I'm a newbie. I have played two times now... the first time was doubles, the second time was cut-throat. I played a lot of tennis growing up so I can hit the RB with decent contact (when it's not bouncing off the side or back walls into me, lol). However, the whole back wall thing is completely foreign to me.

First, do you hit the back wall first for any sort of offensive gain or is it a last ditch(or recovery) shot only? Second, I have this haunting feeling that if I hit the ball at the back wall in some state of desparate measure, I will end up smacking myself in the face with the ball. Is this a legitimate concern?

I'd recommend more singles to start out - it's a lot less crowded, there's no confusion of who should hit the ball, and the pace is not as quick - all will make it safer and easier to figure out how the ball moves/bounces around the court (and how much room people need to swing). You'll pick it up quickly.

Hitting into the backwall is always a defensive shot. And yes, you can (and will) hit yourself with the ball occasionally with this shot - because you are likely not set up and are attempting a last-ditch save. Everyone on the court should wear racquetball approved eyeguards (not street glasses) - absolutely.

Have some fun - it's addictive!

-Jim

Picture 1) Into the Backwall Shot
SUGGESTION: If you wait for the ball to drop low to the ground before hitting your return shot, you have more time to execute your "Into" the back wall shot with a better angle to flick the ball into the back wall. This angle creates a higher arc, is less likely to hit your body and doesn't require much power.


Picture 2) Overhand Return (normally Ceiling Shot)
After you hit an effective “Into” the back wall shot (Picture 1) your opponent is *forced to hit a overhand shot by the back wall.

RacquetDo has a good understanding of the situation of the last-ditch “Into” the back wall shot and Jim gave an excellent explanation. A tennis analogy would be when a tennis player is forced to hit a defensive lob shot into the opponents deep back court. You want the tennis ball to go over the opponents head, forcing the opponent to return your shot from as far behind the back line as possible, without hitting the ball out of the court out off bounds (long).
The same strategy applies for racquetball, hitting the ball over the opponents head and forcing a deep Ceiling return shot by the opponent close to the back wall. As mentioned, care should be made not to hit yourself, or to hit the ball too hard that the ball hits the Ceiling before the front wall, or becomes playable off the back wall.

TIP: Use less power and a higher arc. A simple flick of the wrist is all that's needed. No special power or arm movement is required for a forehand or backhand return. This is safer and smarter than just smacking the ball into the back. Plus the ball is more likely to go over your body with a higher arc and land in the back court.

*NOTE: An opponent could anticipate, execute and “Cut-Off” your shot just before or after the ball hits the floor (bounce 3 in Picture 1) and not be forced to hit a overhand return (Picture 2) by the back wall. Most lower skill players never attempt to execute this type of return and not many higher skill players utilize or practice this effective type of technique to "Cut-Off" the opponents "Into" the back wall shot.

Thanks, Gents! This is some geat info. Jordan, I get what you are saying and love the diagrams. I don't have a very good sense of the court space yet so the diagrams with the marked lines are a huge help. I will try to incorporate the cut-off into my arsenal when I come across this on the other side of the exchange. This may become bore obvious as I play more, but is there a general rule-of-thumb for when to hit off the back wall, e.g., only when behind the receiving line, only when you can't possibly hit the ball with any sort of forward vector, etc?

Sorry for the long reply- been a long day for me, perhaps I will edit a shorter version after more sleep :)

The “Rule of Thumb” for when to hit a “Into” the back wall shot depends on who you ask.

My Jordan rule of thumb:

Players with Weak Backhand Shots
NEVER hit the ball into the back wall, especially if you are a beginner or new player with limited backhand skills.

Everyone Else
Hit the ball into the back wall if no other shot directly to the front wall is possible. Assuming you have mastered some ability to control your backhand shots. Also make sure you have enough experience to hold-up your shot at the last moment if you sense you may hit another player with the ball or your racquet.

Unfortunately too many racquetball players will advise others to hit the shot that allows you the best possible chance for a successful return shot. An example would be to hit a forehand into the back wall if your backhand is weak and you don't have the confidence to hit the backhand shot. Basically, do whatever it takes to keep the ball in play!

This is normally good advice, but it has two distinctive drawbacks for racquetball players. First, your opponent will have a greater chance of getting hit by your shot. Second, your backhand will likely never improve, or take much longer to improve.

Safety Factor

Chances are if you opt to hit a forehand into the back wall instead of hitting a backhand directly to the front wall, you will likely hit the opponent with the ball (or your racquet) more often. Even if the opponent positions behind you and gave you room to hit any direct shot to the front wall. The opponent is not expecting you to turn and blast the ball into the back wall, and the opponent won't have time to get out of the way. Because the opponent is behind you, you may not see the opponents position and notice you are about to hit the opponent. This becomes a dangerous cycle that can easily be prevented if you simply made the effort to hit a backhand return directly to the front wall instead of a forehand return into the back wall.

Unfortunately the hitter is allowed the right-of-way and all players share the same court! For these reasons, good racquetball instructors will teach their students, especially new players, to always hit the ball directly to the front wall, and NOT hit return shots into the back wall (yet). This method reduces any possibility for preventable injuries to other players by the ball or racquet. This also forces players (hitters) to learn, practice and gain confidence in their backhand shots. Usually confidence is all that is needed to hit the ball directly to the front wall with the backhand. Most good instructors will wait until the student has the skills and confidence in their backhand before showing and explaining the “Into” the back wall shots.

That is how I have taught for over thirty years. Unfortunately the first few years I taught I allowed students to hit into the back wall before they achieved backhand skills or confidence. I learned that requiring a student to only hit directly to the front wall forces students to practice more backhand shots. The result is greater backhand confidence and improved skills learned sooner.

Strategy:

Players will almost always have a better chance of winning the rally by hitting the shot directly to the front wall, even for terrible aimed shots, since the “time factor” is quicker than shots hit into the back wall.

Once you have played racquetball for a while, you learn why many players hit shots into the back wall, and learn almost all these shots could have easily been hit directly to the front wall. Hitting a shot into the back wall is almost impossible to control, with the exception of the “arc” and a soft lob (see my past post and pictures).

Thanks, Jordan. Any tips for positioning in doubles? Especially in regards to when your partner is in center court or slightly up-front in the middle. Thanks.

Picture 1) 4 Basic Court Areas

Q) Thanks, Jordan. Any tips for positioning in doubles? Especially in regards to when your partner is in center court or slightly up-front in the middle. Thanks.

I need to know a few details. Which team is about to hit the ball? Is your team splitting the court side to side (normal doubles), up and back (front and back court), a combination of both, or play based upon wherever you happen to be positioned?

There are many strategies in doubles. Some work better than others depending on each teams ability to adjust. I recommend starting out playing side-to-side, since this is usually safer and less frustrating for all players. If a team has one partner who moves slower than their partner (age, physical condition), the faster partner may be the only hope to retrieve most shots, regardless the location. This sometimes accidentally results in a up and back (front and back court) position strategy. I like to play side to side, but always am ready to help cover my partners front or back court area whenever they are out of position. More explanations on future replies...

Basic racquetball doubles strategy is similar to singles. Hit the ball where the opponents are NOT positioned and aim for the furthest distance from both opponents. It's a bit trickier in doubles because two opponents can cover more court area.

For strategic and safety reasons, you must always keep both eyes on the ball at all times and know where the other three players are positioned. You may not always have time to see all the players while watching the ball, so you may need to guess the player locations based on where the players are not positioned. Keep in mind, players are constantly moving and you need to keep track of the ball and players!

Doubles requires smart court position by you and your partner. Just because your partner is hitting the ball doesn't mean you can slack off. You must make sure your court position doesn't Hinder the opposing team and that you are out of the way of your partners shot path. What good is hitting a great shot away from both opponents if it hits your own partner! In doubles it's very important to keep moving and take the best court position, regardless which team or player is hitting the ball.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Common Problem - Different Hinder Rules In Doubles

In singles, the hitting team has the right of way. But in doubles, only the hitter has the right of way, and the hitters partner must yield court position to the opposing team (who may beome the next hitter). Both players on the hitting team have the right of way until it's established which player will hit the ball. Many doubles players are unaware or haven't been properly educated about this rule. Don't forget, all the regular rules and Hinders apply, and it's only a Hinder if there was a *chance for a successful return!

*Example: Hitter's partner is blocking the desired court position, or standing in front of of a non-hitting team player.

1) Hinder or possible Penalty Hinder
Ball was hit towards hitters partner who prevented opponent from a chance for a return shot.

2) No Hinder
Hitters partners blocked the opponent from a return shot, BUT there was no chance for a return shot even if the hitters partner would not have been in the way.

First Tip (Singles or Doubles)


Picture 1) 4 Basic Court Area Quadrants

Imagine the court divided into four quadrants (see Picture 1). You and your partner determine in advance, who will cover what quadrant.


Picture 2) Left and Right Sides

Typically, most players play side-to-side and cover only the front and back areas in their side of the court (Picture 2). Players should determine in advance who will hit shots in the middle, which is often the player with the stronger shot.


Picture 3) Front and Back Court

Some teams prefer the Front and Back strategy, although some experienced opponents who play Side to Side believe this is a more dangerous strategy. Most players who play Front and Back will divide the court differently than shown in Picture 3. There is no need to cover too close to the front wall, so most teams divide the court further back near the Receiving Line (dotted line).

Doubles Takes Practice and Expereince

It's helpful to have one experienced doubles player than can help out, especially for anyone new to doubles, regardless of their experience or skills in singles.

Personally, I play Side to Side and always try to cover my partners side only if necessary when they are out of position. Like many players, I will sometimes get suckered into hogging a shot I should have allowed my partner to hit. I hate it when I hit a poor shot and end up in my partners side of the court and couldn't cover my own side in time for the next shot!

More to come...

TIP: Doubles Court Position

Never attempt to cover the entire court. It's simply impossible, regardless of your skill, experience or speed. Play the percentages .

Way too many players lack confidence on their backhand shots and overcompensate by positioning too close to the backhand side wall, often running around the backhand to hit forehands instead (sometimes into the back wall). Many players have confidence in backhand and forehand shots, bit still believe they can cover the entire court, or return an opponents “Kill Shot”.

This results in a endless cycle of bad habits and poor court positioning while leaving a large percentage of the court unprotected, while never allowing the backhand to improve through necessary real game usage. Your backhand may not be as effective as you want, but you will never get a better backhand unless you practice hitting backhands during real play.

Positioning too close to the front wall won't increase your chances of returning “Kill Shots”, since most “Kill Shots” will bounce twice before any return is ever possible. Chances are any low hit shot “Kill Shot” you returned could also be returned by simply positioning further back, and leaning forwards (or creeping up) as the opponent attempts their shot. This back court positioning allows more time to return a greater percentage of shots anywhere on the court, than positioning closer to the front wall and expecting just one type opponents shot that must be hit directly at you.

Many players also worry too much about being able to cover the entire court areas, especially by the side walls and front walls. A common strategic mistake is positioning too close to the court area they are trying to protect and cover. This results in not having time to react for shots in time, plus not having the ability to cover other areas of the court.

Some players will stay in the back court and never have time to return playable shots that bounce twice in the service zone area, and too many players are standing still (flat foot) as the opponent hits the ball. Even in doubles, many players have a fear of not being able to protect and cover the side walls (players playing side to side) and position too close to the side wall. This results in players getting jammed, having less control, power, not being able to step into the ball during the return shot.

The key to proper court positioning is the continuous movement just before and during the opponents return shot. It's much easier and quicker to move with some existing motion, then attempting to move while standing still.

Doubles Tip: Pretend You are Playing Cutthroat (don't have a partner)

I recently played doubles with a very experienced partner. This partner only had one small flaw. He would sometimes stay in the back court, or near a side wall, after returning the ball from that area! He would just freeze like a statue! He may have been tired, not thinking, poor habits or any combination.

I explained to my partner that after his shot he needed to move up towards the middle of the court, instead of standing flatfooted in the back corner, or by the side wall. He knew he was getting caught out of position and started to do much better as I reminded him during play.

Eventually it occurred to me to tell him to imagine he was playing “Cut-Throat” and didn't have a partner to depend on. This really helped him move quicker out of the back corner and away from the side wall.

Visualizing playing “Cut-Throat” may be easier to remember than being told where and when to move, since most players already have the “Cut-Throat” court positioning strategy imprinted in their brain. In “Cut-Throat” (without a partner) you are responsible to position immediately and return every shot, otherwise you will lose more rallies. This strategy becomes imprinted in your brain with “Cut-Throat” experience.

If you fail to react and position immediately during and after your own teams shot, you will likely lose more rallies, games and matches. Regardless if you are playing Singles, Cut-Throat or Doubles!

Lot's more information available. It's better if I organize my responses into “chapters” and post on a dedicated instructional site. Hmm, I have been working on that for how many years :)

As always, thanks! When will the website be done with construction?

As always, thanks! When will the website be done with construction?

Great Question! Seems like decades since I planned to get the site up.

Lately I received great news and have been very busy.

1) This afternoon, after posting these earlier replies, I received some long awaited great personal news.

2) Yesterday afternoon I was out researching new technology.

3) Last night I realized I needed to completely change and refocus my marketing plans.

4) Last week I took the website out of it's dormant stage.

5) Ten days ago I entered a racquetball tournament and was in my best physical condition since 2008 and I felt like I was back playing in 1985. I also turned into a early morning person (racquetball player) instead of a late night person (racquetball player).

6) And today, while creating three new graphics for this thread, I realized I think much faster than I can take notes, and I forget the idea if I don't take notes. I had a great idea how to fix this problem, but I forgot before I could finished taking notes on how to fix it :)

RacquetDO

As always, thanks! When will the website be done with construction?

That's funny! He's been talking about this website since I joined over 3 years ago and it's still not done. I don't think it will ever get done.

Jordan

It's much easier and quicker to move with some existing motion, then attempting to move while standing still.

It's also much easier to get passed by your opponent hitting it behind you.

Whenever possible, the defending player should be standing still when the hitter takes his shot.

Control Freak made a correct statement:

“defending player should be standing still when the hitter takes his shot”

The defender saves precious energy by standing still, instead of moving (at any speed).

Unfortunately Control Freak is only correct if the ball is hit directly at the defending player, and playable on the first bounce.

My experience as proven, as an instructor and player, very few opponents will try, or end up hitting the ball directly to the opponent (defender). And if they do, the ball will often bounce twice on the floor in front of the opponent (defender) who is standing still.

I am not sure about everyone else, but just before my opponent hits their shot I am able to watch the ball and react to my opponents shot regardless if I am standing still, moving slow, or moving fast.

Physics of motion proves it is easier to move while in motion, then to attempt to move while standing still. Accelerating with some existing motion allows more court coverage, with more balance and control, than standing still.

Of course if you are moving too fast, or positioned too close to the front wall, Control Freak will also be correct. Anytime you are positioned in front of the Receiving Line you should normally stop moving forwards! This doesn't mean you couldn't position behind the Receiving Line in advance, and creep up forwards just before the opponent hits the ball.

There are many advantages for the defender to position as far back as possible, given they have time to creep forwards before opponents shot. Court coverage is one advantage, but another advantage is your opponent is less likely to know in advance where you are, or will you will end up (as opponent hits shot). This forces many opponents to “think” about their shot selection during their shot, which can often mess up the hitters control and power during their shot.

It's a proven technique that creeping towards the Receiving Line” as the opponent is about to hit their shot, allows the best opportunity to cover the entire court (as long as you don't move past the Receiving Line before you actually know where the ball was hit to).

It's easy for critics to complain, if they have never tried, or have learned how to master this simple technique.

You benefit by being able to position in the rear court, or front court (behind or in front of Receiving Line) by having motion before the opponents shot is hit, and have the best chance to return Pass, Pinch or Kill Shots. Standing “still” doesn't allow these benefits, unless the ball was hit directly at you.

An analogy of “creeping forwards” would be in baseball.

Runner on first base about to steal second base.
It's faster for the runner to slowly creep off first base and then accelerate their motion to second base, than to stand still on first base, or take a few steps away from first base, standing still, and then accelerating to second base.

Infield expecting a bunt by batter.
It's easier for the infielders to stay back in their normal positions, but take a few steps towards hone base as the batter swings, instead of standing still anywhere on the field.

Outfielder catching a fly ball with a runner on third base and no outs.
By positioning a few steps behind the ball and moving forwards to catch the ball, and then continuing the motion to throw the ball to home plate, the outfielder is able to throw the ball to home plate in a shorter period of time than standing still catching the ball.

Jordan

I am not sure about everyone else, but just before my opponent hits their shot I am able to watch the ball and react to my opponents shot regardless if I am standing still, moving slow, or moving fast.

Yes, you can watch the ball . . . as it passes you for a winner.

As you move up the racquetball ladder, players can and will use your motion against you. If you're an upper player you already know this, if you're an aspiring lower player it would behoove you not to get into the bad habit of moving to the ball before it's struck.

I don't know this dude, but he understands why Jordan's instruction here is poor:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgWbr8LeFhA

Proteus understands the flaws in creeping.

The first shot in the video showed a perfect Cross Court Pass Shot. No matter what the defender did, the defender would have lost the rally! Great Shot by the hitter!

The second shot showed the defender flat footed but leaning to the left side- which was the wrong side as the ball was hit. The additional time it took to move to the right side cost the rally.

It's a proven fact that the BEST percentage for a defender, when time allows, is to position further behind the Receiving Line, then creep forwards to the center of the front wall, making sure to not pass the receiveing Line before the ball is hit.

You will NEVER be able to cover the entire court, especially on a well placed shot by an opponent, but this method allows the best percentage of possible coverage.

PS- Control Freak, don't make me post a video of me and my skinny legs explaining this!

Jordan

The key to proper court positioning is the continuous movement just before and during the opponents return shot. It's much easier and quicker to move with some existing motion, then attempting to move while standing still.

The key to proper court positioning is to watch the ball at all points in the rally, watch your opponent as he sets so you can anticipate the upcoming shot, and in general make your way to be standing ready as close to center court as possible before the ball is struck.

Go ahead and race to where you think I'm going to hit the ball, Jordan. I'll see you, I'll hear you, I'll smell you, and take my shot using your own momentum against you for an easy pass.

If your technique was indeed a "proven fact" for racquetball success, you'd see the pros taking your advice. Anyone can look on Youtube and see that they don't.