What makes a good Partnership?

[Michael Banks]

Always wondered this.

You get many good players teaming up and making an average pair. On the other hand, two average players can team up and become very hard to beat.

Is there a science behind this or am I missing something obvious?

[rachyuk]

Michael,

I don't think it's 'obvious'. Many thousands of players (who don't have the benefits of a coach at hand)go through this questioning and change partners every season.

I think a good partnership relies on the following qualities:

Mutual respect, Confidence in each other (particularly when the heat is on), ability to share a deeper sense of commitment - (perhaps not shown when playing with others), understanding of each others abilities and each others knowledge of the game, a shared sense of fun and spirit for the game.

I used to play with my husband and for years we did fine and suddenly one season quite recently, it all fell apart. We're calling it a day! After several post mortems of recent games, it became clear that 'familiarity was breeding contempt'!....Saying things that you wouldn't normally say to another club member/player?

Ring any bells with anyone out there?

[Alex]

It usually works well if you know exactly where your partner is on the court and exactly where they can get to and the shot they typically play!

This way you can stand where the usual reply to this shot comes and kill it off! If you move around eachother well then really you have a good pairing!

[AlexE]

I think it helps if u know what ur partner will do after a certain shot.It also helps if u have an understanding i guess. I think it helps if ur gd friends with ur partener cos if u r u can work 4 each other more easily and u know how 2 motivate each other.