GUIDES · BETSLIP DOCTOR
In table-tennis doubles, who serves, receives and hits next?
For ordinary doubles, if A serves to B, B returns first, then A’s partner C, then B’s partner D, then A. The pattern continues A, B, C, D as the ball is returned. Service changes after every two points; at 10–10 or when expedite is in operation, each player serves for one point in turn. At a doubles service change, the previous receiver becomes the server and the previous server’s partner becomes the receiver. If at least one player of a pair is in a wheelchair because of physical disability, the Laws make a specific change to who may return after the initial receive.
For New doubles players or viewers following a confusing table-tennis service rotation. · Updated
Follow the four-player return sequence
The service starts each rally, but the four players do not simply alternate by team. The receiver makes the first return after the serve. Then the server’s partner hits, followed by the receiver’s partner. After those four actions, the same player sequence repeats.
With A and C on one side and B and D on the other, the ordinary order is A’s serve, B’s return, C’s return, D’s return, then A’s return. That order is separate from which side is due to serve next.
Separate the two-point service change from stroke order
In ordinary play, the receiving player or pair takes service after two points have been scored. In doubles, the previous receiver becomes the next server; the partner of the previous server becomes that next server’s receiver.
At 10–10, or while expedite is operating, service switches after each single point instead. The player rotation within a rally still follows the doubles order; the shorter service interval does not change who hits next.
There is a wheelchair doubles exception
When a pair includes a player using a wheelchair because of physical disability, the usual rotation has a specific exception. The server serves and the receiver makes the first return, but after that either player of the disabled pair may return the ball.
These summaries use the ITTF Statutes 2026. Under the Constitution’s Article 55.4 transition, existing instruments apply only so far as they remain compatible and have not been superseded. The competition provisions also allow specified variations, so check the event’s published rules before applying a general explanation to a particular match.
A hypothetical four-player rotation
Assume fictional partners A and C face fictional partners B and D, with A serving to B. B returns the serve, C plays the next ball, D plays after C, and A takes the next return. Once two points have been played, service changes: B becomes server and C receives, because B was the previous receiver and C partnered the previous server. At 10–10 or under expedite, the service interval is one point. If one pair has a player in a wheelchair because of physical disability, the stated exception allows either member of that pair to make returns after the initial receiver’s return. The names and sequence are hypothetical.
Related questions
Does the player who served always hit again after the receiver?
No. In ordinary doubles, the server’s partner returns after the receiver, then the receiver’s partner, and then the original server. The four-player order continues in that sequence.
Does the service interval stay at two points at 10–10?
No. At 10–10, and while expedite is operating, each player serves for one point in turn. The doubles stroke order within each rally remains separate from that service schedule.