How to Be a Good Pickleball Partner for Competitive Play

Juli Schafer

Finding a regular, competitive doubles partner that’s a good fit can almost feel like you’re looking for your mate. It takes a bit of work to find someone, figure out if you're the right fit, and then start practicing and competing together, so it really kind of does can resemble dating.

First, you need to make a list of traits you’re looking for. Some examples are “Roughly the same skill level as you, complements your playing style (aggressive, defensive, all-court), is positive with a good temperament, supportive, good communicator, etc." Whatever works for you.

Next, you’ll have to be vulnerable, put yourself out there and ask “Have you considered playing tournaments? Would you want to try one with me?” 

Then, you’re going to need to amke a date to go out (to the courts) to see if you are compatible.

If you get this far, you’ll probably want to test your relationship by playing something less serious than a dupr-logged tournament. 

When you successfully check all these boxes, it’s time to try to win some medals together. 

Now the real work begins.

Regardless of whether you are doing competitive tournaments or playing in a regular group, there are some across-the-board traits that make for a great teammate.

Here’s a list we have compiled to help you be a great pickleball partner.

Be a Good Communicator

Talk to each other on the court. Call out “Yours, mine, go, bounce it, watch, back, etc.” Your partner can’t read your mind, so it’s really important, even after you’re been playing together for a while. 

Know your Role

Understand your strengths and weaknesses as well as your partner's, and adjust your play accordingly to cover each other's gaps. 

Often one partner creates a certain set up that will cause the opponent to pop up the ball, while the other partner eagerly awaits the opportunity to put it away.

Be Adaptable

We all say, “Play your game.” But sometimes when something isn’t working you have to adjust some things. So just be willing to adjust your strategy based on your opponent's play and the flow of the game. 

For example, you may get combined into a bracket with some 20 year old bangers. Fair? No. Does it happen? You betcha. You start out aggressively because that’s been your game plan lately, but it’s theirs, too. You slam, and they whack back harder and faster. Time to adapt. Pull out your slow game of drops, drips and lobs and now you’re in business. You might not beat them, but you could end up with the silver medal. (True story.) 

Keep It Positive

Who in the world wants to play with someone who is negative, fearful and / or contentious? There are few weapons more powerful in this game than a positive, confident mindset.

Offering encouragement and support to your partner even during challenging moments. Complement their shots and decisions where you can be an uplifter. Positivity breeds positivity… and usually better play. Positivity is essential if you want your partner to have fun, play confidently, and play their best pickleball. Your pickleball partner can feel when you are relaxed and confident.

Practice Together

Practice regularly with your partner against similar or better skilled players. Spend more time, though, doing drills that improve your court positioning, and key skills like serving and returning, speedups and resets.

Net Harmony

Figure out who takes the volley at the net depending on the situation. Don’t over complicate this. If you are following and shading the ball properly then your court positioning should help you determine this. Don’t invade your partner’s personal space. Stay tethered guarding the open spaces, lines, etc., but keep to where you belong. 

Give constructive feedback ONLY

If you are a newer or lower-level player than your partner, be RECEPTIVE to a SMALL bit of “coaching” here and there. That’s not to say that it’s ok for someone to belittle or “mansplain” you, but being able to accept a helpful note or tool, or talking about what “we’re”doing as team strategy is extremely beneficial.

If you are the higher skilled player, make sure your partner is open to receiving input. Offer helpful suggestions without being critical.

Discuss Strategy

Before a game, talk about your approach to the match, including who will serve first, when you will take a time out and how you will handle specific situations, like chasing down lobs. 

The game is built upon figuring out the chess match of not giving your opponents what they want, or what they are very good at. You want to play a few points gainast a new team and then take a time out to plan your next moves together.

Don't Argue Over Calls

Decide that you are not going to argue over calls. This is a hard one because you want to support your partner, but you also want to be fair. And depending on where you are on the court, balls absolutely look different upon landing.

If you are seeing a pattern of incorrect calls, talk about them when you are off the court.

Decide which one of you will call them. For example-who has a better view.

Match Outfits in Tournament Play

Dressing in the top and bottom, or even just the same color creates unity between the tow of you and portrays it to the other team, too. Time and time again, I see a mish-moshy unmatched team, and I already know they aren't used to each other, or tournament seasoned. I already feel a small advantage. It's so easy to just wear the same color.

Ultimately, the way to be a GREAT pickleball partner is quite similar to being a great friend.

Have the person’s back. Uplift and encourage them. And on their worst day, tell them how great they are.  

We get so focused on our game and on our own selves that we forget to bring energy to our partners. We forget that our partners are worried they are letting us down or aren’t making the right plays.

In pickleball, partnership energy matters a lot.

Three Top Tips on How to Elevate your Court Energy in Pickleball:

1. Stay Connected

A paddle tap or a “Let’s go” in between (every) shot serves as a three part tool.

It’s a reset. You and your partner will make mistakes. The tap signifies a fresh start, a refocus and a forgiveness.

2. Communicate -Language matters.

Let’s do this next time. (Try to slow it down, guard that line on your right, serve to their backhand.)

3. Encourage - be your teammate’s hype squad. Get specific.

• That was a great drop at her feet.

• Nice forehand roll!

• That speedup was beautiful! Excellent patience! 

One of the best parts of pickleball is that you get to play with a partner. Having each other’s backs and being in it together is the coolest. A true privilege.

"Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships" 

– Michael Jordan.