The most important aspect of playing badminton doubles is coordination with your partner.
Step One
Decide in advance what formation, or combination of formations, you will use – discuss this in terms of your overall strategy.
Step Two
Choose between a side-by-side formation, an up-and-back formation, or a rotation formation.
Step Three
Use the side-by-side formation when your team is in a defensive position. Both teammates stand at midcourt, following a lifted return that puts your opponents on the attack.
Step Four
Use the up-and-back formation when you are on the attack. One teammate covers the front, trying to get the smash shot off a weak return; the other covers the backcourt, to handle clear shots.
Step Five
Use a rotation formation to recover from difficult shots that drive you out of position. Each time one partner moves, the other adjusts on the diagonal.
Step Six
Use verbal communication until you and your partner understand each other well. After playing for a while with the same partner, this should become less necessary.
Step Seven
Serve short serves, unless your opponent is expecting them. Deep serves invite an attack.
Step Eight
Rush the serve when returning serves. Attack.
Step Nine
Crouch low when the shuttle is behind you so that your partner can more easily hit over your head. Keep your eyes forward and trust your partner.