The best tennis doubles partner is not always the best player you know. Strong doubles teams have complementary games, similar goals and commitment, compatible personalities and good communication. Look for someone whose strengths cover your weaknesses, such as a big server paired with a strong returner or a baseliner paired with a confident volleyer, who plays the same side preference as you want, who has a similar rating or level for league play, and who is reliable, positive and easy to talk to during and after matches. Chemistry often matters more than individual talent.
This guide covers the qualities to look for, how to match playing styles, deuce and ad side considerations, practical factors for leagues and tournaments, how to test a partnership, and common mistakes.
What to look for in a partner
| Quality | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Complementary strengths | Covers each other’s weaknesses and creates more ways to win points |
| Similar level | Keeps the team balanced and eligible for rated leagues |
| Shared goals | Agreement on whether you are playing for fun, improvement or titles |
| Communication | Makes tactics, switches and poaching decisions clearer |
| Positive attitude | Keeps the team calm after errors and during tight sets |
| Reliability | Shows up to practices and matches on time |
Matching playing styles
Good doubles teams often combine different strengths. A player with a big serve and aggressive net game pairs well with a partner who returns consistently and sets up volleys. A steady baseliner can work with a partner who loves to poach at the net. Two players who both prefer staying back can succeed if they are very consistent, but most competitive doubles rewards at least one partner comfortable at the net. Think about which formations you like to use, such as one up and one back, both at the net, or both back, and whether your styles fit those patterns.
Deuce and ad side
Each player usually returns from one side throughout a set. The deuce side, on the right, often suits a consistent returner who can handle the start of each game. The ad side, on the left, is often taken by the player with the stronger or more aggressive forehand for right-handers, or by the player who handles pressure best, since big points are often played there. A right-handed and left-handed pair can place both forehands in the middle or on the outside, depending on the formation. Discuss side preferences before you commit to a partnership.
Practical factors
- Ratings and eligibility: in rated leagues, combined ratings or individual rating limits may apply.
- Schedule: make sure you can both commit to practices and match times.
- Location: travel distance matters for regular practice.
- Costs: agree on how to share court fees, balls and tournament entries.
- Goals: recreational, league or tournament focus.
How to test a partnership
- Play a few practice sets together before signing up.
- Try different formations and sides.
- Talk after sessions about what worked and what didn’t.
- Notice how you both handle pressure and mistakes.
- Decide together whether to commit for a season.
Building chemistry
Good teams communicate before every point, agree on basic plays such as who covers the middle, support each other after errors and celebrate together. Simple signals for poaching or serving targets can help. Many teams also agree on a routine between points, such as meeting briefly after every point to reset.
For league rules on partner eligibility, ratings and substitutions, check the USTA league regulations or your national federation and club rules. The ITF Rules of Tennis cover doubles serving and receiving order.
Common mistakes
- Choosing only the strongest player: styles and personalities must fit.
- Not discussing goals: different expectations lead to frustration.
- Ignoring side preferences: both wanting the same side causes problems.
- Poor communication: leads to confusion on who takes the ball.
- Blaming each other: damages confidence and chemistry.
Common doubles pairings and how they work
Most successful partnerships combine complementary strengths. The table below shows common combinations and what each player usually does.
| Pairing | How it works | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Big server and strong volleyer | The server sets up easy volleys for a partner who poaches confidently | Return games can be weaker if neither player returns well |
| Steady baseliner and aggressive net player | The baseliner keeps the ball in play while the net player finishes points | Gaps can open if the baseliner never comes forward |
| Two net rushers | Both players attack the net together, putting pressure on opponents | Lobs can be a problem without good overheads |
| Two baseliners | Both stay back and rely on consistency and angles | Hard to win against strong volleying teams |
| Left-hander and right-hander | Forehands can cover both sidelines, and serves create different angles | Both players need to agree on who covers the middle |
Communication habits that help
- Agree on simple calls such as “mine,” “yours,” “switch” and “stay” before the first match.
- Talk briefly between points about serve targets and who will poach.
- Use hand signals behind the back at the net to show whether you plan to move.
- Keep feedback positive during matches and save detailed analysis for afterwards.
- Check in after each match about what worked and what to change.
Finding potential partners
If you do not already have a partner, clubs, leagues and local tennis organisations are the best place to start. Many clubs run doubles socials or round-robins where players rotate partners, which is a low-pressure way to see who you work well with. League captains and coaches can also suggest players with a similar rating and schedule. In the United States, USTA league play uses NTRP ratings, so partners often need to fit within the level limits of the team.
Handling disagreements
Every partnership has difficult moments. Frustration after a lost set is normal, but how you handle it decides whether the partnership lasts. Avoid blaming your partner during a match, and focus on one simple adjustment you can make together, such as serving more to the backhand or staying back on return. After the match, talk honestly but calmly about what happened. If you find you regularly disagree on tactics, schedule, or commitment level, it may be better to part on good terms and look for a partner whose goals match yours more closely.
Playing mixed doubles
Mixed doubles follows the same principles, but pairings often depend on league rules and combined ratings. The best mixed teams trust each other, share the court fairly, and play to both partners’ strengths rather than always hitting to the same player.
Frequently asked questions
Should my doubles partner be better than me?
Not necessarily. A similar level with complementary strengths and good chemistry often works best.
Which side should the stronger player play in doubles?
Many teams put the stronger or more aggressive player on the ad side, but it depends on styles and comfort.
How do I find a doubles partner?
Ask at your club, join leagues or social play sessions, and play practice sets with a few players before committing.
