Communicate clearly! Decide and Commit! Provide encouragement and be flexible! This sounds like advice for a couples counseling session. These are tips for players, so they can be a good partner in doubles. In the first illustration, Judy, the ballside player is receiving a lob. She defers at the last second. If she calls for the ball, she should commit. If the ballside player poaches, the partner should switch, rather than watching from a stationary position. If your partner poaches and misses the poach, provide encouragement, such as, good move, rather than informing her that you could have made the shot. Rather than trying to pass the net player down the line or hitting wide angles, set your partner up by keeping the ball more toward the middle. A good doubles partner always has their partner’s back.