In doubles, the player closest to the ball makes the call during a point. When the ball is served, the returner’s partner makes the call. When one or the other player isn’t clearly closer to the ball, the important thing is consensus. If the partners disagree about a call, they should concede the point to their opponents. When your doubles partner makes a call, accept his or her judgment and back up your partner if the other team challenges the call.

However, if your partner does make a bad call, you can reverse it. Do this tactfully, turning to your partner first, saying something like, “I’m sure that ball was good. We have to give them the point.” Then tell your opponents the news. Just say, “Sorry, I had a better vantage point. It’s your point.”

Changing the call can be demoralizing to your partner. Don’t do it unless you’re dead certain.

Try not to engage in independent discussions with your opponents on issues that involve your partner. If some potential for conflict exists between you and your partner, retreat to discuss the issue together, without the other team overhearing.

It really pays to compliment your partner for good racquet work, as often as it occurs. When your partner makes a good shot, say so, without slobbering all over her. “Great shot” or “Super” will do. When your partner makes a bad or stupid error, don’t pull a long face or in any other way show team dissension. Doing so only pumps a little air into your opponents. It can also make your partner mad, and justifiably so.

But if your partner is making errors for some discernible technical reason, wait until an appropriate time, like a changeover, and make your point as part of your overall strategic discussion. You can say something like “By the way, I think you’re getting aced because you’re lining up way over toward the sideline to return serve. Maybe we can solve that if you move a little farther toward the middle.”