By Ian McKenzie
Amina Orfi was not sure when she should start playing tournaments again after her summer break. She wasn’t sure about playing in the London Classic in September, but her parents said, “Give it a go and see how you get on.”
She did that. She got on quite well!
I went along to Alexander Palace in London to watch her play. She was seed no.2, with Oliva Weaver, who withdrew with illness, seeded no.1. In the final Orfi dominated the former world No.4 Nele Gilis in three games. Gilis would have felt disappointed.
However, she did not play badly but was disrupted at times giving opportunities, and although she varied the pace, as she should have, she did not find a way through. That probably will be the problem for Orfi’s opponents in future.
It may seem a bit of a stretch, but thoughts of the young Jahangir came to my mind as I watched Orfi. She is now 18 and physically stronger than before which is something I expect will continue. It is interesting that very good young players can have a complete game, technically, tactically and mentally and are just waiting for their bodies to catch up.
Then there is a burst in standard. (In October 2024 Orfi went into the top 10 for the first time. In March 2015 to no. 5 and now unbelievably has split the historical triumvirate at the top of the women’s game by leapfrogging Nour El Sherbini to No.3).
Orfi’s athleticism and shots were excellent although not mesmerising, but the aspect that impressed me most, was her set-up.
What do I mean by set-up? Let me divert momentarily. Imagine a golf drive. The golfer adjusts their feet microscopically, shuffles to measure the distance from the ball, feels their balance, sets their stance, turns the body slowly and then uncoils like a spring as the club head accelerates through to the impact point.
Unfortunately we do not have the luxury of this time in squash but there are a lot of similarities. Being in the right place (positioning), footwork, distance, stance, preparation (body and racket) and that delicate balance between turning the body and shoulder while maintaining good balance. Everything is ready. Then, we are not going to meet the ball, we are waiting for it! We are waiting for it to be in just the right place. Unwind. Impact! This is timing.
This set-up will allow us accuracy, options on pace, disguise and deception. It will also allow power from the body unwinding in a controlled way. Imagine someone throwing a discus or shotput just with the throw and no transfer of weight in it.
Additionally in squash you have the efficient exit from the shot to the T or central position to consider. If you are rushed, off-balance and under pressure this will be more difficult, and you may need to move directly to the next shot.
Orfi works very hard at her set-up. She has, and this is instructive for all players and for your game – eliminated casual shots. Her consistent and focused set-up has allowed her to hit hard and tight drives pressurizing her opponents. She is fast and diligent in her recovery from the shot. It was in this set-up and consistency that I saw some reflection of Jahangir’s game.
Set-up and driving are the basis of the game and, along with fitness of course, sets a player’s standard. Try to do it better in your knock-up, in your practice games and then a little better in your matches. Like Orfi, set-up your shots, but don’t rush.
The rest of Orfi’s game will develop. Disrupted opponents will provide attacking opportunities and these will involve minimum risk – she is risk adverse and likes to keep her game simple. Now as world no.3 it will become harder for opponents to disrupt her rhythm – and there will be fewer of them that can do it.
