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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The Kicker Serve
The kicker serve is one of our "must learn" serves. It's fast, fun, and has lots of topspin. It can be dangerous because if it's not fast enough and if you don't surprise your opponent then they may be able to attack it forcefully putting you on the defensive straight away. Used well though, and sparingly, it can be a great weapon. It can win you a point outright and it will stop your opponent from standing over the table waiting for your short serves since they need to be ready for anything.
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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.