We regularly put an Essex squash coach under the spotlight for a quick-fire spot of Question and Answer. This week it’s the turn of Chris Vine.
What’s your name: Chris Vine
Where do you coach squash: Currently at various venues around the county (and uk)
When did you first begin playing and how long have you been coaching:
Started when I was 16, been coaching – 28 years
Who is the best player you have ever coached:
Richie Fallows (when 8 years old – loved hitting the ball and the sound it made!) and Anna Kimberley at NESA sessions and when at tournaments – brilliant squash brain
What is it about the game that you love:
Its an all year round sport that has everything – fitness, tactics, technique, requires brains
Do you coach any other sports:
Occasionally tennis and my grandkids at all sports (love beach cricket)
Who is your favourite professional player: Nick Matthew – hard work personified
Any training tips for club players:
Keep an open mind and don’t be afraid to try new things
Other than your own, what is your favourite squash club and why:
Lexden Squash Club – a pure squash club that has always valued the role of the professional coach
Egypt is producing some fabulous young players. How are they doing it:
Simples… big numbers all trying hard to be the best – we need to quadruple the numbers of kids starting the game at the bottom end across the UK.
England Squash has a new chief executive starting soon. What advice would you give him:
If you do what you have always done, you will get what you always get. Time for big changes and to open the aural receptacles (ears)
Have you ever deliberately drilled an opponent with a ball? Come on, be honest:
Well being honest no, but I can’t say that I haven’t wanted to
Pasta or potatoes – potatoes
Steak or chicken – steak
Beer or wine – wine
Football or cricket – enjoy both but having to make a choice cricket
Monarchy or Rebublic – Republic!
Favourite football team – Chelsea
Least Favourite football team – Liverpool
And finally, if the Dragon’s Den asked why they should invest in squash, what would you tell them
Because properly marketed and advocated in our primary schools as part of a mass market exposure programme, the potential financial benefits (from the participating numbers) would be huge. Kids love it when they try it and it’s exciting and fresh (to them) and most of all great fun. Squash players are very loyal once connected to the game – think of the membership increases… Duncan!