Ringo Doubles Over the Net: Playing by the Real Rules
Ringo doubles on courts with a net, using the basic rules: one-hand catch and throw, and the ring always flies flat. Students practice reading flight paths and covering the court with a partner.
How to play
- Set up six courts with a rope stretched between posts, chairs, or hurdles at head height, with cones marking the corners. Four players per court; the six extra students start as referees (4 min).
- Cooperative 2-on-2 rally with no score: the ring goes straight over the rope, no passing between teammates (6 min).
- Explain how points are scored and the serve, which is thrown from behind the back line (3 min).
- Games to 10 points; winners move up a court and losers move down. Referees swap in for the pair leaving the bottom court (14 min).
- Debrief: which throws won the most points, and how did each pair split the court? (3 min).
Rules
- Catch the ring with one hand and throw it with that same hand, without switching hands or passing to your partner.
- The ring must fly flat; a throw on edge or straight up is a point for the other team.
- A point is scored if the ring lands in the other court, if the other team throws it out, or if it doesn't clear the rope.
- No diving and no crossing into the other court to make a catch.
Variations
Easier
Lower rope, smaller courts, and two-hand catches allowed.
Standard
Rope at head height with the basic ringo rules.
Harder
Play with two rings at once, one served from each side.
Adaptations
- Students who are deaf or hard of hearing: the referee shows the score with fingers and signals the serve with a raised hand.
- Students who use wheelchairs: play on a shorter court while their partner covers the back; lower the rope on that court.
- Students with an injured throwing arm: throw and catch with the other hand, and their points count double.
Learning goals
- Apply the basic ringo rules in game play.
- Read the ring's flight and position yourself with a partner.
- Referee and accept calls with good sportsmanship.
Equipment for a class of 25
- ringo rings: 6
- long ropes: 6
- cones: 24
Teacher tip
The rope has to be tight and tied to something heavy; if it sags, rings snag on it. The move-up, move-down system avoids eliminations and balances games on its own. If you don't have ringo rings, rubber pool rings or foam rings about 6–8 inches across work fine.
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