Tips on doubles for beginners

Wayne Sy Asked 12 years ago

Hi there coach, I just wanted to ask something about playing doubles. Our coach told me that I would be playing doubles this year. Since its going to be my first time to play doubles and have no experience in playing doubles, can you please give me some tips or key principles to remember when playing doubles? also, what should be the attitude of a doubles player while in a game? thanks a lot :)

Alois Rosario Answered 12 years ago

Hi Wayne,

Some good basic things to remember are:

Make sure you are moving after you play your shot.  This is a fine line.  Do not move before you finish playing the stroke because the stroke will be ineffective.  So as soon as you finish your stroke, move out of the way so that your partner can play theirs.

Keep it away from the person you are hitting it to.  Work out what that player doesn't like.

Hit the ball down the line a lot.  This will mean that your partner will be in a better position to receive the next ball if your opponents play down the line.

Serve short at least 90% of the time because your opponent only has half the table to cover.

Try to develop hand signals with your partner for serving so that the next player knows what is coming.

Always work with your partner.  Encourage them during the game and communicate with them so that you start to work more like a team rather than just two players playing.