Table Tennis Serving Rules

Have a blast the next time you play ping pong by learning table tennis serving rules. Table tennis serving rules are similar to other racquet games, such as tennis and squash. Learn the serving rules so that your table tennis match doesn't end in an argument.

1. Who Goes First. Choose who serves first during table tennis a match by flipping a coin or drawing lots. Whoever wins the coin toss or draws the larger lot can decide if he'd rather serve first or let his opponent serve. The person who doesn't win the chance to decide who serves can choose which end of the table she'd like to play on.
2. When to Switch Sides. The serve switches after two points have been scored. If you are playing so that you get one point each time, serving switches after a single point is scored.
3. Table Tennis Serving Rules During a Doubles Match. Table tennis serving rules are a little different during a double match, when two players are on one team. One person on the serving team will serve first. One person on the receiving team must hit the ball to the serving team, but to the player who did not serve. The second serving player will then hit the ball to the second receiver on the opposing team. When it comes time to switch, the first server will become the first receiver, and the first receiver on the other team will become the first server. The next time the serve changes sides, the second server will serve, and the original second receiver will become the first receiver.