We’ve all been there: you step on the court with your doubles partner, excited to play… and by the second game, you’re giving each other the look.

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The truth is, poor communication can sink even the most skilled team, while good communication can make two average players feel like they’re playing like pros.

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So let’s talk about how to actually talk to your partner  before, during, and after the match; so you can win more points and still want to grab a drink together after.

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‍Before the Match: Set the Vibes (and the Game Plan)

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This is your chance to get on the same page before the first serve.

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Ask the “what if” questions now
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What should happen if they double fault? Miss an easy return? Blow an overhead?

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Do they want silence? A “you got this”? A quick tip?

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Every player is different and guessing wrong in the heat of the match can make things awkward real quick.

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Talk strengths and weaknesses
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If they hate lobs and you secretly love chasing them down, speak up. If you’re a poach machine at the net, make it known. The more you know about each other, the smoother it’ll go.

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You don’t both have to be perfect;  you just have to complement each other. Lean into what each of you does best, and trust your partner to cover their strengths while you cover yours.

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Set a shared goal

Yeah, “let’s win” is the obvious one, but the magic happens when you get specific.

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Maybe you decide, every return goes deep and we both approach the net. Or you serve to the “T” so your partner can sneak in for an erne. Those little game plans keep you locked in and give you something to rally around when things get tight.

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Need help with game strategies? We’ve got a guide on where to serve and another on where to return so you can walk on court with a purpose.

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Agree on signals

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Hand signals for poaches, quick verbal cues like “switch” or “yours,” even a little nod. These tiny things can make a huge difference once the rally gets going.

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There is no such a thing as “too much communication.”

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During the Match: Be the Partner You’d Want to Play With

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Call it early

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A loud “mine” or “yours” saves rallies (and prevents those awkward paddle clashes).

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Stay positive

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No eye rolls, no sighs, no “come onnn.” Even if they keep missing every ball into the net, a quick “next one” or paddle tap goes a long way.

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Give Quick, Useful Feedback (at the Right Time)

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Remember that little pre-match chat you had about how they like to be spoken to when things get tough? Yeah… stick to it.

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If they told you mid-game tips just add fuel to the frustration fire, resist the urge to “help” and save it for after the match.

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When you do share ideas, pick your moment. Changeovers are perfect. Keep it short, specific, and positive. Skip the “Stop missing that shot” and go with “Let’s go after the middle because they’re wide open there.”

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The goal is to keep your partner feeling confident and connected, not second-guessing every swing.

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Read the room (aka your partner)

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If they’re rattled, this is not the time to give them your TED Talk on third-shot drops. Sometimes, a high-five is all they need.

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After the Match: Review Without Ruining the Vibe

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Start with the good stuff
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Call out the great teamwork, that one amazing rally, or how you fought back after being down 8–2.

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Talk improvements as a team
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It’s “we should try stacking” not “you need to cover the middle.” Big difference.

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Make a plan for next time

Agree on one or two adjustments to test in your next match.

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Bottom Line

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Good doubles communication isn’t just about calling balls; it’s about building trust and having each other’s back.

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Some players want tips mid-match, some just want silence and a fist bump. The only way to know? Ask them before you play.

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Because winning is fun… but winning and still liking your partner after? That’s the real goal.

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