Two-Ring Ringo Doubles

A 2-on-2 ringo game over a high rope played with two rings at once, as in the original version of the sport. Students must throw and catch quickly, split the work with a partner, and decide which open space to send each ring to.

How to play

1. String the long rope at about 6.5 ft and use cones to mark 20 x 13 ft courts on each side. Match two pairs on each court.
2. Review the technique (3 min of free passing): catch the ring with one hand and throw from the same position, arm extended and using the wrist, so it spins flat.
3. One-ring game (4 min): serve from the back line; the ring must go over the rope, and a point is scored if it lands in the other court.
4. Two-ring game (8 min): each pair starts with one ring and both serve at the same time on the whistle. Each ring that lands in a court gives a point to the other team; after each point, the pair that lost it serves.
5. If both rings land in the same court at once, the other team scores 2 points. If one lands on each side, nobody scores and both pairs serve again together.
6. Rotation: games last 4 minutes; then each pair moves to a new opponent clockwise.

Rules

• Throw the ring from where you catch it, with no steps.
• Each player may hold only one ring.
• No throwing the ring on edge or straight at an opponent's face.
• Always throw over the rope and never step into the other court.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: a student using a wheelchair plays the front of the court and the partner covers the back; shorten the court to 13 x 13 ft.
• Shyness: start with chosen partners and give the student the server role, which gives them a key job without pressure.
• Skill or fitness level: students still working on the catch play one more round with a single ring.

Learning goals

• Throw the ring with a flat spin so it flies straight.
• Share attention with a partner across two rings in play.
• Respect the agreed scoring even when plays happen at the same time.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Ringo rings: 14
• long rope: 2
• cones: 24

Teacher tip

Rubber ringo rings are soft, but remind students they are never thrown at faces. Practice the simultaneous serve with a count of three so both pairs start together.

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