This brings back a lot of memories for me. I am now 78 years old, when I was in my late twenties Ahmed Safwat from Egypt, who was once number 2 in the world, came to Saskatoon as part of a squash tour across Canada along with Dave Morgan an English player who refereed. I was one of three local players that he played with. The games where played up to 15 points, he could only win points on his serve and we could win points on any winning rally. The local television was there to interview us after the matches. Definitely one of my great memories of my squash playing days. Safwat eventually became an important coach in the early years of Egyptian squash.
Thank you for sharing. The top 5 men in the world are quite ahead of the rest of the pack. At Diego's level, the efficiency of movement, power, control, reading the flow of the game, stamina and pace are impressive to view. Really enjoyed watching you play with him.
Thank you for the video, Ahad! What a wonderful opportunity. Love the camera angle; it brings out the intensity of the rallies that Squash TV generally lacks. Diego's smoothness belies the pace and accuracy of his shots.
What an amazing opportunity! Was a blast to watch, thanks for posting! I think if we can all strive to have a little bit of Diego's game in us - squash IQ is just amazing, movement is so smooth. Knows really where to hit each ball with purpose to work his opponent, not just blindingly hitting a ball anywhere for the sake of keeping the rally alive
It's amazing how effortless he looks in putting so much weight and pace in his shots, transfering his entire body weight into the shot. I think you did pretty well, that long rally was nice. Thanks for sharing
I had the good fortune of being at a training camp with Wilstrop and the French General. I am only a club level player, but honestly, how insanely quick Gautier is and how deceptively he plays blows my mind. 3 Days with them, the first day was a warm up, I was so sore I could barely walk day two, Greg helped me stretch and I played Rabbit with him and Wilstop on court for 7 minutes, I don't think I've ever been more tired. It was amazing and I enjoyed it.
What I really like about this video is how you can see the almost zen-like flow of a top 10 player between their movement and striking of the ball vs an otherwise “really good” player. The timing between moving and playing through a crisp shot, with virtually no effort, and getting so much power is a subtlety that’s difficult to understand for someone who has never played the game. It’s just as graceful watching a player like Diego as it is watching world class ballet. There’s a reason we call it the beautiful game!
Absolutely! I too felt that it would be a great demonstration of the differences, from anticipation to ball control, ease, and so much more! I'm glad you enjoyed it 🙏🏼 all the best, - Ahad
Awesome video, Diego is my favorite player- the holds, the effortless movement, the accuracy... it really is just next level. Thanks for sharing this and commentating! Really cool to see Diego dissect and break down a strong player like yourself!
That was so educational to watch, you are very lucky to get that opportunity with Diego. We usually watch him play other world players and it’s hard to appreciate how good and nuanced his skill is until you match him with a mortal.
Thanks for the video Ahad. I've been playing for over 40 years, and what amazes me most are the endless number of levels in this game as you pointed out. As a good B player I've been on court with good 5.5 players, 6.0 players, where I could rally and get the some points. Many years ago I was lucky enough to get a game with Jahinger; he was at my club in Toronto training a highly ranked Canadian junior. That was another 20 level sup. His length and control was so incredible I literally couldn't return one shot from the back corner! After 8 minutes I was never so tired in my life. This is such an amazing game with incredible athletes!
Haha! What an awesome experience with Jahangir! Squash truly is a beautiful game with incredible athletes. I'm glad you enjoyed the video. All the best, - Ahad
Glad that I'm one of your initial subscribers Ahad and wow, what a match with the Peruvian Puma. It was like watching a cheetah on an espresso shot chasing the ball. Absolute madness! What's next on your playlist of awesomeness?
Haha, thank you for your kind words and your ongoing support 🙏🏼 I felt more like a sloth chasing the ball! Haha! It was great though! Not sure yet about what will top this video, but I'll keep doing my best to teach and share my passion for squash 😊🙏🏼 all the best, - Ahad
Man, I miss this game. You're right about the different levels and when you come up against one you feel different kind of pains. Was always fun being on the other side and helping work others around until they crawl off the court.
Several years ago I watched a 19 year old Elias hold and stretch an insanely fit local college qualifier in the local pro tournament. I have never seen someone so fit get ripped apart chasing after someone’s shots. You could tell Elias was toying with him with every shot, while floating effortlessly himself.
Hahaha! Someone spectating asked him about that and apparently he always trains in sweat pants 😉 another pro told me that at some event he played the first two rounds in sweat pants as well! Epic!
@@ARProformance just so much time at the ball. I'm an A grade club player in Aus. I've played a couple of 'top 200' types over my lifetime and their pace just blew me away and i never had the fitness to consistently pressure them. The gap between that level and this again is even bigger again. It's a shame that squash doesn't generally translate for spectators unless you've played a lot of it yourself. The ease and consistency with which he's doing it against a seasoned player like yourself just blows my mind.
I definitely tried my best. No matter what happened, the outcome was inevitable, haha! It was an absolute pleasure, aside from the physical pain 😂 Appreciate your kind words, - Ahad
Nice Content! Your comment s shows us really your experience with that partner! It’s really another world and none of us have any kind of chance against those guys! Diego ist sympathic
I haaaaaate being so far below another players level of ability/skill 😅 I just feel so embarrassed the whole time hahaha. Kudos to you Ahad for having the courage to even step on court with such an expert!
Thanks so much sharing this vidéo AHAD. It was very impress to Watch how DIEGO was so relax and smooth during rallies. How did you feel after that Game, and what was your learn on it ? Please AHAD can’t wait fir next vidéo on same way. Care of you. P
Thank you 🙏🏼 I felt tired during the game because I never had a second to settle! Constant movement. That's what stood out to me the most - his anticipation and how early he was on the ball, all while not going full out! Really impressive! Wishing you well, - Ahad
Thank you! The fact that it was hit from what I thought was a defensive (or at best, neutral position!). My brain couldn't comprehend it. The quality was also something else! - Ahad
Thank you! I felt I played some decent shots. Again, not good enough for that level though. Well, I shouldn't say that. I needed to be tighter, more consistently, and be able to do it for longer, while defending his attacks! Lol. A tall order indeed! Hope you're well Anthony. It's been a long time. Let's catch-up. Feel free to send me an email at ahad@arproformance.com. Looking forward to hearing from you 🙏🏼 - Ahad
Ahad, amazing video with great commentary. It seems Diego is mili-second faster getting to your shots while you are mili-second slower getting to his shots. In result, you are not able to demonstrate your sharpness I've seen in your other plays and only deliver lower quality shots to Diego. In this case, how would you adjust your play tactics if you can play Diego next time? In many situations, if met outside, two players fitness, speed, shot skills may be similar, but inside the court, one player demonstrates supreme ability in hitting quality returns at the moment of pressure and on the heart bursting runs/stretch. Any thoughts on how to train on enhancing accuracy on a tough run/stretch? Thanks always and look forward to hearing your insight.
Ok, so, next time u need to move him off the T, you must volley more and be deceptive. Try to squeeze him, happy to give you some more tips!! Great video👍
Apologies, not sure I recall that. I do recall having a long commute living over an hour away and working full time while completing my master's degree :) I'm sorry if it ever felt like I wasn't there because I thought that I was "too good" 😔🙏🏼 I hope that you're keeping well. - Ahad
This brings back a lot of memories for me. I am now 78 years old, when I was in my late twenties Ahmed Safwat from Egypt, who was once number 2 in the world, came to Saskatoon as part of a squash tour across Canada along with Dave Morgan an English player who refereed. I was one of three local players that he played with. The games where played up to 15 points, he could only win points on his serve and we could win points on any winning rally. The local television was there to interview us after the matches. Definitely one of my great memories of my squash playing days. Safwat eventually became an important coach in the early years of Egyptian squash.
Epic! That sounds like a fantastic experience!!! Thanks for sharing!
- Ahad
Thank you for sharing. The top 5 men in the world are quite ahead of the rest of the pack. At Diego's level, the efficiency of movement, power, control, reading the flow of the game, stamina and pace are impressive to view. Really enjoyed watching you play with him.
Thank you for your kind words 🙏🏼 I enjoyed getting beat down upon! Haha. And you're spot on. It's something else at that level! All the best,
- Ahad
Thank you for the video, Ahad! What a wonderful opportunity. Love the camera angle; it brings out the intensity of the rallies that Squash TV generally lacks. Diego's smoothness belies the pace and accuracy of his shots.
He is absolutely incredible!!! All the best,
- Ahad
Makes me wonder why SQUASH TV doesn't use this angle, because i agree, its a great view point.
You got to play with Diego?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is insane!!!! So happy for you!
Thank you bro! Hope you're keeping well :)
- Ahad
What an amazing opportunity! Was a blast to watch, thanks for posting! I think if we can all strive to have a little bit of Diego's game in us - squash IQ is just amazing, movement is so smooth. Knows really where to hit each ball with purpose to work his opponent, not just blindingly hitting a ball anywhere for the sake of keeping the rally alive
It's amazing how effortless he looks in putting so much weight and pace in his shots, transfering his entire body weight into the shot. I think you did pretty well, that long rally was nice. Thanks for sharing
My pleasure. Thanks for watching and supporting!
- Ahad
I had the good fortune of being at a training camp with Wilstrop and the French General. I am only a club level player, but honestly, how insanely quick Gautier is and how deceptively he plays blows my mind. 3 Days with them, the first day was a warm up, I was so sore I could barely walk day two, Greg helped me stretch and I played Rabbit with him and Wilstop on court for 7 minutes, I don't think I've ever been more tired. It was amazing and I enjoyed it.
What I really like about this video is how you can see the almost zen-like flow of a top 10 player between their movement and striking of the ball vs an otherwise “really good” player. The timing between moving and playing through a crisp shot, with virtually no effort, and getting so much power is a subtlety that’s difficult to understand for someone who has never played the game. It’s just as graceful watching a player like Diego as it is watching world class ballet. There’s a reason we call it the beautiful game!
Absolutely! I too felt that it would be a great demonstration of the differences, from anticipation to ball control, ease, and so much more! I'm glad you enjoyed it 🙏🏼 all the best,
- Ahad
Best squash content on TH-cam. Really love it!
Thank you for your kind words. Wishing you the best,
- Ahad
Awesome video, Diego is my favorite player- the holds, the effortless movement, the accuracy... it really is just next level. Thanks for sharing this and commentating! Really cool to see Diego dissect and break down a strong player like yourself!
Thank you! The top guys truly are something else! All the best,
- Ahad
That was so educational to watch, you are very lucky to get that opportunity with Diego. We usually watch him play other world players and it’s hard to appreciate how good and nuanced his skill is until you match him with a mortal.
Thank you. Absolutely correct! Great to see the difference isn't it - really shows the levels! All the best,
- Ahad
Thanks for the video Ahad. I've been playing for over 40 years, and what amazes me most are the endless number of levels in this game as you pointed out. As a good B player I've been on court with good 5.5 players, 6.0 players, where I could rally and get the some points. Many years ago I was lucky enough to get a game with Jahinger; he was at my club in Toronto training a highly ranked Canadian junior. That was another 20 level sup. His length and control was so incredible I literally couldn't return one shot from the back corner! After 8 minutes I was never so tired in my life. This is such an amazing game with incredible athletes!
Haha! What an awesome experience with Jahangir! Squash truly is a beautiful game with incredible athletes. I'm glad you enjoyed the video. All the best,
- Ahad
Wow my favourite player on my favourite Chanel! 12 minutes well spent. Thank you for this, Ahad!!
You're too kind! Thank you! I'm really glad you enjoyed it from start to finish! Take care,
- Ahad
Wow thats so cool you got to play with him, also very insightfull explaining the game. Thanks!
My pleasure! Thanks for watching :)
- Ahad
Excellent! He is so smooth. Great to watch him play.
Agreed!
Really enjoyed the analysis. Interesting to see the difference between very good players and the top!
Thank you! There certainly are levels upon levels! All the best,
- Ahad
Thank you for this! It is amazing to see how many levels are possible in this amazing game of ours ❤
Indeed! Wishing you the best,
- Ahad
Wow, just wow. Fantastic video, Ahad. Having seen you play, I know what it takes to seems like Diego is feeding you.
Thanks Krishna! Epic stuff indeed! Hope you're well :)
- Ahad
Great video, what an experience that must of been.
Could hear the genuine joy in your voice talking about it as well, awesome stuff.
Thank you! Definitely a great experience 😁 hope you enjoyed it as well,
- Ahad
Very cool. You did well considering. Diego looks so smooth.
He truly is smooth! Apparently knows where the ball is going before I've hit it! Lol. All the best,
- Ahad
nice analysis of gameplay
Thank you. Wishing you the best! 🙏🏼
- Ahad
Ah, fair play, Diego! A treasured experience.
Absolutely! 🙏🏼 All the best,
- Ahad
Well done, Ahad. Thank you for posting and providing commentary.
My pleasure! Glad you enjoyed it 🙏🏼
- Ahad
Unbelievable. You did very well.
Thank you! 🙏🏼
Wow the gameplay was sooo smooth. Squash is such a beautiful game with mesmerizing stroke playing. Well played 💪🏻💪🏻
Thank you! It certainly was a fantastic experience ☺️ appreciate your support,
- Ahad
This was a joy to watch, mate. Great job
Thank you Alex 🙏🏼 appreciate your kind words! Wishing you the best!
- Ahad
Thank you! Good experience. Diego is fantastic!
He is!
Glad that I'm one of your initial subscribers Ahad and wow, what a match with the Peruvian Puma. It was like watching a cheetah on an espresso shot chasing the ball. Absolute madness! What's next on your playlist of awesomeness?
Haha, thank you for your kind words and your ongoing support 🙏🏼 I felt more like a sloth chasing the ball! Haha! It was great though! Not sure yet about what will top this video, but I'll keep doing my best to teach and share my passion for squash 😊🙏🏼 all the best,
- Ahad
Man, I miss this game. You're right about the different levels and when you come up against one you feel different kind of pains. Was always fun being on the other side and helping work others around until they crawl off the court.
Haha, definitely fun being on the receiving end too! All the best,
- Ahad
Love this video, Ahad! Keep up the great work!!
Thank you Court! How are you keeping? Let's catch up soon 🙏🏼
- Ahad
Such a good video - brilliant content!
Much appreciated 🙏🏼 wishing you the best,
- Ahad
Awesome. He is such an amazing player. Well done, Ahad. Thanks
Thank you Oyvind 🙏🏼 I hope that you're keeping well!
- Ahad
Several years ago I watched a 19 year old Elias hold and stretch an insanely fit local college qualifier in the local pro tournament. I have never seen someone so fit get ripped apart chasing after someone’s shots. You could tell Elias was toying with him with every shot, while floating effortlessly himself.
What an experience that must have been! The top players have always been at another level and they just keep getting better! :) All the best,
- Ahad
That was so entertaining. Really interesting in hearing your thoughts on the game too. I love Diego’s sweatpants flex.
Hahaha! Someone spectating asked him about that and apparently he always trains in sweat pants 😉 another pro told me that at some event he played the first two rounds in sweat pants as well! Epic!
Amazing vlog. Diego is such a smooth mover. But you did good too. All the best with more training. We all need it
Thank you! I appreciate your support 🙏🏼
- Ahad
So good, that's a bucket list experience.
Indeed!
So clean, so smooth. I would have loved the opportunity, but wouldn't have done nearly as well as you did.
Much appreciated. He is a treat to watch and share a court with. All the best,
- Ahad
@@ARProformance just so much time at the ball. I'm an A grade club player in Aus. I've played a couple of 'top 200' types over my lifetime and their pace just blew me away and i never had the fitness to consistently pressure them. The gap between that level and this again is even bigger again. It's a shame that squash doesn't generally translate for spectators unless you've played a lot of it yourself. The ease and consistency with which he's doing it against a seasoned player like yourself just blows my mind.
Lovely share . You played veey well .
I definitely tried my best. No matter what happened, the outcome was inevitable, haha! It was an absolute pleasure, aside from the physical pain 😂 Appreciate your kind words,
- Ahad
Nice Content! Your comment s shows us really your experience with that partner! It’s really another world and none of us have any kind of chance against those guys!
Diego ist sympathic
Totally! Even very good players don't stand a chance! Haha. That's why he's one of the best players in the world! Wishing you well,
- Ahad
Fun video, you're a great player!
Thank you 😊🙏🏼 all the best,
- Ahad
I haaaaaate being so far below another players level of ability/skill 😅 I just feel so embarrassed the whole time hahaha. Kudos to you Ahad for having the courage to even step on court with such an expert!
Thank you. Hopefully there's a next time!
- Ahad
I see you took it easy on Diego! Amazing content Ahad.
Haha, thanks David. None of this would be possible without your support my man. Thank you 🙏🏼
- Ahad
Lovely video
Awesome!
Thank you! Hope you're keeping well 🙏🏼
- Ahad
Great video!
Thanks Dan! 💪🏼 Reminds me of when we're on court, just reversed 🤣
- Ahad
@@ARProformance That was the best thing about this video - watching you run around like I usually do :)
Thanks so much sharing this vidéo AHAD. It was very impress to Watch how DIEGO was so relax and smooth during rallies. How did you feel after that Game, and what was your learn on it ? Please AHAD can’t wait fir next vidéo on same way. Care of you. P
Thank you 🙏🏼 I felt tired during the game because I never had a second to settle! Constant movement. That's what stood out to me the most - his anticipation and how early he was on the ball, all while not going full out! Really impressive! Wishing you well,
- Ahad
Great to watch. Which club?
Great stuff and you're too modest 😊
Thank you. You're too kind 🙏🏼 all the best,
- Ahad
Thank you for sharing! Love your channel! Most tantalizing line: "I just couldn't see Gaultier's kill shot". What do you think made it so deceptive?
Thank you! The fact that it was hit from what I thought was a defensive (or at best, neutral position!). My brain couldn't comprehend it. The quality was also something else!
- Ahad
You did awesome Ahad. Super impressive. You actually played a ton of really good length...he just didn't let those balls get to the back.
Thank you! I felt I played some decent shots. Again, not good enough for that level though. Well, I shouldn't say that. I needed to be tighter, more consistently, and be able to do it for longer, while defending his attacks! Lol. A tall order indeed! Hope you're well Anthony. It's been a long time. Let's catch-up. Feel free to send me an email at ahad@arproformance.com. Looking forward to hearing from you 🙏🏼
- Ahad
I had never see Diego volleying so much! 😂
Hahaha! Can you imagine what it felt like being on the receiving end!? :-)
- Ahad
Ahad, amazing video with great commentary. It seems Diego is mili-second faster getting to your shots while you are mili-second slower getting to his shots. In result, you are not able to demonstrate your sharpness I've seen in your other plays and only deliver lower quality shots to Diego. In this case, how would you adjust your play tactics if you can play Diego next time?
In many situations, if met outside, two players fitness, speed, shot skills may be similar, but inside the court, one player demonstrates supreme ability in hitting quality returns at the moment of pressure and on the heart bursting runs/stretch.
Any thoughts on how to train on enhancing accuracy on a tough run/stretch?
Thanks always and look forward to hearing your insight.
This was great. Now you know how I feel when I play you Ahad lol
Haha! I still think it's more favourable for me, relatively 😂😂😂 lol! Just joking. Hope you're well Jordan!
- Ahad
I got one game off you Brooksy and I was sore for 3 days! (richmond hill)
Ok, so, next time u need to move him off the T, you must volley more and be deceptive. Try to squeeze him, happy to give you some more tips!! Great video👍
Haha. Appreciate it! Definitely easier said than done 😊 I certainly tried. All the best,
- Ahad
Beautiful cross nick about the 6 minute mark.
Thank you. I had no choice but to go for it
Had it not rolled out he was all over it! Haha
Can I offer a suggestion? I find the subtitles really distracting: as youtube has optional subtitles, perhaps you could use that instead?
Fair point. Thanks for your suggestion 🙏🏼 all the best,
- Ahad
I do find them very useful! Please donnot remove them
That Diego guy seems to be pretty good, maybe he should consider going pro
Haha, just maybe 🤔😂 All the best,
- Ahad
Jealous!!
Amazing😁
Thank you Paul! He's something else! Hope you're keeping well!
- Ahad
Great video. Those fading shots are very annoying as they just move away from you... which is the idea.
Absolutely! Painful movements when one is on the receiving end! 😂 All the best,
- Ahad
👏👏👏
You dont play short game?
I tried at times. Very difficult when you're constantly being moved around the court 🤣 haha
@@ARProformance I like that you had a positiv vibe even when you had to run a marathon :)
To answer the title of your video, I'd say he's pretty f**king good! 😅😅😅
Haha, indeed!
First
Remember when you were at u of t and refused to train with the team because you were too good to train with inferior players. Bit ironic.
Apologies, not sure I recall that. I do recall having a long commute living over an hour away and working full time while completing my master's degree :) I'm sorry if it ever felt like I wasn't there because I thought that I was "too good" 😔🙏🏼 I hope that you're keeping well.
- Ahad
Great video!
Thank you!