Jonah Barrington is a reflective and insightful memoir chronicling the life and career of the world-renowned squash player Jonah Barrington. Known for his exceptional prowess and influence in the world of squash, Barrington delves into his personal journey, sharing anecdotes and lessons learned from his experiences both on and off the court.
The book captures Barrington’s early years, exploring his introduction to squash and the challenges he faced in pursuing a career in a relatively niche sport. He reflects on his rigorous training regimen, the discipline required to achieve excellence, and the mental and physical demands of being a top athlete. Through detailed accounts of his matches and rivalries, Barrington provides readers with a vivid glimpse into the competitive world of professional squash during his era.
Overall, The Book of Jonah is a compelling read for sports enthusiasts and anyone interested in the personal stories behind athletic success. It offers a blend of sporting history, personal reflection, and motivational insights, all told through the lens of one of Squash’s greatest legends.
Murder in the Squash Court: the Only Way to Win by Barrington Jonah
Jonah Barrington’s book “Murder in the Squash Court” is a must-read for any squash player looking to improve their game. Barrington, a squash legend widely regarded as one of the greatest in the sport’s history. Known for his relentless determination and pioneering spirit, he revolutionized professional squash with his exceptional skill and competitive drive. In this book he shares his secrets for success, focusing on the mental aspects of the game. He believes that squash builds independence and requires mental fortitude, especially for professional players.
Jonah Barrington’s book reveals how he utilized mental strength to overcome his opponents’ natural talent. He identifies nine key qualities, including fire, fitness, and faith, that separate champion squash players from others. The book is an essential guide for anyone looking to reach the top of the squash game, with Barrington reflecting on his prediction of Jahangir Khan’s success and recording his journey to becoming a squash legend.
Jahangir Khan 555: The Untold Story Behind Squash’s Invincible Champion And Sport’s Greatest Unbeaten by Run, Rod Gilmour and Alan Thatcher
Jahangir Khan is a squash legend who had an incredible career. He won many titles, including the World Open at just 17 years old, and 10 British Open titles in a row. He also won 555 matches in a row, which is a record that still stands today. A new book, “Jahangir Khan 555“, tells the story of his amazing achievements and strong performance in squash. The authors Rod Gilmour and Alan Thatcher, explore how Jahangir’s early life and family tragedy drove him to succeed. They also reveal the pressure he faced from his country and his rivals, and the secrets behind his unbeaten run. The book is a must-read for squash fans for a better understanding of squash and anyone who is inspired by Jahangir’s incredible story.
Advanced Squash by Jahangir Khan
Jahangir Khan, a squash legend, shares his expertise in “Advanced Squash“. This book offers valuable tips and an ultimate guide for players of all levels, providing level on techniques and tactics to improve their game. Khan’s insights remain relevant even today, making it a must-read for anyone looking to enhance their squash skills.
Advanced Squash is a comprehensive guide that helps players develop creative strategies to win matches. The book emphasizes the importance of finding harmony and motivation to play competitive squash. Written in an engaging and accessible style, it’s perfect for players of all levels, from beginners to experienced athletes. Even though it was written decades ago, its advice remains valuable, making it a great resource for anyone looking to improve their game.
Sweating Blood: My Life In Squash by Nick Matthew
Nick Matthew, the former World No.1 squash player, shares his life story in his autobiography “Sweating Blood: My Life In Squash“. He opens up about his struggles with obsessive-compulsive disorder, his personal highs and lows, and his rivalry with fellow player James Willstrop. Nick’s story is not just about his squash career but also about his journey to becoming a champion.
In his book, Nick shares behind-the-scenes stories about the PSA World Tour, including the intense training, prize money, and anti-doping efforts. He also reflects on his childhood in Yorkshire, the people who shaped him, and the moments that defined his career. With brutal honesty, Nick reveals how he overcame obstacles, including a career-threatening injury, to become one of the greatest squash players of all time. His story is an inspiring and raw look at what it takes to succeed at the highest level.
The Golden Age of Australian Women’s Squash by Barbara Slotemaker de Bruïne
The book “The Golden Age of Australian Women’s Squash” celebrates the achievements of Australia’s top female squash players over five decades. From 1962 to 2010, Australian women dominated the sport, with legends like Heather McKay winning 16 British Open Championships and two World Championships. Other talented players and teams followed, making Australia the most successful nation in squash during this period.
The book explores the stories of these extraordinary women champions and teams, examining how this golden age began and continued for so long. It also looks at why Australia’s squash success declined and how the country can regain its competitive edge, especially with squash included in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The author, who played alongside Heather McKay, shares inspiring stories and results to motivate the next generation of squash players and anyone interested in Australian sporting history.
A Different Kind of Daughter: The Girl Who Hid from the Taliban in Plain Sight by Maria Toorpakai & Katharine Holstein
Maria, a young girl from Pakistan, dreamed of playing squash despite the danger and opposition she faced. She disguised herself as a boy to play in the streets of Peshawar, eventually becoming the number one female squash player in Pakistan. But her success put her in the crosshairs of the Taliban, who wanted her dead.
Maria’s only hope was to flee the country. Luckily, Jonathon Power, a world-renowned squash player, heard her story and offered her a chance to train and compete in Canada. Maria took the chance and moved halfway across the world to pursue her dream. Now, she’s on her way to becoming a world champion and inspiring oppressed women everywhere to stand up for themselves and follow their dreams.
Shot and a Ghost: a year in the brutal world of professional squash by James Willstrop
James Willstrop, a former World No.1 squash player and multiple Commonwealth Games gold medalist, has written a book about his experiences in the competitive world of professional squash. In Shot and a Ghost, Willstrop opens up about his complicated relationship with fellow player Nick Matthew, the pressures of being a professional athlete, and how he overcame the perception of being too nice to succeed in sports.
Willstrop’s book offers a unique glimpse into the world of squash, a sport that has struggled to regain its former popularity since the days of legendary players like Jahangir and Jansher Khan. As one of the new generation of players trying to revive interest in the sport, Willstrop’s story is a refreshing change from the usual football, cricket, and rugby books. If you’re looking for a different perspective on sports, this book is a great choice.
Conclusion:
Wrapping up our exploration of the fascinating world of squash, we’re reminded that the journey to success is not just about the destination but about the journey itself. Through the inspiring stories of squash legends like Jahangir Khan and James Willstrop, we’ve seen how hard work, determination, and a passion for the game can lead to greatness. We’ve also learned about the importance of mental toughness, natural technique, and effective training exercises in achieving success on the court. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, the lessons from these books can help you navigate your own squash adventure and reach new heights. So, let’s embrace the challenges and triumphs of the game and remember that match time is always a chance to learn, grow, and push ourselves to be our best.
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