Doubles Match with one wheelchair player and three able bodied players

Claro Jr Capili Asked 1 month ago

What is the format of play...does the team with two able bodied players play "normal doubles" of "taking turns hitting" or do both teams play the wheelchair player/able bodied player team doubles way of either player can hit the ball?

Alois Rosario Answered 1 month ago

Hi Claro,

In a doubles match where the team consists of one wheelchair player and one able-bodied player versus two able-bodied players, the format is slightly adjusted to accommodate the wheelchair player. According to the official rules by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), when a wheelchair player is involved, the sequence of play becomes more flexible compared to the standard alternating hits rule in typical doubles matches.  The standing pair must still hit the ball alternately.  However of the pair with a player in a wheelchair this is the rule.

2.8.3 In doubles, when at least one player of a pair is in a wheelchair due to a physical disability, the server shall first make a service, the receiver shall then make a return but thereafter either player of the disabled pair may make returns.

The pair with one player in a wheelchair, in serving, the ball must still travel diagonally from the server's right-hand side to the receiver's right-hand side, as in standard doubles, but after the serve, any player from the team can return the ball throughout the rally.

One other important rule for the pair with the player in a wheelchair are not allowed to cross an imaginary middle line.

2.10.1 Unless the rally is a let, a player shall score a point; 2.10.1.15 if, where an opposing doubles pair includes at least one player in a wheelchair, any part of the wheelchair or a foot of a standing player crosses an imaginary extension of the centre line of the table.