1
Beginner
Level 1 · Rating 1–13
I play table tennis now and then, and doubles is new to me: I still forget that we alternate every ball.
I already do
- RallyI return a slow ball on my forehand and get out of my partner's way.
- ServeI serve to the correct diagonal, from my right side to theirs.
- SpinI know a backspin ball comes back differently from a flat one.
Not yet mastered
- RallyAlternating with my partner without bumping into each other.
- ServeKnowing who receives from whom when the order changes.
- SpinNoticing the spin before the ball arrives.
2
Upper Beginner
Level 2 · Rating 14–20
I can alternate with my partner in an easy rally and I know the pair rotates: I hit, step out and they step in.
I already do
- RallyFive or six exchanges alternating without getting in my partner's way.
- ServeA regular serve to the diagonal and a push receive on the backspin ball.
- SpinA light topspin on the high ball when it's my turn.
Not yet mastered
- RallyStepping out to the right side after hitting: sometimes I end up in front of my partner.
- SpinTopspin on a backspin ball: it goes high or into the net.
- ServeA spin serve that helps my partner on the next ball.
3
Lower Intermediate
Level 3 · Rating 21–34
The pair has started to work: we rotate without colliding and I agree with my partner on where the serve goes.
I already do
- RallyI rotate to the right side after every shot and reach the next ball.
- ServeA short spin serve so my partner can attack the ball that sits up.
- SpinForehand topspin on a ball that sits up; I push the backspin ball without lifting it.
Not yet mastered
- SpinLifting a heavily chopped ball: it still goes into the net.
- RallyKeeping the pace when the opponents speed up and we start getting tangled.
- ServeReceiving a sidespin serve: the ball goes out.
4
Intermediate
Level 4 · Rating 35–48
We play every week and the pair has structure: planned serves, correct rotation, and we know who attacks each ball.
I already do
- ServeI signal the serve to my partner and vary short and long; I receive spin serves without lifting.
- SpinTopspin on both sides against backspin at a moderate pace.
- RallyI rotate in any direction and leave room for my partner to hit.
- DecisionI decide to attack or hold based on the ball and which opponent will receive it.
Not yet mastered
- DecisionKeeping our tactics against a pair that blocks well: we rush.
- SpinCounter-topspin (topspin against topspin): it still goes high or out.
In tournaments We play Category B in doubles tournaments and win matches in it.
5
Upper Intermediate
Level 5 · Rating 49–62
I have a doubles repertoire: a planned disguised serve, a flick on the short ball, and I know which opponent to attack. Against a more consistent pair, I still miss when finishing.
I already do
- ServeA disguised spin serve and an active receive (flick) so my partner keeps attacking.
- SpinCounter-topspin at a moderate pace; a defensive chop when they push me back.
- RallyFast rotation even in a quick rally; I reach the ball without taking my partner's space.
- DecisionI pick the target: the opponent who will play the next ball, and their weak side.
Not yet mastered
- DecisionHolding the plan when the other pair dictates the pace.
- SpinA strong loop against a heavily chopped ball at speed.
In tournaments We play Category A and we're competitive in it; now and then we reach the final rounds.
6
Advanced
Level 6 · Rating 63–76
I make few errors, I set the pace of the rally, and the pair moves as one: each of us knows which ball is ours before it arrives.
I already do
- SpinA strong topspin on the ball my partner set up; counter-topspin at speed without breaking the rotation.
- ServeServe and third ball planned with my partner as a ready-made sequence.
- RallyFast rallies close to the table with automatic rotation.
- DecisionI read the opposing pair's pattern within a few points and direct the attack at the weak link.
Not yet mastered
- DecisionChanging tactics mid-match when the other pair changes theirs.
In tournaments We play the top A and regional Special categories regularly; in Special we win matches but don't yet go all the way.
7
Upper Advanced
Level 7 · Rating 77–88
I play at high intensity against any pair and I'm strong in the points that decide. With a new partner, the rotation still works.
I already do
- DecisionI spot the opposing pair's pattern in the first games and adjust the plan with my partner.
- SpinTopspin counter-attack at speed and chop defense with a return to the attack.
- RallyLong, fast rallies without losing precision or position.
- ServeThe serve as a weapon: spin, length and direction designed for the ball my partner will attack.
Not yet mastered
- DecisionImposing our game on state-ranked pairs without losing my head.
In tournaments We play Special category finals and have started entering state ranking tournaments.
8
Specialist
Level 8 · Rating 89–97
In my state's amateur scene, my pair is one of the known ones: I have no weak shot and we play to a plan, not on improvisation.
I already do
- RallyRotation and stroke on autopilot for a whole match, without losing precision.
- DecisionI see the other pair's sequence before it happens and switch targets mid-point.
- SpinI call the incoming spin for my partner, including from special rubbers (pips, anti-spin), and set the ball up for them.
- ServeFlawless serve and receive against ranked pairs.
Not yet mastered
- DecisionThe pair synchrony of players who train together every day.
In tournaments We play the Master category and compete in the state and national doubles rankings.
9
Professional
Level 9 · Rating 98–99
I play doubles at professional level: a regular partner, a coach and a competition calendar built around the pair.
I already do
- RallyRotation, signals and doubles sequences rehearsed until they're reflex.
- DecisionI make good decisions against nationally ranked pairs.
Not yet mastered
- DecisionBeating the country's top pairs regularly; the doubles ranking is what tells that story.
In tournaments Professional: elite national doubles ranking or the international circuit (WTT).
