Double Racquetball Techniques

Racquetball, a fun and dynamic sport, popular in many city gyms where space is limited, is also a rather simple game. Players hit the ball against the wall and score points while serving if they can get the ball to bounce twice before their opponent can reach it. That simplicity, however, hides a good deal of strategy behind the game, particularly in doubles games when pairs must carefully coordinate their game techniques to win.

  1. Placement

    • A racquetball court is a very small space, and the most important technique for doubles play is placement. Traditionally, one member of the couple stands in front of the other, in the rectangle in front of the wall, while the other stands in front of the serving area. During the game, each player respects the other's space, to avoid collisions; one should not stand directly in front of the other, so the front player does not block the back player's line of sight to the wall.

    Left or Right

    • Naturally, left-handed players have a slight advantage when playing on the right side of the court, having more space between the side wall and their swinging arm. Conversely, right-handed players can usually make better contact with the ball when playing on the left side of the court. In a doubles game, placing the player with the advantage at the back of the court increases the team's chances of responding to rallies and reaching every ball. If both members of the team are left- or right-handed, the player with the strongest backhand has the advantage and should be placed in back.

    Swinging

    • The player with the strongest back-hand is usually placed in back -- unless another factor is considered more important -- allowing him the space necessary to swing and save balls heading out of the court. The front player should limit his swings to quick rallies, focusing on rapid contact without excessive arm movement, to avoid hindering the back player's movement or view. A front player should avoid diving for balls a back player is likely to receive, giving the back player time to position the ball better, and the front player more space to prepare for the rally or return of the ball.

    Dividing the Court

    • Doubles should always enter the court with a strategy. While the placement of doubles in front of each other already divides the court into two playing areas, many teams also choose to divide the court by side. One player, for instance, can choose to go for rallies on the right side of the playing area, while the second focuses on balls on the left. Working cooperatively to divide the court increases a couple's chances of hitting the ball, especially if the division is made considering the strengths and weaknesses of each player and his swinging arm. The back player, nonetheless, is always the last line of defense against a ball heading out of the court.