Ping Pong Doubles Rules: A Guide to Playing and Serving

Playing ping pong doubles is about teamwork, strategy, and perfectly timed serves. Unlike singles, doubles ping pong adds an exciting twist with extra rules, fast-paced rallies, and the challenge of coordinating with your partner. Ever wondered how to serve correctly in doubles? Or how to switch positions without crashing into your teammate? 

Don't worry—we’ve got you covered! In this guide, we’ll break down the essential rules for playing and serving in ping pong doubles, so you and your partner can dominate the game like pros. Let’s dive in and master the art of doubles play!

How to Play Ping Pong Doubles

Ping pong doubles are played between two teams, each consisting of two players. The objective remains the same as in singles, players must hit the ball over the net and onto the opponent’s side of the table in a way that makes it difficult for them to return.

To get good results in the ping pong doubles game. Partner selection plays a crucial role here. Partners who understand each other and are able to communicate well are the main key in the ping pong doubles game.

Ping Pong Doubles Rules

Before playing doubles, first understand what the ping pong rules are. These rules are made so that the game can run smoothly and fairly without harming either team or any party. Here are the ping pong rules in doubles: 

1. Alternating Hits

Each player in a team must take turns hitting the ball. If one player hits the ball twice consecutively, the point is lost.

2. Right-Side Service Rule

In doubles, serves must be made diagonally from the right-hand side of the server’s court to the opponent’s right-hand side.

3. Rotation System

After each two points scored, the receiving pair becomes the serving pair, and partners switch positions within their team.

4. Winning a Game

A game is played to 11 points, and a team must win by at least two points.

5. Match Format

Typically, a match is played as the best of five or seven games.

6. Changing Service

Service changes every two points until the score reaches 10-10, at which point it alternates every point.

7. Switching Ends

Players switch sides after each game and, in the deciding game, switch sides once one team reaches five points.

Ping Pong Doubles Serve

Serving in doubles follows a strict set of rules to ensure fairness. It is therefore important to understand this rule so as not to lose points for nothing. Here's double serving rules: 

A. Diagonal Service Requirement

Unlike singles, where you can serve the ball to any part of your opponent’s side, doubles requires a diagonal serve. This means:

• The server must stand behind the right side of their half of the table.
• The ball must be served diagonally to the receiver’s right-hand court on the other side.

For example, if Player A is serving, they must serve the ball from their right side to Player C’s right side (if teams are A & B vs. C & D). If the ball lands outside this area, the serve is considered a fault, and the opposing team gets the point.

B. Service Order

To keep things fair, there’s a specific order for serving and receiving in doubles:

1. Before the game starts, one team chooses who serves first, and the other team picks who receives first.
2. The serving player must always serve to the designated receiver.
3. After every two points, the serve rotates to the next player.

C. Proper Serving Technique

A legal serve in doubles follows the same technique as singles, with a few key rules:

• The ball must rest on an open palm (not cupped) before serving.
• The ball must be tossed at least 16 cm (about 6 inches) into the air before being hit.
• The ball must be struck behind the end line and above the table surface.
• The ball must bounce once on the server’s right side before crossing the net and landing in the opponent’s right-hand box.

For instance, if you simply drop the ball and hit it without tossing it up first, it’s a fault. If your opponent sees you serving incorrectly, they can challenge the serve, and you may lose a point.

D. Let Serves

A "let" occurs when the ball touches the net but still lands in the correct service box. If this happens:

• The serve is replayed (no penalty).
• There’s no limit on the number of lets—you can keep replaying until you get a clean serve.

E. Service Faults

A serve is considered a fault (which gives the point to the opponent) if:

• The ball fails to clear the net.
• The ball doesn’t land in the correct diagonal service box.
• The server doesn’t toss the ball properly before hitting it.
• The server’s free hand or body obstructs the opponent’s view of the serve.

Let’s Play Ping Pong Doubles!

To dominate the doubles scene, you need to master the alternating hit rule, understand serving techniques, and develop quick reflexes to keep up with the intense rallies.

Compared to singles, doubles ping pong is even more thrilling, especially in competitive matches. If you love the challenge of quick exchanges and working in sync with a partner, doubles is where the real excitement is!

Looking to sharpen your ping pong skills? Not all academies in Indonesia use structured training programs, but Rockstar Academy does! With a solid curriculum and expert coaching, Rockstar Academy ensures that students of all levels get top-tier training.

As the best Sports & Performing Arts Academy, we provide expert coaching to help each student maximize their potential. Our ping pong program includes structured training and participation in various competitions such as RockOlympics, Elite Championships, and local & international tournaments. This competitive experience helps students grow and refine their techniques in a real match setting.

To build trust and confidence in new students, Rockstar Academy also offers a free trial class. If you’re curious but not sure where to start, this is the perfect opportunity to experience high-quality training before making a commitment.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your paddle, find your doubles partner, and start your ping pong journey with Rockstar Academy!

FAQ

Can you serve anywhere in doubles?

No, serves must be diagonal from the server’s right-hand side to the opponent’s right-hand side.

Can a player hit the ball twice in a row in doubles?

No, partners must take turns hitting the ball. If one player hits it twice consecutively, the point is lost.

How often does the serve change in doubles?

The serve changes every two points. When the score reaches 10-10, the serve alternates every point.

Do players switch sides in doubles?

Yes, players switch sides after each game. In the deciding game, players switch sides once one team reaches five points.