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By Mike McGorry
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 What’s new in the doubles world? This season, I will be dealing with more specific topics such as rules changes, player profiles, playing tips, and the like. Please e-mail suggestions to me at mcgoospot@aol.com.
NEW WEBSITE
As previously reported, Preston Quick has launched a website devoted exclusively to hardball doubles squash: www.squashtalk.com/doubles. It features updated info on rankings, schedules, and tournament results, as well as a chat room for players. Represented is the professionally based International Squash Doubles Association as well as useful information on all amateur events, including the Junior Doubles circuit. Quick says he is willing to place tournament entry forms on his site. For you tournament directors out there, this should save you hours of time and energy. For the players, the ease at which tournament info and entry forms can be accessed should prove beneficial to all.
EARLY SEASON EVENTS
This is the 15th year of the Smith Chapman in Montreal. For those of you who haven’t played the “Smitty,” you should. Go to www.doublessquash.ca for more info.
This year, the Tournament Committee has added more draws to the Buffalo Tennis & Squash Invitational. In addition to its normal schedule of Open, 40+, 50+, and 60+ categories, there will be 55+, 65+, and 70+ events. For info contact Bart Chambers at 716-884-6048.
The Rittenhouse Doubles in San Francisco, annually held at the University Club of SF, will not occur this year. The UC is undergoing major renovation with the addition of singles courts as well as the addition of a second doubles court. UC pro John Lau promises that the Rittenhouse will be back, better than ever, next year.
PROPOSED RULE CHANGES
I have received some correspondence lately regarding proposed changes to the hardball doubles rules. One suggested change is to modify the “turning on the ball” rule to provide that a striker loses the point if, after turning on the ball, the striker hits his opponent with the ball. The proponents of this change cite safety as the reason. Opponents of the change argue that the predominant reason for turning is due to a poor shot by the prior team (why benefit from your poor shot?). In addition, opponents can see the possible abuse by certain heavy sweatpant-wearing players who, in effect, refuse to clear on a turning player in hopes of getting hit and winning the point. What do you think?
Another suggested rule change is to award a let point (hardball doubles still uses this term) when either opponent’s position prevents the striker from hitting a winning shot. At present, the rules provide that a let point is to be awarded when a player strikes the ball back at himself, whether or not a winning shot was likely. The rules also provide that a let point should be awarded any time a striker is prevented from hitting a clear winning shot due to his opponents’ positions on the court. Maybe the problem lies with the definition of “clear winning shot” or maybe the confusion arises out of players and referees not knowing or understanding the intent and purpose of the doubles rules. Your thoughts? Why not also look at the doubles rules test online at www.us-squash.org. Take it and see how much you really don’t know about the rules.
TIP OF THE MONTH
This is a new feature to the “Doubles Boast.” In coming months I will share my knowledge of the game and its intricacies, hoping to improve the novice as well as the experienced player.
This month’s tip comes from squash legend Betty Constable: “You can never play too many reverse corners.”
The reverse corner is probably the most effective shot in doubles squash. When struck properly, the ball will hit the corner of the far side wall, hit the front wall just above the tin, and then bounce twice before hitting the near side wall. The angle of the shot leaves the ball well forward of the striker so as to lessen the likelihood of a let being called. When hit properly, it is a winning shot. It can be hit hard or soft, from above or below the shoulders, all with the desired effect. The downsides of this shot are that in order to hit the reverse for a winner, it must be struck just above the tin, thus increasing the chance of tinning. If struck too high above the tin, the ball will not bounce twice before hitting the near wall, leaving the retriever a multitude of shots to play.
The reverse corner, if struck properly, is a great play. It is also one of the easiest to practice since the trajectory of the ball causes it to come back to you after you hit it. Practice striking the ball just off the inside of your front foot. Slicing the ball with backspin helps keep the ball down and will prevent the ball from reaching the near wall prior to its second bounce. The more you hit it, the better you will hit it. With practice it can add to your doubles arsenal. Without practice, it can blow up in your face.
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Feb 2008
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