Episode 390 Hadrian Stiff

Hadrian Stiff returns to the podcast for another thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation. Since we last spoke in a two-part episode on the mental and technical sides of the game, Hadrian has continued his work in New York while supporting elite players and juniors around the world. In this episode, we discuss his upcoming transition back to the UK and reflect on his time coaching at the Heights Casino in New York. Hadrian also shares insights from working within the US squash system during an important period leading into squash’s Olympic debut at the LA 2028 Summer Olympics in. We also talk about the Olympic qualification journey ahead for Iain Yow, and what this historic moment means for players and coaches involved in the process. The conversation then shifts back to a topic Hadrian is especially passionate about: the mental side of performance. We explore how elite junior players deal with pressure, why learning to sit with disappointment is a crucial skill, and the role breathing techniques can play in helping athletes perform under stress.