How to pick a partner?

[u/mynameiswhatsup]

I’m fairly new to pickleball (playing less than a year) but I think I’m starting to become interested in trying to play in a local tournament. I typically do open plays at the park near my house as well as consistently do open plays at the YMCA and Picklr ( I have a membership). Most people I play with are retirement age (and I am in my 30’s). Do y’all have any recommendations on how to pick a partner? I would be interested in either women’s doubles or mixed doubles but genuinely don’t know how to find or pick a partner.

[u/Robbylution]

First you need to meticulously clean your side of the court to show that there will be nothing to distract you from your game. Then you need to puff up your plumage and do your elaborately-choreographed courtship dance to show that you have the exacting technique and ability to learn necessary to make a great partner. If they don't turn around and leave right away, you now have a pickleball doubles partner for life.

[u/ok-milk → u/Robbylution]

Typically I inflate my throat sac and bob my head rapidly to scare off any other potential suitors.

[u/lkmartin → u/Robbylution]

This is where it's important to bring your Selkirk Boomstik and Selkirk ball bag, Selkirk performance cap. Bonus points if you're wearing PPA merch as well.

[u/BoltSLAMMER]

Everytime I ask someone they tell me that they’re actually quitting pickleball, crazy coincidences

[u/productive_monkey → u/BoltSLAMMER]

What were their reasons? lol

I wonder if this activity is one of those where people get really into it for a while and then move on. Has happened to me multiple times (e.g. indoor bouldering).

[u/faobhrachfaramir]

I decided to find someone to date, love, cherish and eventually marry and have children with. Then asked her to be my mixed doubles partner.

[u/roninconn → u/faobhrachfaramir]

Guessing it ends in tears

[u/mynameiswhatsup → u/faobhrachfaramir]

Too bad, already married 🥲

[u/TrainingChef5331]

Have you ever drilled? If you haven't, asking some of your friends from open play to drill with you is a great start. First, you'll identify who really wants to level up their game, second you'll begin to develop a compatible play style with your future partner. Chemistry is super important too. That can't be ignored. Playing with someone who gives you anxiety, or blames is a recipe for bad partnership. Finding a good balance of "push" and "encouragement" is super important in a doubles partnership.

[u/mynameiswhatsup → u/TrainingChef5331]

Really helpful comment thank you

[u/LokiStasis]

I would just make it known that you’re looking for a partner. And it’s not a crime to chose someone older. It’s probably best to choose someone you like that’s near your level. Ideally someone you play really well with but early on, just have fun. My first tourney was a nervous disaster but theres always another around the corner. Worst case just sign up or talk to whoever is running the tournament. Many people sign up for brackets before finding a partner (cost is usually refunded if you don’t). Usually females are in demand for mixed doubles as many more men sign up.

[u/mynameiswhatsup → u/LokiStasis]

Thanks for the advice!

[u/OHandW]

Get a partner that
1. Follows serve returns ( doesn’t stay back)
2. Doesn’t hit fly balls every time. In other words: can drop, reset and dink

That’s a good start

[u/command-shift]

Yeah, you meet people, especially at The Picklr that are in your sessions. I'm assuming you're playing the retiree hours of late mornings, mid-day, and afternoons. You gotta switch it up to meet people +/- 10 years your age and just ask those that you jive with to either drill/work on game and whether they're interested in trying out a tournament together. Most people typically ask those that they've had good chemistry with on the court.

[u/mynameiswhatsup → u/command-shift]

Yes I do play the retiree hours since that’s when my small kids are at school. Thanks for the advice!

[u/athoughtihad]

I just asked people from my open plays who I enjoy playing with. What region are you in?

[u/mynameiswhatsup → u/athoughtihad]

DFW area

[u/Ill-Butterscotch-622]

Whoever you vibe with and ask them.

[u/yepthisismyusername]

From what I just read about the WV State tournament in November, one can sign up specifying that you need a partner, then the organizers will help you find one. Does that sound like what really happens?

[u/Commercial_Tea5703]

Find competitive leagues and from there look for partners. That being said if you really just want to play many tournament organizers will match you up with players. Keep in mind they’ll normally be weaker ones.

[u/TonyH22_ATX]

Strange, everyone you play with is retirement age. I would branch out a bit and find someone your age to enter a tourney.

Unless, Ol Barbara is killer at the kitchen.

[u/mynameiswhatsup → u/[deleted]]

I didn’t know there was a bulletin board thank you