By Wanda Collins
Doubles can be a great game if you understand the basics. Strategy changes a little when there are four of you on the court! Remember that you and your partner want to control center court. Ending up in back court is a sure way to lose a point (even more than in singles). Here are some hints to keep you in position and play well:
1. When your partner is serving, be sure that you exit your box and move away from the wall as soon as your partner’s racquet hits the ball so that you can establish a good position before your opponent does.
2. Never serve to your partner’s side of the court (except an occasional lob), as it places him/her at a disadvantage in gaining position after the serve. Chances are, they will have to cringe on the wall, rightfully worried about getting hit on the return of serve.
3. Let your partner cover their side of the court! If you cover too often for ceiling balls and other passes on their side, they’ll have to give up their court position and will begin to expect that you will be there all the time. This will lead to problems: An open space on your side of the court that your opponents can take advantage of and your opponent will be out of the rhythm of the rally and lose their edge.
4. Speak up! Sometimes you will need your partner to help you out. Saying ONE word – “yours!” or “mine!” should do it. And before you start, ask your partner who will cover the center court shots so that you don’t run into each other, hit your racquets together, or watch a shot go by.
5. Crosscourt passes don’t work well in doubles. An opponent will be waiting and your partner may be in the way. Best way to get the ball by the other team is a down the wall shot, a ceiling ball, or a wide angle shot that hits front wall and then side wall just behind the short line so that it wraps around the court behind your partner and your opponents.
6. When the serve goes to your partner’s side of the court, move up to center position on your side right away so that you can establish yourself and be prepared for the front court shots. Doubles can be fun. Ask someone who is experienced to join you and show you the ropes!
Racquetball
Racquetball and Handball News
by Wanda Collins, Racquetball Advisory Staff
If you are a racquetball or handball player, you are probably missing your time on the court…and the exercise. These sports provide a big anaerobic workout disguised as a game. You don’t even notice how hard your body works as you play. A person burns 600-800 calories in an hour on the court playing singles. As we ease into opening the club, the courts will be available for individual use, but not yet for two or more people. It will be a great time to drill and bring back those skills that you haven’t used in months. Spending time drilling on the court, in the weight room, and on a cardio piece will make you ready to go when we CAN play again. Stepping on the court to play a game without preparing will be frustrating and could lead to injuries.
To help facilitate court usage, we will block our court use for half-hour intervals. Most of you won’t be on the court much longer than a half-hour to drill. If you find that you can work at it for an hour, just reserve two half-hour time blocks. Contact the front desk beginning June 5 to reserve your time, and go for it!
I will be posting a racquetball drill sheet each week on court windows for your use if you need help organizing your time to get a maximum benefit. I will also be available for private racquetball lessons.
Jr. Racquetball Lessons
Junior Racquetball Lessons begin the week of March 9 (4 Weeks, 8 Lessons). Sign up at the Cordata Facility Front Desk.
Members $48; Child of Member $54, Non-Member $60
BEGINNERS:
Mon/Wed — 4:30-5:15 pm
INTERMEDIATES:
Tues/Thurs — 5:15-6:00 pm
ADVANCED:
Tues/Thurs — 4:30-5:15 pm
All classes taught by BAC Club Pro, Wanda Collins. Wanda has been teaching juniors for over 20 years and was the Director of Junior Development for the Washington Racquetball Association.
Learn the basics of the game including strokes, serves, and rules. All equipment provided. Northwest Open
Please Note: The Northwest Open Racquetball Tournament that was to take place at Bellingham Athletic Club this weekend (Mar 13-15) has been postponed…hopefully April 24-26. More to follow.
The Northwest Open is quickly approaching! We will be asking that everyone sign up online, via R2 Sports. This is to help the front desk staff from having to take payments, and to save some paper! Remember that we are 100% happy to help anyone get signed up. Let Jessie or Brian Porter know if you have any questions!
When: March 13-15, 2020
Where: Bellingham Athletic Club – Cordata
Who: ANYONE who is interested in playing some competitive racquetball. There will be divisions offered for everyone.
Why: Because we love the game and want to spread the joy of racquetball throughout the PNW.
Need help with learning pinch shots around the front corners? Become a pinch shot master! Register at the front desk.Jr. Racquetball Lessons
Junior Racquetball Lessons begin the week of January 20 & 27 + February 10 & 17 (4 Weeks, 8 Lessons). Sign up at the Cordata Facility Front Desk
$24 Members, $27 Child of Member, $30 Non Member
BEGINNERS:
Mon/Wed — 4:30-5:15 pm
INTERMEDIATES:
Tues/Thurs — 5:15-6:00 pm
ADVANCED:
Tues/Thurs — 4:30-5:15 pm
All classes taught by BAC Club Pro, Wanda Collins. Wanda has been teaching juniors for over 20 years and was the Director of Junior Development for the Washington Racquetball Association.
Winter Shootout
The Winter Shootout tournament will be held January 18-19, 2020 and is sponsored by Infusion Solutions, Walton Beverage and LithtexNW! We will be offering all divisions. We are not sanctioning this tournament…what does that mean for you?! It means that we MUST have each participant fill out the entry form completely. It also means that there will be no additional USRA/WRA fees tacked on! You will be allowed to play any combination of 2 divisions for only $50! (Juniors rate is $25) We are looking forward to a fun tournament, please bear with us as we make some changes to our operations.