Jahangir N.

My players develop a life-long love of squash and a healthy lifestyle by developing a sense of fair play along with skills and the intellectual and physical discipline required to excel in the sport. I have been coaching squash full time since 2008. I have a loyal following of juniors and adults alike who are drawn to my love of the game and ability to push and encourage my students to excel in their sport. I emphasize fitness and mental acuity in my coaching – teaching students not only proper technique, but the proper mind-set and thought process to play winning squash.

I currently oversee 5 National Capital Squash league teams as well as over 250 active players across the clubs. I coach juniors and adults who are among the top rated players in their division.

I am a US Squash Level 2 Certified Coach

2011 US Skills Champion 5.5, Fisher Cup Men’s Open Champion
2007-10 Meadow Mill Club Champion
2009 #1 in US 35+, 5.5 US National Skill Level Plate Finalist
2008 Potomac Fever, Bethesda Open, Merit Open Champion
2007 Maryland State Champion, Sport & Health Open Champion, Potomac Fever Champion
2006 5.0 US National Skill Level Champion

Private lessons, semi-private lessons or a clinic — I offer all options, but which is best for your and your squash goals?

Clinics are a good place to start with squash coaching if you are looking for some general instruction and a few tips. They are also a good way to discipline yourself into doing drills, which are the best way to get consistent in squash. Because of the group nature of a clinic, you won’t be able to focus on a particular problem area on your game, or spend extended amounts of time on a specific shot or skill.

Semi-private lessons are very good if you have a partner at a similar skill level. In a semi-private lesson, I have the freedom to observe your play, and work on skills that need improvement when you are on the court with a competitor at the same level. This is a more accurate portrayal of your playing style and ability than if you are simply drilling with me.

Private lessons are ideal if you have a specific skill that you want intensive work on or if you are seeking a very rigorous workout. I believe that students make the most progress with a combination of semi-private and private lessons.

The Play Squash Academy gives Juniors the best of all worlds -- private lessons to build skills, clinics to work cooperatively among a group of peers and match play to allow for, well, play -- the reason behind all of the hard training. The Play Squash Academy runs on a month-by-month basis with players committing to a private lesson, clinic and playing each week. I offer the academy at different skill levels from beginners, varsity athlete and elite players.

In all cases, consistency is key. If you can schedule regular lessons over an extended amount of time — maybe a few times a month for 5-6 months, you will make more progress than if you just schedule two or three sessions. Squash is a demanding game, and it takes time to improve skill.

No amount of lessons will ever take the place of practicing and drilling what I teach on the court. Get on the court by yourself and drill what we worked on in our lessons at least once a week. (Please try to do your solo-drilling during non-peak times at the club!) Set a goal for yourself — it can be a number of consecutive shots (eg 15 rails hit above the cut line and deep in the court) or managed by time (a minute of non-stop volley drives). A combination of instruction and practice will set you on the path to improvement!