How to Play Doubles in Table Tennis

Playing doubles adds a whole new dimension to table tennis. Working well with your partner is the crucial element to a winning doubles team.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Athletic Gear
• Table Tennis Balls
• Table Tennis Nets
• Table Tennis Paddles
• Table Tennis Playing Tables
• Table Tennis Video

1. Practice with your partner.
2. Serve from the right side of the table. Take turns serving with your partner.
3. Take turns hitting the ball with your partner. You must switch off between each stroke or it is a fault.
4. Set up a rotation system with your partner, to get out of the way after you hit the ball. There are many options, so work out what's best for you. Some people stand to the side, some rotate in counterclockwise direction, or some have one partner move side to side while the other moves up and back. Work this out in advance and stick to your plan.
5. Set up shots for your partner - for example, use a loop shot to set up a high return for a smash shot.
6. Play consistently to one side of the table, to make your opponents crash into each other.
7. Work against your opponents' rotation system.

Tips & Warnings

• A good partnership of average players should be able to beat a bad partnership of good players.
• It is important to figure out your strategy and rotation system before you begin playing actual games with your doubles partner.