Peter Nicol - Consultant Coach
NAME: Peter Nicol
DOB: 05/04/1973
WHAT’S YOUR JOB AT ENGLAND SQUASH & RACKETBALL?
I work mostly with the developmental squad of young men and women at the National Centre. To a lesser extent I work with some of the older, higher ranked players on an individual basis.
WHAT’S YOUR PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE?
This is my first coaching appointment in my career. I used to play professionally up until 2006 and am involved in squash from grassroots development to running major professional events.
WHAT IS YOUR COACHING PHILOSOPHY?
To work with the individual and try to get them to engage in the process of improvement so that when I’m not there they can still continue to improve. I’ve always felt most players over rely on their coaches. From a purely technical aspect, I feel there has been a massive shift in styles since the more recent players grew up without ever picking up a wooden racket. My goal is to get the younger players to understand the need for transferring weight into the shot as well as having quick racket head speed.
WHAT ASPIRATIONS DO YOU HAVE FOR THE PROGRAMME?
To create world class athletes who will go on to win major titles both individually and with the England teams. To infuse an energy, enthusiasm and belief into the players I coach that they can succeed if they want to!
WHERE DO YOU SEE SQUASH IN 10 YEARS TIME?
At club level, I see the game being in a very healthy state with increased numbers players from the current figures. Professionally I see the game reaching a wider audience through new media deals and structural changes in the world circuit. At some point there will be changes to the format of the game for specific events (Cricket 20/20) to make it accessible to non squash players. This has been achieved in other sports and will undoubtedly happen in squash.
WHICH OTHER SPORTS DO YOU PLAY OR ENJOY WATCHING?
I play golf, tennis and badminton but would also love to play football again but cannot risk the chance of injury. I watch mostly football live but have been less and less interested recently due to atmosphere at the grounds and the players behaviour.
AN INTERESTING FACT ABOUT YOURSELF?
I love wine. If I could enter a profession tomorrow and earn a living it would be in the wine business. I enjoy the whole process and understanding of creating great wine through to the most important part, drinking the stuff!
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY AWAY FROM SQUASH?
I like to take time and walk in the countryside with my partner Jess and dog Cali. Meet old friends, squash is a strange sport to be involved with as all my friends are scattered around the world, so meeting with them and enjoying their company is a wonderful experience.
PROFESSIONALLY DO WHO YOU REALLY ADMIRE?
Someone who epitomised all the qualities I would admire in someone was Paul Newman. Anyone who has been hugely successful in their own field, enjoyed his passions especially motor racing, set up a wonderful charity, was married for most of his adult life is someone who I certainly admire.
QUICK FIRE:
FAVOURITE EVER FILM? Arthur/Dumb & Dumber
FAVOURITE MUSIC? Bob Dylan
WHICH 3 PEOPLE WOULD YOU INVITE TO A DINNER PARTY?
Jim Carrey, Robert Parker & JD Salinger
FAVOURITE TAKE-AWAY? Dominos Pepperoni Passion
WHAT’S YOUR GUILTY PLEASURE? Staying in bed to work when at home