Mixed Doubles Strategy (Tennis)
Also known as: mixed doubles tennis, tennis mixed doubles, mixed doubles tactics in tennis, mixed doubles strategy in tennis, how to play mixed doubles tennis
Mixed doubles strategy is mostly good doubles strategy. Serve well, get to the net, communicate and hit the ball low and at the feet. Play to the strengths of each partner, and target the player who is less comfortable in that part of the court. Decide sides and serving order by skill, not gender.
Mixed doubles pairs one man and one woman on each team. The rules are the same as other doubles. Most of the tactics are too. Good serving, solid returns, strong net play and clear communication win in any format.
Mixed doubles often features players with different strengths on each team. Build your plan around that. Let the stronger server serve first in each set if you can. Put each player on the side that suits their returns. Hit to whichever opponent is less comfortable in a given spot. That might be at the net or on the baseline.
Etiquette and partnership matter. Encourage your partner after misses. Talk about poaching and signals before you start. In social play, gauge the culture of the event. A hard drive at a net player is legal, but some groups expect lighter play.
Tips by skill level
Before the match, agree on who serves first and who plays which side. Keep it simple and positive.
Track which opponent misses more in each spot. Shift your targets as the match goes on.
Example
A mixed team plans its first match. The partner with the bigger serve serves first. The one with the better backhand return takes the ad side. They target whichever opponent is less steady at the net.
Why it matters
Mixed doubles rewards planning around each player's strengths. Good teamwork often beats raw power.
Common mistakes
- Assigning roles by gender instead of skill
- Ignoring one opponent and over-hitting at the other
- Not agreeing on signals or who covers the middle
- Blaming your partner after errors
Frequently asked questions
What is the strategy in mixed doubles?
Use good doubles basics: serve well, get to the net, hit low and communicate. Play to each partner's strengths and target the less comfortable opponent in each spot.
Who should serve first in mixed doubles?
Usually the stronger server. The team chooses at the start of each set, so pick by skill, not gender.
Related terms
- Doubles PositioningDoubles positioning is how two partners split and cover the court. Usually one is at net and one at the baseline, shifting together as the point develops.
- Doubles Serving TacticsIn doubles, serve mostly down the T or into the body to cut down the returner's angles and send returns through the middle, where your partner can poach. Landing a high share of first serves usually matters more than raw pace. As a result, add spin and take a little speed off if you need to. Stand wider along the baseline than in singles, and agree on the target with your partner before each point.
- Doubles Return TacticsIn doubles, return crosscourt to the server, low and away from the net player, unless you are sure a shot down the line will win the point. If the server comes to the net, aim low at their feet. If the net player keeps poaching, mix in a lob over their head or a shot down their alley. Block or chip big first serves, and swing more freely on second serves.
- Doubles CommunicationGood doubles partners talk before, during and after every point. Before the serve, agree on the serve target and whether the net player will cross, often with hand signals. During the point, call short words like mine, yours or switch while the ball is coming toward you. Between points, meet within a few seconds, stay positive and plan the next point.
- Poaching (Doubles)Poaching is when the net player in doubles crosses over to intercept a ball meant for their partner. It cuts off the angle and finishes the point at net.
Related guides & benchmarks
Have a question about this?
There is nothing here to film. Ask SwingVantage a follow-up question, or keep reading the related terms above.