In this comprehensive guide, we'll dive deep into the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) rulings governing doubles play. In addition, we’ll explore the intricacies that elevate this game to a different level.
As the world-governing body that organizes world championships and other events, ITTF sets the standards for playing the game. They have strict rules about how to serve in doubles ping pong, in addition to how to break a tie and how to keep score since it varies a bit from singles ping pong.
Be sure not to let the ball double bounce when you serve, and teams should alternate serving to keep the game fair for everyone. You’ll also want to be sure you maintain a diagonal play alignment. We’ll get into all of this in more detail later, though.
Certain organizations or companies may or may not choose to follow these guidelines depending on the objective or goal of the competition. This is especially if the objective is just the satisfaction of playing table tennis for camaraderie and fun.
Partner Up for Success: A Rule Guide to Winning in Table Tennis Doubles
Contents
Go Team! The Importance of Doubles in Table Tennis
Playing doubles is an exciting partnership game that enhances the overall experience compared to singles match play.
Doubles require teamwork, synchronized movements, and strategic communication, turning the table into a dynamic arena of collaboration. This not only sharpens individual skills but also promotes strategic thinking and adaptability in the face of opponents. The shared victories and challenges build a strong bond between partners, fostering camaraderie.
The importance of playing doubles in table tennis lies in its ability to nurture teamwork, enhance skills, and bring the joy of shared triumphs to the forefront of this thrilling sport. Table tennis singles and doubles events are so popular it’s been in the Olympics since 1988.
There are certain players who may find it hard to win in singles but perform at their peak when partnered with a complimenting teammate.
For instance, Qing Hong and Deng Yaping Duo almost never existed. Yaping almost did not make it to the Chinese team due to her small stature. Due to sheer will and skills that were too great to pass up they both left an indelible mark on the sport.
Both of them were inducted ITTF Hall of Fame, won World Championships, and won two consecutive Olympics Gold Medals in 1996 and 2000.
Doubles in table tennis is a partnership that requires synchronized movements, strategic communication, and a shared understanding between partners. The collaboration between players adds an extra layer of excitement and challenge, making it a crucial aspect of competitive table tennis.
What Are the Rules for Double Ping Pong Serves? Your Playbook
Compared to singles match play, doubles follow a set of rules that has slight variations from the usual solo game. Before you go any further, you may want to familiarize yourself on how to play ping pong as the rules are generally the same.
So, let’s get started and discuss the subtle differences why the doubles game makes an exciting, fun, and challenging alternative to just playing solo pressure singles.
Starting With Basics: The Table
You might wonder why there are table tennis tables with a center line dividing each side of the table and other tables without this? The table with a 3 mm wide center line running parallel with the side line, is used for the doubles game.
This center line divides the table into two equal half courts, so doubles can play with more ease.
Serving in Doubles: Do You Alternate Shots in Doubles Ping Pong?
Serving is the initiation of every point in table tennis, and in doubles, it follows specific ITTF guidelines. At the start of the game each team will choose who to receive or serve depending on the result of a lot facilitated by the umpire. The winning team may choose to serve or to start at a particular end.
The serving player must strike the ball from an open palm, ensuring the ball is thrown vertically at least 16 centimeters before being hit. The server must aim to deliver the serve diagonally to the opponent’s half of the table.
What Are Some Effective Doubles Serve Strategies?
Go beyond the basic spin serve! Ghost serves, side serves with heavy spin, or deceptive flick serves can catch opponents off guard.
Like any other serves, this skill among other table tennis strokes can be practiced alone. Coordinate with your partner to create doubles serve variations, like a short serve followed by a powerful loop from your teammate.
Table Tennis Doubles Serving Rotation: Taking Turns
According to ITTF Handbook 2022, 2.8.2 Order of Play states, “In doubles, the server shall make a service, the receiver shall make a return, the partner of the server shall then make a return, the partner of the receiver shall then make a return and thereafter each player in turn in that sequence shall make a return.”
Players must alternate the serving order between teammates. When the serve is switched, the receiver from the opposing side will now become the server. The other partner’s server will now become the receiver. You change teams to serve every two points.
Understanding when to employ short or long serves and varying the spin adds a layer of unpredictability to your doubles game.
Unlike other racket sports, each and every player of the team will alternate in hitting the ball. Covering close to the table or serving far away from the table will not be effective, as each player must be able to return the ball to the opponent wherever the opponent hits it.
Starting the Game: Order of Service
Since serving can be considered an advantage ITTF made sure that there is equal opportunity for each team to serve even in doubles.
ITTF Rules 2.13.6 says, “The player or pair serving first in a game shall receive first in the next game of the match in the last possible game of a doubles match the pair due to receive next shall change their order of receiving when first one pair scores 5 points.”
This means, that no one player can dominate scoring points through service, making it more crucial for planning and communication between teammates.
Teams usually communicate with hand gestures made just below the table before a service, signaling what type of spin or length of service they will use. A gesture hidden from the opponent and only the two of them can understand. That is also the reason why they cover their lips with their racket as they talk about their next move.
A strategic service is executed to force a hard to return the third ball. With a well-communicated service, the receiving partner can optimize the trajectory, speed, and force of the third ball, making it harder for the opponent to return the stroke.
Changing Ends: Mitigating Environmental Advantages
Depending on the venue, some players are very particular about lighting, flooring textures, or any other means that would give them or the opponent a head start.
Thus, ITTF specifically mentioned a ruling on changing ends 2.13.7, “The Player or pair starting at one end in a game shall start at the other end in the next game of the match in the last possible game of a match the players or pairs shall change ends when first one player or pair scores 5 points.”
Some venues have rubberized flooring and sometimes uneven matting which can easily dictate the result of the game. Winning and dominating the first game sometimes dictates the momentum of the whole match. Thus, it is crucial to get a feel of the venue’s lighting, floor grip and level, and even the playing surface of the table.
Quick Tip: Know the exact venue of the competition early on. If it is possible schedule a soft practice a day or two before your schedule of match. If not, arrive 30 minutes to 1 hour early before opening, observe and get familiar with the place, use the table, and visualize the whole game before your match.
Positioning: Doing More With Less Space
In singles, the player has the whole side of the area. So, you’re able to move as close to the table or as far to the end or even across the barrier. Your opponent will shake you up by carefully positioning the ball either close or at a wide angle, where it is impossible for the opponent to counterattack or reach the ball in time.
Now, imagine all the possible combinations of speed, placement, and spin of the ball and have two people sharing the same small space but playing alternately to return the ball.
Proper rotation and positioning are vital for effective doubles play. Players must maintain the diagonal alignment, with each server’s partner standing parallel to the baseline. Successful rotation ensures that players cover the entire court efficiently, minimizing vulnerabilities and maximizing offensive and defensive opportunities.
Tactical Insights for Doubles Positioning
Strategic positioning in doubles involves dynamic movements to cover the court effectively. Understanding the optimal placement of players during different game situations enhances your ability to respond to various shots and maintain control during rallies.
Being able to predict if the opponent is going for a long topspin is critical for the partner of the receiving end to move further away from the table to ensure optimal space for counterattack.
Placing the ball directly toward the position of the last opponent also gives additional unnecessary pressure. This is because they have to move away from the ball for their partner to return the attack.
What Are Some Key Doubles Footwork Patterns?
Synchronize your movements! Practice mirror footwork drills to stay in sync with your partner’s positioning. Utilize cross-court movement to cover gaps and anticipate opponent shots.
Anticipation is key here. Knowing when your opponent is going to attack or just push the ball and or place it wide by reading your opponent’s movement is crucial for preparation and your position in the playing area.
Some coaches prefer to team up a right-handed player with a left-handed player to maximize the coverage of the playing area. This at times makes footwork more manageable than having both right-handed players. Players will just have to go in and out of the playing zone instead of circling behind their partner.
Scoring: How Many Sets in Table Tennis?
You might be wondering, what do doubles play to? Unlike singles play, where matches are typically best of five sets, doubles can have variations.
So, how do you keep score? ITTF allows tournaments to determine the number of sets per match, usually ranging from best of three to best of five. A team needs to reach eleven points to win a set. If the structure is best of five games, whoever wins three sets wins the match and two sets for best of three accordingly.
Doubles match play takes a longer time to finish as players may take time between shots to plan out their next move. Each winning point is carefully planned, executed, analyzed, and discussed between points.
This is also the main reason why there is too much pressure in between points. Each point reveals a certain weakness or strength that can turn around the whole match quickly.
Managing Tiebreakers: Table Tennis Doubles Deuce Rules
Deuce situations add an extra layer of intensity to doubles play. In accordance with ITTF rules, when the score reaches 10-10, a deuce is declared. Players then alternate serving every one point until one team establishes a two-point lead, securing the set.
Table Tennis Doubles Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about doubles table tennis.
Can the Ball Double Bounce While Serving in TT Doubles?
According to ITTF rules, the ball must only touch the server’s side of the table once. If the ball touches the net during the serve and lands on the server’s side, it is a legal serve. However, if the ball touches the net and bounces twice on the server’s side, it results in a point for the opposing team.
Now if the receiver failed to return the service and bounced twice on their side, it is considered a point to the server. This means if you can force the opponent to make a mistake reading your spin making the ball bounce twice, it will be an easy point.
Will You Win More Points Through Power Shots or Controlled Placements in Doubles?
In the fast-paced game of table tennis doubles, precision often triumphs over raw power. Mastering controlled shots involves understanding when to opt for precision and strategically outmaneuvering opponents.
Looking where the last player who made the shot and carefully forcing the ball on the opponents’ body will easily put the receiving teammate in a tight spot. Also, executing more powerful shots will take a toll overall on the phasing of the game.
So, it is advised, strategically approach each shot with intentionality to control the game. If over powering wins the point make sure it can be consistent enough to win the match.
Is the Timeout Same as the Singles Game?
Each team is allowed one timeout per game. The timeout duration is limited to a maximum of one minute. This brief pause provides teams with the opportunity to regroup, strategize, and break the momentum of their opponents during critical moments in the match.
Teams must use this timeout judiciously, as it can be a strategic tool to shift the dynamics of the game in their favor. Understanding when to take a timeout and effectively utilizing the brief break is an essential aspect of tactical play in doubles table tennis.
Should We Pre-assign Specific Sides of the Table or Switch Sides Each Point?
Flexibility is key! Consider individual strengths and weaknesses. Maybe the more aggressive player covers the forehand side, or the stronger backhand stays center. Switching sides can keep opponents guessing and allow for tactical adjustments.
How Can We Handle Disagreements on Who Should Hit the Ball?
Prioritize communication and collaboration. Discuss potential scenarios beforehand and establish a hierarchy or “hot zone” system if needed. Ultimately, prioritize keeping the rally alive and avoid hesitation that gives the opponent an advantage.
How Can We Exploit the Doubles “Doubles Rule” (Cannot Hit the Ball Twice Consecutively?)
Set traps! Bait an opponent into hitting the ball twice by offering seemingly easy shots, then unleash a powerful counterattack against their unprepared partner. The key is to keep your opponent guessing.
How Can We Stay Positive and Motivated Throughout the Match, Especially When One Teammate Is Struggling?
Be vocal and supportive! Offer encouragement, adjust tactics to compensate for weaknesses, and celebrate both individual and team successes. Remember, doubles is about shared responsibility and trust.
Game Time: Final Thoughts
Doubles play in table tennis is a dynamic collaboration, enhancing the overall experience compared to singles. It demands teamwork, synchronized movements, and strategic communication, transforming the table into a dynamic arena of collaboration.
Beyond individual skills, it fosters camaraderie, strengthening the bond between partners. The significance of doubles lies in its capacity to nurture teamwork, elevate skills, and celebrate shared triumphs.