Serve in doubles

Table Tennis Match Strategy

Last updated 12 years ago

Roman Sukhanov

Roman Sukhanov Asked 12 years ago

Playing in doubles I usually try to serve either short serves with some backspin and/or sidespin, or serves down the middle line. Most of the opponents return a ball with a push and the game continues. But there is one guy who almost always uses a flick and thus wins the point.

Could you give me a clue what to serve when he is returning: long backspin serve, fast flat serve, or maybe something else?


Alois Rosario

Alois Rosario Answered 12 years ago

Hi Roman,

Try using variation on the short serve.  Even try some short topspin serves.  It may sound odd but some players actually flick backspin serves better than topspin.  If he is in a rhythm of being able to flick your serves well, a variation in spin may help.

You can also try longer serves and see what his topspin is like.  Generally it is dangerous to serve long in doubles because your opponent doesn't have as much area to cover and can attack more easily. 


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Roman Sukhanov

Roman Sukhanov Posted 12 years ago

I followed your advice and tried to vary short backspin serves with half-long backspin or no spin serves - and the return was a push or the flick not so fast. I even tried sometimes fast long serves with the same starting position of my hands - really helpful when they expect serves that would bounce twice. Thanks!

Alois Rosario

Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 12 years ago

Glad to be able to help, Roman.


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