Many people do not like doubles racquetball, but actually this is as exciting (with a proper partner) as singles play. A combined effort usually entails less physical exertion than singles play and for older people this might be desirable. And although it is true that the court seems crowded (actually, it is) with four players, I do not think this adds any hazard in doubles play.
Doubles play is, of course, somewhat different than singles play; one of the important aspects is picking a partner you can play with. Because doubles is a team game, it requires partners who coordinate well so they can both act quickly on the court without undue discussion. And the secret to good doubles play is to gain some experience playing with your partner. After a short time you will be able to determine if your partner is for you and vice versa.
Formations
The usual way to play doubles is the side-by-side or half-and-half court formation. Here each player is responsible for his side of the court with an imaginary line drawn down the center. Generally the player with the stronger backhand (assuming both are right handed) takes the left side of the court.
A shot carrying down the middle of the court is the left side player’s responsibility because he is able to make a forehand shot on this. With a right and left team the half-and-half works even better, for both players are able to use their stronger forehand strokes the majority of the time.
Although there is an imaginary line down the center of the court, this is not a rigid barrier. For example if the ball is coming down the center, the left side player would take it on the forehand (again, if both players are right handed). But if the player on the left side is out of position, and this happens frequently, then the closer player makes the shot. As in singles, but more emphatically in doubles, control of the center court position is essential to successful games.
Another kind of doubles play is the I-formation sometimes called the front-and-back method. Here the imaginary line is drawn from side wall to side wall at about midcourt. The front player is responsible for shots in front of the short line and the other player covers the back court. The ideal setup here is for the back court player to have a good defensive game and the front player to be able to shoot well from a deep-court position.
Serving
In doubles the server takes a position in the service area in his half of the court. The partner stands in his service box in his half of the court. It is important to remember that neither player can move until the served ball has crossed the short line. If the first player serves and the team loses, service is then passed to the opposing team. If, however, the opposing team fails to win the point, the serve passes to the second member of that team. If the team loses a second point, the serve goes back to the first team. After that both players on each team continue to serve until the team loses.
To receive in doubles both players stand about five feet from the back wall and after the serve is returned both players advance to take center court positions a few feet behind the short line. The objective in doubles is to get the ball in play deep to the back court so that the receivers are forced back. Then you and your partner get center court position behind the short line. You can use a lob serve, a Z serve or a drive serve.
The drive serve is probably riskier than the other serves because a hard hit ball can be returned offensively with more force.
Modus Operandi
No matter what formation is used and what serve is made, the essential success of doubles is in getting center court position.
With four players on the court be sure to watch the ball carefully and to know just where your partner is. Sounds difficult and it is. However you must watch the ball to return it properly, and you must be alert to move if the ball is coming at you. You must also keep out of the way of your partner-bumping and clashing when you both run for the same ball is very possible. If necessary state your claim to the ball or, on the other hand, yell for your partner to get the shot if you see you are having trouble.
A good doubles game very much resembles a tightly staged ballet; once the teams have achieved mastery, it can make a beautiful bit of playing, especially if the partners have played together a bit and understand each other’s techniques.
Basic Shots
Service Return
If the serve is weak, realize that you can win the point by hitting a killshot or a cross court drive. Aim for a wide angle on the cross court pass so that the ball cannot be touched by the opponents. If the serve looks like it is going to be a strong one, it is best to go for the ceiling- then the return shot will be a tough one for your opponent to make. If you opt to hit the front wall, the ball may float up weakly to the wall and be easily reached on its rebound.
Pinch Shot
Passing shots are difficult in doubles because there is dual coverage. You really have to “power pack ” the ball to get the points in doubles. Thus the pinch ball rebounding into the open court area is good strategy. Generally your opponents are lagging back, playing defensively, so the pinch shot is tough to return. The pinch shot is basically a killshot: The ball angles low off the front wall and one side wall in either sequence. It is best hit within a two-foot range of the front corner.
The Volley
The volley will allow your team to hold a center court position. In center court position (in front of your opponents), you will have a greater chance to use an effective shot selection. With your opponents out of optimum coverage position, a killshot has a better chance of scoring and a cross court shot makes for a difficult return.
Overhead Drive
The overhead drive and kill are just as effective in doubles as in singles. If the shot does not end the rally, at least it will force your opponents forward out of position. If the opponent is a little forward, try an overhead drive to force the ball to bounce high so it returns at his chest and makes for a difficult hit.
Ceiling Ball
Any time that your opponents’ ceiling ball comes up short or goes long off the back wall, try to use a kill attempt or a passing shot. If the doubles game is becoming a ceiling ball rally, try an overhead kill or an overhead drive to change the game. Remember: the ceiling ball shot’s basic purpose is to get your opponents out of the favorable center court positions , and you do not want to risk a kill or pass attempt.
Center Court
Center court position in singles is important-and in doubles vital. If you occupy center court, you can be in a better position for returns. You are also closer to the front wall and thus can be more accurate and powerful with your hits. Also it is much easier to see the ball if you are standing in front of your opponent.