Doubles is a game of communication, understanding and complementing one another. This means that the choice of the right partner plays an important role in the improvement of the pair. Some points that must be considered when choosing a partner are:

a) Basic elements

• Right handed and left handed player. At top international levels, the combination of a left-handed and a right-handed player is the most successful pairing pattern in men's and mixed doubles. The reason is simple. Most of the players prefer to attack from the forehand side. The combination of a left-handed and a right-handed player in doubles gives the opportunity of attack from the forehand side covering a greater part of the table without needing frequent movements to change positions. In doubles, two left-handed players are preferable to two right-handed players. This is because the left-handed pair have an advantage during the play of the first two balls whereas the right-handed pair execute or receive serves from the side opposite to the attacking side they use in singles resulting in a continuous movement to return to their ready stance. A solution to this problem could be combining a player with good forehand and another with good backhand.
• Good footwork. Doubles players should be particularly good at the first balls and have fair knowledge of the basic steps in order to avoid bumping each other.
• Supplemental technical skills. Players with supplemental technical abilities make a strong pair.

b) Playing styles

Two players with the same playing style (offensive, defensive) can compose a good pair. A combination of two topspin players (loopers), one with strong forehand and one with an explosive backhand can be an ideal combination. Two defensive players, one in back to chop the ball and one near the table to force the opponents to the corner make another good pair. On the contrary, the combination of a blocker and a topspin player is not always successful. The reason is that the topspin player cannot slow down the rhythm of the game as a blocker does. Players with different rubbers (e.g. a close-to-the-table hitter with pimples and a topspin player) make good combination in doubles.

c) Technical abilities

Due to the characteristics of the game, the player should have variety in his serves to both sides of the table, a good return, as well as stable and successful strokes. He must also be able to set up the right conditions for the winning of the point. Let's not forget that doubles is basically a game of mutual co-operation.

d) The psychological profile

The players who show decisiveness, swift judgment and ability to lead a team are usually the best partners.

Bear in mind that the best player in the singles does not necessarily make the ideal doubles partner. There are players whose skills and play are better suited to singles rather than doubles. The reverse is also true.

Source: Table Tennis: From A to Z e-book

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• Table tennis tips - Successful doubles

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