Dewey Caulder

1. Make sure you and your partner get along. You don’t have to be the best of buddies, but make sure you like each other and want to hang around on the court with them for several hours playing tennis.

2. Understand your strengths and weaknesses so you can feel comfortable with your potential partner’s attributes.

3. A partner with similar skills (i.e. aggressive at the net or consistent on the baseline) can be a successful combination, but also, at times, a liability. Look for that formula in a partner that will complement yours.

4. If you are slow on your feet, a partner with speed would be very beneficial. If you are fast, look for someone who is super fast!

5. Choose a good communicator. In doubles, it is so important to talk. Verbally interacting on the court can be a distraction to the opponents, as well as helpful before, during, and after a point.

6. Pick a partner who is willing to work on their game with you. Practice match situations to improve your skills. Hit cross-court ground strokes and work on your volleys and overheads at the net. Serve, return, and play points out cross-court. Set up practice matches with all different types of opponents.

7. If all else fails in your search, get professional instruction, or just play singles!