Doubles: How Team Table Tennis Works

## The core rule that defines doubles In doubles table tennis, players must alternate hitting the ball. Partner A hits, then Partner B must hit the next ball, then Partner A again — in strict alternation. ## Serving in doubles Service must be diagonal — right half to right half. After every 2 points, service rotates to the next player. ## Why footwork becomes critical Because players must alternate shots, both players are always in motion. After hitting, you must move out of your partner's way immediately. In high-speed rallies, this requires choreographed footwork patterns. ## Olympic and team competition formats At the Olympics, doubles was replaced by team events in 2008. Teams of 3 compete in a format where matches consist of up to 5 singles rubbers. The team format changes preparation — players must consider which matchups favour their team's overall composition.