Table tennis in singles is a duel. But in doubles?
It becomes a real team sport!
It's more chaotic, more fun and requires perfect coordination. In the Sportcenter Wittenau we often see groups of four people arriving, but they often wonder: „Wait, who has to serve now? And where does the serve have to go?“
To make sure your match in Berlin-Reinickendorf doesn't end in chaos, we've put together the ultimate guide to table tennis doubles.
1. the table: What is the white line for?
Have you ever wondered why a white line divides the table halves vertically? In singles, it doesn't matter at all. But in doubles it is a law! It divides the table into one right and a left half. This is crucial for the serve.
2. the serve: always diagonal!
This is the first major difference to the single:
- The server must always serve from his right half of the table into the right half of the opposing team's table (i.e. diagonally).
- If the ball touches the center line, this is allowed („good“).
- If the ball lands in the opponent's left half, it is a fault and a point for the opposing team.
3. the stroke sequence: the alternation principle
In tennis, the player with the best position can take the ball. This is forbidden in table tennis! The most important rule in doubles is: You always have to take turns hitting.
The pattern looks like this (team A/B against team X/Y):
- Player A serves.
- Player X strikes back.
- Player B (A's partner) must hit the next ball.
- Player Y (X's partner) must hit the next ball.
- Then it is player A's turn again.
If a player touches the ball twice in a row or the wrong partner hits the ball, the point is lost. That's what makes doubles so dynamic - you have to hit and make room immediately!
4 The change of serve: Whose turn is it?
After each two serves the right to serve switches to the other team. But who gets to serve? The rule is simple:
- The player who is currently serving Accepted now becomes the Impactor.
- He hits the player who previously not has opened.
That sounds more complicated than it is. Just remember: The returner becomes the server.
5th change of sides in the deciding set
As in the singles, up to 11 points played (2-point lead required). Should it come to a decisive last set (e.g. at 2:2 sets in the „Best of 5“) that a team 5 points is reached, the sides are changed immediately. Important: At this moment, the receiving order of the returning team must also be changed.
Strategy tips for your doubles at the Sportcenter Wittenau
- Communication is everything: Tell your partner (using a hand signal under the table) what kind of serve you are making.
- Movement: Don't stand in the way! A good tactic is to take a step backwards or to the side immediately after the blow to give your partner a clear field of vision.
- Choose the right partner: Harmony is often more important than pure playing strength.
Conclusion: Double the fun guaranteed!
Doubles is the perfect option for families, couples or colleagues who want to get active together. It is less running-intensive than singles, but more cognitively demanding.
Feel like it? Grab three friends and book one of our tables.
- No equipment? We lend rackets (€ 4.00) and balls (€ 1.00) at the counter.
- Thirsty after the match? Sit down in our restaurant after the game „Maria & Salvatore“ and clarify over a drink who will have to accept the serves better next time.
Book a table tennis table for 4 people now
See also:
-
- How to choose the perfect table tennis bat
- The perfect shoes for table tennis
- The official table tennis rules
- Ping pong vs. table tennis - what's the difference?
- 3 tips for faster reactions in table tennis
- How table tennis balls are made: A look behind the scenes
- How does point scoring work in table tennis?
- Learning table tennis: The most important basics for your start