|
| |
 |
The
Ben Garner Column |
What's the score
It can be a confusing time of year to be a
professional squash player. With many national leagues around Europe
approaching their finale players could be involved in a variety of leagues
during any given week. This can bring a unique problem of remembering which
scoring system is being used in the match you are playing. In a very short
period it would be quite possible to play English Super League to 9
point-a-rally, Dutch League to 11 point-a-rally, French League to 9 English
then an invitational tournament such as the Dubai 3s to 15 point-a-rally.
Add to this that you could play on a 17” tin one night and a 19” the next,
together with a variety of courts from hard back to Perspex and a squash pro
has to be very adaptable!
As well as remembering which scoring system is being employed one must also
check how many team-mates you will have that night! Team size can vary from
3 (Super League) to 4 (Bundesliga) or 5 (French League), which presents an
interesting question as to which is the best format. It is traditionally
assumed that an odd number of players is optimal since it produces a clear
winner. A 3 man team has the advantage that all matches can be played on one
court, allowing each spectator to watch every ball hit and see the contest
develop. On the other hand a 5 player side can permit a higher number of
spectators to watch as play is spread over two courts. It also allows more
players to be involved, including a female for instance as in the English
national league. However, having witnessed the Bundesliga finals last
weekend the 4 man teams produced enthralling matches. With the possibility
of a 2-2 draw, and thus countback to decide the winner, each individual game
is vital. So a tie which under another system may be rather dull because the
winner is clear can become intriguing as the lower ranked player strives to
win a game or two which could prove crucial for his team during countback.
The 4 man system can also bring the entertaining sight of team managers
rushing for the calculators if it looks like the winner will be decided on
individual points comparison, followed by instructions to the last players
on as to how many points they need to win/restrict their opponent to in
order for their side to emerge winners! It can get complicated but certainly
produces tension and ensures every rally is intensely fought over.
|
|
