Pickleball isn’t just a test of skill; it’s a team sport built on chemistry, communication, and trust. You can have the best hands or the biggest drive, but if you and your partner aren’t in sync, it’s hard to win points consistently (or have fun doing it).

Choosing the right doubles partner isn’t just about DUPR ratings or skill levels; it’s about finding someone who complements your game, keeps the energy positive when things get tough, and wants to improve together.

What To Look For In A Doubles Partner

Here are three key things to look for when choosing your next doubles partner:

1. Complementary Game Style

It could be as simple as pairing a right-sided player with a left-sided player, or finding someone who balances your strengths and weaknesses.

If you love to drive and attack, find someone who thrives at the net and can clean up your shake & bake. If you’re steady and patient, maybe you need a banger to finish points. There’s no single winning formula; we’ve seen all kinds of pairings succeed.

The key: know your game and find someone whose style complements yours. And remember: the more versatile you are, the easier it is to mesh with different partners.

2. Positive Energy & Effort

You want a partner who competes hard, stays composed under pressure, and lifts you up when things aren’t going your way.
Pick someone who hustles, encourages, and brings energy instead of tension.

That kind of positivity is contagious; it helps you play looser, more confident, and often… better.

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3. Willingness to Work Together

Even if you don’t live in the same city, find a partner who’s open to learning and improving together.
The best partnerships come from players who reflect after matches, identify what to fix, and actually give it another try instead of immediately switching partners.

Talk through the small details: who takes the middle, how you handle third shots, or what patterns work best. Consistency and collaboration almost always win over constant rotation.

How to Be a Good Doubles Partner

Sometimes we focus so much on finding the “right” partner that we forget to be one ourselves.
Here’s how to make sure your partner wants to keep teaming up with you:

1. Give 100% Effort

Always bring your best during every point and every match.

One of my favorite quotes from my college tennis days was:

“The biggest sign of respect you can give your opponents is to play your hardest every point.”

Effort is contagious. When your partner sees you grinding even when the score’s not in your favor, it inspires them to match your intensity.

2. Keep Your Body Language Positive

Your partner can feel your energy. Eye rolls, shoulder shrugs, or checking out between points can tank morale faster than a bad serve.

You don’t have to fake happiness; just stay engaged. Walk with your partner between points, share quick pep talks, celebrate small wins, and show you’re in it together.

A simple fist bump or “Let’s go” goes a long way. 

3. Use “We” More Than “You”

Doubles is a team game; it’s we, not you.
Say things like:

“Let’s try returning crosscourt.”
“What do you think about stacking next game?”

Avoid blame or unsolicited coaching (“You need to do more with your dinks”). Collaborative language builds teamwork; criticism creates pressure.

The Bottom Line

The best partnerships aren’t built overnight ; they’re built through communication, effort, and trust.