SquashZAG

Product Profile - EZ Squash Ball
From ZAGmag

Roy, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I am originally from Australia and started playing approximately 45 years ago. From 1977 - 1980 I played on the World Circuit and achieved a highest seeding of No 19. In 1980 I started basing myself in Canada and played the squash seasons in Australia and Canada for the next 14 years.

In 1983 / 84 I was the No 1 player in Canada. Over the next 10 years I was a stepping stone for such players as Rodney and Brett Martin, Chris Robertson, Rodney Eyles, Gary Waite, Jamie Crombie, Jonathon Power, Sabir Butt, Graeme Ryding, Shahir Razik. It was great to see the development of these players.  I have actually played  9 World Champions from 4 different Decades.   
 
Where did the inspiration for EZ Ball come from?
About 20 years ago I was doing a kids camp and saw the need for an easier ball for beginners to be able to hit and have a rally. At that stage there was a couple of novice balls around yet none of them could be versatile enough for anyone to use so I started thinking about developing the right ball.

Being a procrastinator it took me quite a while to get around to it but about 1 year ago I seriously started the process of developing the EZ Squash Ball. What I was looking for was a ball that was EZ enough for kids and novice players to hit, yet at the same time I could play good players myself if I wanted to. After trying numerous balls and having a variety of players try them I settled on the current EZ Ball. 


 
What might a teaching pro discover is different about the EZ Ball compared to other "beginner balls"? 
The first thing is that it is made of a different material than rubber.

Secondly it is a lot bigger, being about the same size as a racquetball. The EZ Squash Ball when you hit it is lighter than a normal squash ball, it bounces higher and comes to you a little bit more. For a teaching pro there are many benefits when teaching kids, novices, your more challenged players. Because of the speed and higher bounce of the EZ Ball you can work on their technique because they have more time, you can give them practice routines which they can do by themself.

You don’t have to warm up the EZ Squash Ball. The bounce is always there. One of the big problems of teaching any beginner or novice is trying to get some consistency in their hitting. With this ball you can do that. In a lesson with the EZ Ball I work on all the same shots as I do when giving a lesson with the normal squash ball. Boasts, dropshots, volleys, you name it the EZ ball will do it. Not only that but because they can get a rally going you can start working on their strategy. It's very helpful . 
 
So if I understand you, the EZ Ball is intended not just for young juniors?
Yes that is right. I have kids, ladies, older players using and enjoying the ball. Personally I think it is the perfect ball for anyone who wants to go and have a great workout, lots of laughs and maybe not be as serious about the sport. For example College Intramurals where you find lots of players who just want to have some fun. Another big factor about the EZ Ball is it is safer. What I am hoping for is to make it an official novice ball. Where no matter if you have very limited skills, a beginner or 8 years old you could still play in a tournament.
                            
How has the EZ Squash Ball been received so far?
I have had numerous top level pros using the EZ Squash Ball in their squash programs. In fact to name a few Jamie Crombie, Andre Maur, Dominic Hughes, Stefan Castelyn, Mark Talbott all are using the ball. Squash Busters in Boston have just started with the ball and David Palmer has endorsed the ball. That speaks for itself.
 
Do you envision marketing the ball in other applications? schools-nonmarking aspect, other sports?
I do. As you will see in the packaging I have an insert giving some EZ Squash tips, how to play an EZ Game and EZ Ways to Have Fun. One of the things mentioned is Find a Wall, You Have a Court, Find a Racquet and you have Game. The Ball can be used for a lot of things that is for sure. One step at a time though. 
 
How are you currently distributing the ball?  Only in US?  Looking for distributors elsewhere in world? 
Through our WEBSITE.  Black Knight USA has also just become an official distributor. At the moment I am concentrating on the US,but I will be looking to get the EZ Squash Ball rolling to other countries. There are a lot of novices, beginners, older players just waiting to enjoy this great game. Hopefully this will help them get started or keep them in the game longer. 
   
Where can someone get more information?
Just contact me, Roy Ollier at rollier@cox.net or by telephone at 602 350 5173 or visit the WEBSITE

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