How to Serve in Table Tennis Doubles

One of the key ways doubles table tennis differs from singles table tennis is during the serve. When playing with four players you'll need to make several serving adjustments. You'll also need to employ some special strategy in order to be a good team player with your partner.

Instructions

    • 1

      Serve from the right corner of the table to the other right corner. Unlike in singles table tennis where you can serve anywhere on the table, in doubles you must serve from right corner to right corner. You must serve this way even if you're left handed.

    • 2

      Make five serves. After you serve five times the server changes to the next player. However, once you reach deuce, the server changes after every point.

    • 3

      Switch sides. After your five serves are up switch sides with your table tennis partner. Your partner now stands on the right side and receives the serve from your opponent.

    • 4

      Let your partner serve. After your partner has received the serve five times, it's now her turn to serve five times.

    • 5

      Communicate with your partner. Give a hand single under the table before you serve indicating what type of serve you'll make. This allows your partner to prepare for what will be returned since balls are usually returned with the same spin as they are served. Have a hand signal for top spin, under spin, side spin and a dead ball.