When playing ping pong doubles, there are some specific rules that must be followed in order for the game to be played correctly. Here is a quick guide to the ping pong doubles rules.
Table of Contents
Ping Pong Doubles Rules Explained
The basic rules of doubles ping pong are similar to singles ping pong, with a few exceptions:
- In doubles ping pong, each team consists of two players who stand at opposite ends of the table.
- The first player on each team serves the ball by hitting it with their paddle so that it bounces once on their side of the table, and then once on the other team’s side of the table.
- The ball can bounce once on the floor before it is hit by a player’s paddle.
- The ball must be hit alternately by each player on the same team. It cannot be hit two times in a row by the same player.
- A point is scored when the ball hits the ground on the other team’s side of the table, or if the other team hits the ball out of bounds.
- The first team to reach 11 points wins the game. If both teams are tied at 10 points, then the first team to reach 21 points wins.
- There are some specific rules for serving the ball. The server must hold the ball in their hand and toss it up at least 6 inches before hitting it.
- The ball must bounce once on the table before it can be hit by the paddle.
- If the ball hits the net, it is considered a lot and will not count as a point.
With these ping pong doubles rules in mind, you and your partner will be ready to take on any other team.
Serving Rules in Ping Pong
- The server must hold the ball in their hand and toss it up at least 6 inches before hitting it.
- The ball must bounce once on the table before it can be hit by the paddle.
- If the ball hits the net, it is considered a lot and will not count as a point.
With these serving rules in mind, you will be ready to serve the ball like a pro!
1. Decide who serves first.
This can be done by flipping a coin, or by having one player shoot the ball into the air and the other player hit it back. The player who hits the ball last is the server.
2. Returning the ball
After the ball is served, each player must hit the ball alternately until one team makes a mistake. If the ball hits the table on your side and then goes out of bounds, that team gets a point and the other team serves.
Scoring and Winning the game
- A point is scored when the ball hits the ground on the other team’s side of the table, or if the other team hits the ball out of bounds.
- The first team to reach 11 points wins the game. If both teams are tied at 10 points, then the first team to reach 21 points wins.
- A Ping Pong match usually takes place in 3 rounds, when reaching the semi-finals, it will be increased to 5 rounds.
With these scoring rules in mind, you will be able to keep track of the score easily and know when your team is winning!
Penalties and fouls in Ping Pong
There are some specific rules for serving the ball. The server must hold the ball in their hand and toss it up at least 6 inches before hitting it.
What should you pay attention to when serving table tennis?
The ball must bounce once on the table before it can be hit by the paddle. If the ball hits the net, it is considered a lot and will not count as a point.
- Holding the ball in one hand and tossing it up before hitting it with the paddle.
- Hitting the ball before it bounces on the table.
- Hitting the ball into the net.
- Not hitting the ball alternately with your partner.
- Hitting the ball out of bounds.
If any of these rules are broken, then the other team gets a point and serves the ball.
>> See more: How to ping pong Serve for beginners | Step by Step
Tips play Doubles ping pong
1. Playing defensively in doubles ping pong
- Playing defensively in doubles ping pong is just as important as playing offensively.
- One player should always stay at the back of the table, while the other player stays at the front.
- Try to hit the ball to your partner’s paddle instead of directly to their body.
- Use different strokes when returning the ball so that your opponents cannot predict where the ball is going.
- Try to make your opponents run around as much as possible.
- Take advantage of your opponents’ weak strokes and target those areas.
- Stay calm and focused during the game, and don’t let your emotions get the better of you.
With these tips in mind, you and your partner will be able to play a great game of doubles ping pong!
2. Winning strategies for doubles ping pong
If you want to win at doubles ping pong, then you need to have a good strategy.
- One player should stay at the back of the table, while the other player stays at the front. This will help you cover more area and return more balls.
- Try to hit the ball to your partner’s paddle instead of directly to their body. This will help them return the ball more easily.
- Use different strokes when returning the ball so that your opponents cannot predict where the ball is going.
- Try to make your opponents run around as much as possible. This will tire them out and make it easier for you to win points.
- Take advantage of your opponents’ weak strokes and target those areas.
- Stay calm and focused during the game, and don’t let your emotions get the better of you.
- With these winning strategies in mind, you and your partner will be able to take home the victory!
Now that you know the ping pong doubles rules, you and your partner are ready to take on any other team! Just remember to have fun and stay safe while playing.
