In badminton, playing doubles must be definitely different from playing singles, primarily because you now have a partner, but also you usually have less time to think and react. Doubles tactics are greatly dependent on court position. You will probably enjoy doubles play and have more success if you learn to rotate and play as a team. The rotational system consists of you and your partner rotating from an up-and-back position to a side-by-side position, depending on offense has the shuttle directed downward, and they will change to a side-by-side or defending position when either partner is forced to hit the shuttle upward.
Doubles play in badminton is enjoyable for many reasons. It is a great recreational game that you can enjoy socially and competitively. It allows you to practice teamwork and strategy. Doubles play also gets your heart beating faster, requires that you move quickly, and makes you physical activity possibly aid in allowing you to relax, relieving stress, and providing some physical conditioning. Your position in doubles to a great extent determines the type of return that you and your partner will make and how effectively you will both be able to get your opponents' return.
Communication is important between partners, before, during, and after the game. Partners hould complement each other. You should work in tandem in order to be successful both offensively and defensively. Remember, you win together or lose together. Your actions determine the outcome for the team, success or failure. Short, distinct verbal cues to your partner, such as, "Out!" during a rally, may assist your partner. Verbal commands such as "Take it!" or "Yours!" may help your partner on returns that are not clearly defined as to who should make the potential return. Two key elements must be accomplished if you and your partner are to be successful in doubles play: 1) The server must develop the confidence and ability to deliver a short serve successfully; 2) The server must play aggressively toward the net after the delivery of the serve in order to prevent the opponent from returning the serve with a drop shot.
Trusting your partner plays a significant role in the success of a a doubles team. If you or your partner consistently fool each other or do not do what the other partner expects, there will be an element of confusion, which may lead to mistrust of each other. This lack of trust may lead to a point where it is not fun to play doubles together. At that point in time, criticism may not be well received, no matter how accurate or pertinent it is.
Source: Tony Grice. 2007. Badminton Step to Success. Page 149-153. Human Kinetics: USA.
