Debating with your friends who’s the best Squash coach?
Jonah Barrington, Geoff Hunt, or Rodney Martin?
Here is our list of the best Squash coaches of all time.
Do you agree with our picks?
Best Squash Coaches:
- Jonah Barrington
- Geoff Hunt
- Rodney Martin
- Peter Nicol
- David Palmer
- Dardir El Bakary
Table of Contents
#1 Jonah Barrington
- 🏆 Achievements: 6 times British Open Champion
- 👕 Teams Coached: Individual coaching, mentored players like Mohamed El Shorbagy
- 🌐 Nationality: Irish/English
Jonah Barrington is an iconic figure in squash history, both as a player and a coach. As a player, he dominated the sport in the 1960s and 70s, and later transitioned into coaching where he continued to make a significant impact.
As a coach, Barrington has been credited with revolutionizing squash training, focusing on intense physical conditioning to complement on-court skills. He has mentored and developed some of the world’s top players, including Mohamed El Shorbagy.
The intensity and passion that marked his playing career carried over into his coaching, with Barrington known for instilling mental toughness and a relentless work ethic in his protégés.
#2 Geoff Hunt
- 🏆 Achievements: 4 times World Open champion, 8 times British Open champion
- 👕 Teams Coached: Australian Institute of Sport
- 🌐 Nationality: Australian
Geoff Hunt is another squash legend who has transitioned from his successful playing career, where he secured multiple World and British Open titles, to become a revered coach.
As the head coach at the Australian Institute of Sport, Hunt has been instrumental in developing the next generation of Australian squash talent. His influence has been felt widely in the sport, particularly in Australia where he is a respected figure in the squash community.
His coaching philosophy extends beyond technical and tactical instruction, emphasizing the importance of fitness, mental toughness, and the psychological aspects of competition.
#3 Rodney Martin
- 🏆 Achievements: World Open Champion 1991
- 👕 Teams Coached: Individual coaching, players like Mohamed El Shorbagy, Ryan Cuskelly, and Zac Alexander
- 🌐 Nationality: Australian
Rodney Martin, a former World Open Champion, has been less prominently featured as a coach compared to his playing career during which he achieved great success.
Despite his lower profile in coaching, Martin has brought the same level of commitment and knowledge that propelled him to the pinnacle of the sport during his career.
While specific details about his coaching career are not widely known, his playing achievements have given him a foundational understanding of the game that can benefit any player he mentors.
#4 Peter Nicol
- 🏆 Achievements: Former World No. 1, World Open Champion 1999
- 👕 Teams Coached: Nicol Champions Academy in New York, players under SquashSkills and Nicol Squash club
- 🌐 Nationality: Scottish/English
Peter Nicol, who reached the zenith of squash as the former world number one and World Open Champion, has applied his extensive on-court experience to coaching.
Nicol has contributed to squash through various roles, including coaching, where his deep understanding of the game has been an asset.
Though specific details of his coaching engagements are not detailed here, Nicol’s elite level playing experience offers invaluable insights to those he coaches.
#5 David Palmer
- 🏆 Achievements: 2-times World Open Champion, 4-times British Open Champion
- 👕 Teams Coached: Cornell University squash team
- 🌐 Nationality: Australian
David Palmer is renowned in the world of squash not only for his stellar playing career but also for his contributions as a coach.
He has translated his competitive experience into coaching, taking on the role of head coach for the Cornell University squash team.
Palmer’s philosophy in coaching reflects his dedication as an athlete, emphasizing discipline and strategic play, developing his athletes into formidable competitors in collegiate squash.
Based on the detailed information you’ve provided about Dardir El Bakary, here’s a tailored profile that reflects his legacy and contributions to the sport of squash:
#6 Dardir El Bakary
- 🏆 Achievements: Rated the world’s third-best player in the 1950s, behind legendary players Hashim and Roshan Khan
- 👕 Teams Coached: New Zealand national teams, mentored stars like Trevor Johnston, Bruce Brownlee, Ross Norman, and Susan Devoy
- 🌐 Nationality: Egyptian
Dardir El Bakary, an Egyptian squash legend, revolutionized New Zealand squash as its first full-time professional coach.
Rated the world’s third-best player in the 1950s, he mentored stars like Susan Devoy and introduced advanced techniques, significantly influencing the competitive scene.
His teachings on tactics and strategy left a profound legacy, fostering a generation of players and coaches, and elevating New Zealand’s presence on the world stage.
FAQ
Who is the greatest squash coach of all time?
Geoff Hunt is often considered the greatest squash coach, renowned for his tactical understanding and developing world-class players at the Australian Institute of Sports.
Who was the most successful squash coach?
Malcolm Willstrop was one of the most successful squash coaches, having trained multiple top players, including world number ones and championship winners.
Consider adding Mohamed Dardir El Bakary to the list of the world’s best squash coaches.
Thank you for your suggestion! We’ve revisited our post and are delighted to include Dardir El Bakary among the list of the world’s best squash coaches. His invaluable contributions to the sport, especially in New Zealand, and his mentorship of squash legends undeniably merit this recognition. We appreciate your input in helping us celebrate the legacy of such an influential figure in the squash community.