Talking it through

A doubles pair thrives on communication. Two players who talk to each other cover the court better and make fewer mistakes than two who play silently side by side. Talking is part of the game in doubles, not a side matter.

Communication has three simple moments. Before the point you quickly clarify the essentials: who serves, who takes the middle when in doubt, what to watch for? One sentence is enough. During the rally, short calls — „Mine!“, „Yours!“, „Leave!“ — help your partner decide fast. And between points you give each other brief, friendly feedback: „Let's play more to their backhand.“

Just as important as the what is the how. Doubles is a togetherness, not an against-each-other. When your partner makes a mistake, an encouraging „No problem, next one!“ helps more than criticism. A pair that builds each other up plays better than one that trades reproaches. Stay loud, stay positive.

The most important thing is to talk at all. Many beginners play silently out of shyness — and thereby give away the biggest advantage of doubles.

Two people carrying a heavy piece of furniture together call out „Left!“, „Stop!“, „Keep going!“. Without those words they stumble. With them they carry it effortlessly.

Think of your last doubles game: did you talk to each other, or play silently side by side? For next time, set out three simple things: before the point, briefly clarify the essentials; during the rally, call „Mine!“/„Yours!“; and after your partner's mistake, react encouragingly rather than critically. Observe whether you play together better as a team when you talk.