Doubles signals
Serving
Graham Richards Asked 12 years ago
Can you tell me the finger messages which are generally use in modern table tennis doubles matches?
Alois Rosario Answered 12 years ago
Hi Graham,
The main thing they are signalling to their partner is what type of spin they will put on their serve and whether it will be short or long.
One common method is to use your little finger if the serve is short and your index finger if it is long. Then you can point in the direction of the spin, so up for topspin and down for backspin.
It helps your partner to know what serve is going to be played and so what type of receive they are likely to get.
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Ji-Soo Woo Posted 12 years ago
Often I note it is the partner (not the server) who does the hand signal. I guess it makes sense as they are the one having to deal with the return ball. But it really would depend on knowing your partner's serves very well.
Yes this is a good ploy sometimes as well. It is really a combination of how the server feels about making that serve and the partner being ready for the third ball.