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Doubles Communication

PartnershipLevel 1 — Beginner

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Partner Play Dynamics

What It Is

The verbal and non-verbal communication between doubles partners during play. Communication costs nothing but its absence costs points. Simple calls like "go," "it's good," "yours," and "mine" can prevent confusion and improve positioning.

Correct Execution

After your partner hits a third shot that's effective, call "go" or "it's good" to signal they should move forward. Call "mine" or "yours" on ambiguous balls. When a ball is going out, call "no" or "out" early and clearly. When you're pulled off court, communicate your recovery status to your partner. Communication should be brief, clear, and consistent. Don't over-communicate — a few key words at the right moments is better than constant chatter.

Progression Levels

Diagnostic Tree

Coaching Cues

  • "Communication costs nothing and it's a great habit to get into." — why communicate, Morgan Evans (2025)
  • "A simple 'go' or 'it's good' will suffice." — transition zone call, Morgan Evans (2025)
  • "Ineffective communication in the transition zone" — what costs points, Morgan Evans (2021)

Common Errors

  1. Silent play: No communication at all → Build the habit of calling every ambiguous ball
  2. Late calls: Calling "mine" after both players have committed → Call as early as possible
  3. No transition calls: Partner doesn't know third shot quality → "Go" or "stay" after every third

Edges

⚡ Conventional Wisdom Is Wrong

Communication Costs Nothing

partnershipdoubles-communication →

"Go," "mine," "stay" — single words that prevent confusion costing 2-4 points per game. Yet the vast majority of recreational players are completely silent on court. Morgan Evans: "Communication costs nothing and it's a great habit." The absence of communication isn't neutral — it actively loses points through middle ball confusion, partner blindsides, and transition zone miscommunication.

What most people do
Play silently. Both go for the same ball or neither goes. Partner advances into an attack they didn't know was coming.
What the best do
Call every ambiguous ball ("mine" / "yours"), every transition decision ("go" / "stay"), and every out call. Brief, clear, consistent.
Why it's an edge: The ROI on communication is infinite — it costs zero energy and prevents 2-4 free points per game. No other skill change has this cost-to-benefit ratio.
How to exploit: In your next session, make ONE rule: call "mine" or "yours" on EVERY ball that's within 3 feet of the center line. Just that one habit. Count how many confusion points you eliminate.
Morgan Evans, "How We Lost 5 Points" (2021-02-22); Kitchen Line Movement (2025-01-17)

Sources

  • Morgan Evans, "How We Lost 5 Points" (2021-02-22) — communication failures, middle ball confusion
  • Morgan Evans, Kitchen Line Movement (2025-01-17) — "go" and "it's good" calls, partner information