Each week we are putting an Essex squash coach under the spotlight for a quick-fire spot of Question and Answer. This week it’s the turn of Dave ‘Laz’ Lazarus.
What’s your name: Dave ‘Squash Guru’ Lazarus
Where do you coach squash: Redbridge Sports Centre “The Home of Squash”.
When did you first begin playing and how long have you been coaching: Began playing when I was 24. Thought I would give the rest a start before I caught them all up! I have been coaching since 1997.
Who is the best player you have ever coached: Farzan Rasheed (Pakistan) – one of the fittest people on two legs. My goal in a session would sometimes be to try and tire him. No matter how many pressure sessions I did, he wanted more!!
What is it about the game that you love: It’s like a physical game of chess but with sweat.
Do you coach any other sports: Table Tennis and Tennis
Who is your favourite professional player: Nick Matthew, takes the ball so early.
Any training tips for club players: Don’t hit the tin.There is a massive margin for error.
Other than your own, what is your favourite squash club and why: Nottingham – Always a lot going on and good viewing facilities. Squash in Poznan, Poland is great too . And they serve great ham and cheese toasties for about 80p.
Egypt is producing some fabulous young players. How are they doing it: They have a few centralised clubs where all the talented juniors play. They have a specialised coach for all the different areas and it’s their national sport along with football. All the young players are very hungry for success. Then again football is our National Sport.
England Squash has a new chief executive starting soon. What advice would you give him. Do what you feel necessary for success!!
Have you ever deliberately drilled an opponent with a ball? Come on, be honest: Tried – but I missed.
Pasta or potatoes: Pasta – lots of it
Steak or chicken: Chicken Curry
Beer or wine: Definitely Beer.
Football or cricket: Football
Monarchy or Republic: Monarchy – love drama queens
Favourite football team: Chelsea
Least favourite football team: Arsenal
And finally, if the Dragon’s Den asked why they should invest in squash, what would you tell them: It’s a great game, it’s undervalued with future world champions coming through – get it in the Olympics.