Table Tennis Alternating Doubles
Table tennis games in pairs where both partners must hit in turn, as in real doubles. Students build coordination with a partner, practice moving out of the way after hitting, and make decisions while sharing a small space.
How to play
- Put 4 students at each table (two pairs) and, if there are extras, a sub pair that rotates in every 3 minutes; keep tables at least 6 ft apart.
- For 4 minutes, without opponents, each pair practices the movement: A hits and steps out to the side and back; B steps in to hit the next ball tossed by the teacher or the other pair.
- For 5 minutes, cooperative rally between the two pairs: keep the ball going in the order A, opponent, B, opponent, and count consecutive hits.
- For 10 minutes, play to 11 points: serve diagonally from the right half to the opponent's right half and change servers every two points.
- If a player hits out of turn, the point goes to the other pair; after the game, pairs switch tables.
- Finish with 3 minutes: each pair explains which way each partner steps to stay out of the other's way.
Rules
- Partners must always hit alternately.
- After hitting, step out of your partner's path toward your free-hand side.
- No one hits hard at close range to another player's body.
Variations
Easier
Allow the same player to hit twice in a row if the partner can't get there.
Standard
Alternating doubles with a diagonal serve and games to 11.
Harder
A rally counts only if both partners have hit the ball at least once.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student stays at one corner of the table while the partner moves around them.
- Visual impairment: use bright balls and have the partner call 'yours' when it's the other player's turn.
- Lower skill level: pair students of different levels and use slower balls.
Learning goals
- Alternate hits with a partner without blocking their space.
- Coordinate movement as a pair around the table.
- Decide where to place the ball to make the opponent's next turn harder.
Equipment for a class of 25
- ping-pong tables: 6
- mini rackets: 25
- light balls: 12
Teacher tip
The most common mistake is standing still after hitting and blocking the partner; mark with a cone where each player should step. This is a great task for building communication between shy students.
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