Squash doubles is an action-packed and enjoyable sport. Rallies may last up to 30 shots and put a focus on aerobic and anaerobic fitness.
Successful squash teams utilize effective strategies that combine various spins on serving, playing boasts in the back corners and using short drop shots to outwit opponents.
Covering the Front Wall
Squash doubles is a distinct game from singles, offering players new challenges. Covering two opponents requires increased court awareness and quick decision-making skills; therefore players should always be prepared to adjust tactics based on opponent strategy or the flow of play.
Assembling the correct gear is also key when playing doubles. A solid pair of shoes and goggles is essential, such as Salming Kobra or Head Sprint Pro shoes that provide great support when running, while protective eyewear such as the Tecnifibre Absolute or Head Pro Elite goggles help safeguard eyes from fast-moving balls, protecting them while helping ensure clarity of vision.
As soon as a team enters doubles competition, their primary aim should be to gain control of the front wall. To do so, players must run down every ball that enters the court from entering their front wall – otherwise their opponent will quickly score points and take control of the match.
Front-wall players must know how to create angles and stretch opponents by hitting boasts that hit back walls and both front walls before reaching opposite side walls – boasts like skid boasts can become winning weapons when played well in doubles!
Back corners in doubles can also be very strategically important, and keeping opponents tight into these corners and forcing them to play volleys will reduce their opportunities to attack the T. It might also be worth exploring techniques which force opponents out of their back corners in order to get some shots back.
One of the major mistakes doubles teams make is holding back too much for fear of getting lobbed, leading them to miss an attack opportunity when the ball comes back and recover to the T in time to attack. Furthermore, this gives their opponent an opportunity to hit a direct return that may prove difficult for their team to cover successfully.
Covering the Back Wall
Back wall covering skills are vitally important in doubles squash, as the game requires teammates to work closely and remain synchronized during close quarters play. The best way to develop this ability is with regular practice sessions with a partner; using various types of shots that stretch opponents out and create angles.
One such shot is the drop shot. An effective drop shot can help attack front corners of the court and force opponents to cover a lot of ground before reaching it. Another way to make an opponent reach it more slowly would be hitting low on back wall and into nicks so there will be minimal reaction time before reaching their shot.
Perfecting both of these shots will allow partners to effectively direct the match and pin their opponents in the back corners. Not only will this limit their scoring opportunities, but it will also decrease sideouts they allow. Should an opposing team attempt to attack your front corner, a swift counter attack often enough wins you the point!
One key element of effective back wall coverage is being aware of your opponent’s tendencies. For example, if an opponent hits deep into the back corner and you sense they might try a backhand boast, move quickly to cover them and prevent their attempt before striking an attacking drive to the front corner yourself.
Another effective crosscourt shot strategy is hitting short crosscourt shots to force opponents into hitting boast shots, so that when one arrives you are better placed to return it than moving forward to avoid it and risk getting called for let.
Implementing these fundamental strategies are crucial components of doubles playing, but there’s more than that involved. Partner selection and cooperation is a cornerstone of success – the more players focus on developing these abilities, the more successful their doubles experience and overall game will be.
Covering the Middle Court
Squash doubles matches are long, drawn out affairs which place more of an emphasis on aerobic and anaerobic fitness than singles games. Maintaining a constant pace throughout a match, while preventing opponents from gaining an advantage is the hallmark of success in doubles squash matches. Coordination among teammates when defending is also required in order to avoid missing shots that would compromise defence lines and undermine chances of victory.
As coaches look to enhance doubles teams, coaches should emphasize the significance of effective communication and coordinated movements on court. Drills and games offering opportunities to practice these skills will not only boost confidence and performance but also promote healthy competition among teammates. In addition, coaches can use strategies such as acknowledging wins to foster team spirit.
As part of any rally in squash, it’s crucial that all areas of the court where an opponent may attempt a shot be covered, including back corners and the middle of the court. Beginning doubles players often struggle with this strategy due to fear of getting hit; covering these areas increases your odds of preventing an opponent from scoring and will lead to greater chances for success in scoring prevention.
Rallies in squash may last for 30 shots, which requires both players to maintain peak fitness for the duration. A suitable diet and exercise program, as well as regular training sessions with partners is vital in order for both players to become acquainted with various patterns of movement on the court as well as learning to read each other’s actions more accurately.
Doubles teams commonly employ the tactic of exploiting one player they perceive or scout as weaker and focus all shots and serves on that individual to apply pressure and shorten the game. In order for this strategy to work successfully, however, both partners must be willing to “take the middle” quickly in response to attacks from their opponent – something which older shot players may find challenging but is achievable through practice; and can be highly effective against more experienced teams.
Serving
When it comes to squash doubles, having an effective serving strategy is vital to winning matches. The game moves much more quickly and complexly than singles with longer rallies and greater risks of getting hit – sometimes players struggle with adjusting to this new form of competition and don’t know how best to play as part of a doubles team.
Although many singles players tend to avoid hitting cross-court shots, making the front court an effective scoring zone is essential in doubles. Rallies often consist of 30 shots or more; therefore the ability to quickly recover after each rally is vitally important for success. Therefore, an ideal doubles player must be well positioned behind their partner while acting as an offensive force on court in the front.
As well as making sure both teams can cover both corners, an effective doubles team should also be willing to attack with short drop shots – this will force opponents to run more shots down, giving your team an increased chance at hitting that winning volley.
Effective communication is another essential element of success for doubles teams. This includes both verbal exchanges as well as coordinated movements on the court. Regular practice sessions dedicated to doubles play can help enhance these abilities.
An essential aspect of a winning doubles team is strong leadership. While certain players may naturally possess this trait, finding someone who can provide support and encouragement as needed will foster team spirit that will ultimately lead to victory is key for success.
Instead of playing on one side of the court, as is typical in singles, doubles teams often switch serving duties throughout a match. Whoever starts the point will serve until losing it; at which time another member takes their turn as serve. This system allows teams to vary their playing style, which helps create rhythm while covering more parts of the court.