Name some qualities of a good partner

[Rickson]

I played a few sets with a good doubles partner in KingBugsy, a TW poster, against my buddies, Raul and Richard. Raul happens to be a blatant cheat who calls all of his opponents' line balls out, but Bugsy and I were never in danger of dropping a set to Raul and Richard despite Raul's horrendous line calls. KingBugsy was a good partner, using good pace, deep groundstrokes, and no short balls at all. KingBugsy's powerful groundstrokes helped me get a lot of easy volleys which made playing doubles very easy. I don't play a lot of doubles, but when I do, I hate partners who hit the ball short and set me up like a sitting duck. A partner who hits the ball strong and deep is a good doubles partner. What qualities do you look for in a doubles partner? I'm asking about skills so please don't say things like mental toughness.

[Saito]

I prefer to have a partner with a good consistent serve that he can place anywhere with little problem. Really helps when we try to construct the point. I also like having a aggressive net player, someone not afraid to poach and not worry about the pass (I usually don't have a problem getting those if net player is passed).

Not to correct you or anything, but isn't mental toughness a skill?? I dunno... but it seems like one to me... but everyone is entitled to their opinions.

Sorry if this isn't exactly what you are looking for. Cheers :-D

[papa]

Serve - getting the first serve in on a consistent basis

Return of serve - returning the ball deep cross court to the server or occasionally going down the line or using the lob

Net - being/remaining aggressive during the entire point up front

Consistency - keeping the ball in play rather than consistently going for crowd pleasers.

Overhead - dependable whether one takes the ball in the air or lets it bounce

Communication - keeping each other informed and on a positive note.

[Rickson]

Serve - getting the first serve in on a consistent basis

Return of serve - returning the ball deep cross court to the server or occasionally going down the line or using the lob

Net - being/remaining aggressive during the entire point up front

Consistency - keeping the ball in play rather than consistently going for crowd pleasers.

Overhead - dependable whether one takes the ball in the air or lets it bounce

Communication - keeping each other informed and on a positive note.
Good list there, pops.

[Jonnyf]

Well, for mixed if it isnt important i look for the hottest bird or a hot one who'll make the changeovers "interessting" oh the joys of youngness.

Well if its important i look for an ok ability to serve and to volley and for them to be able to hit deep agressive groundies for when were dragged back

[arosen]

Besides the ones mentioned, I find it important for my partner to enjoy the game, even if we are on the losing end. I hate people that turn sour just 'cause the other team is better. Most guys forget that its a GAME.

[Rickson]

Well, for mixed if it isnt important i look for the hottest bird or a hot one who'll make the changeovers "interessting" oh the joys of youngness.

Well if its important i look for an ok ability to serve and to volley and for them to be able to hit deep agressive groundies for when were dragged back
Nae, lad! You dina know what you ah sayin, lad. Leave the hot beerds alone, lad and focus on the game.

[Jonnyf]

Ach i honestly luv the ladies who daen't the clan needs replenished. The fruit of my loins will LIVE

[Pomeranian]

Being able to serve down the line, having agressive net skills, being able to vary the return, good attitude, and knowing basic positioning.

But I put a good attitude and communication above the skill set. I can't enjoy a game, even if I win, if my partner doesn't like to talk much and doesn't have a good attitude. Communication serves it's purposes in strategy, and if they don't want to talk, there's no strategy. And some people, while great singles players, have negativity pouring out of them. Getting mad at yourself, or even worse if it's me, doesn't help the team.

[nViATi]

Ach i honestly luv the ladies who daen't the clan needs replenished. The fruit of my loins will LIVE
You're only what... 13? and you're already obsessed with that kind of stuff?

[Rickson]

You're only what... 13? and you're already obsessed with that kind of stuff?
Johnny's 16 this year and he needs to test the waters. You're a good dude, nviati, but boys will be boys.

[Jonnyf]

Guys im 14, nah im not obsessed i was talking for the clan

[kevhen]

Consistent serve. Low-to-the-net consistent groundstrokes (no floaters, don't have to be overpowering either though), good hands at net, able to finish weak balls with well placed overhead or volley, good listener, intelligent, and good communicator flexible in experimenting when things aren't working, confident and positive. I usually play the backhand side and cover deep lobs, so I look for a guy with a great forehand and good vollies to complement my serve, backhand, and overhead.