I have seen so many doubles matches at all levels and also very fortunate to coach numerous teams that have achieved exceptional results.

Teams have a wide range of players of various abilities which I believe is a real asset to development! Very often I see existing partnerships or those who have great chemistry play together all the time, but what if you can't ?

A real teams success depends on the attitudes and flexibility towards each other and willingness

to think about We and not I. That is the meaning of being on a team!

If you are going into your next match playing with someone new here are 6 rules to help you both benefit from a new experience.

1) Talk to each other before the match and set a positive tone of just doing your very best for each other.

2) Say that each of you will keep a minimum of 4 balls crosscourt from the baseline

3) First 2 volleys will always go through the middle

4) Net player will call switch if there is a lob and get to the opposite side

5) Never say sorry if you miss because no one is trying to miss

6) Come together and connect after each point regardless of the outcome

A new partnership that can adopt this simple mindset game plan will have a positive experience and great results that can be duplicated.

Good luck and remember YOUR BEST IS YET TO COME!!!

Rishan Kuruppu