The Ultimate Mixed Doubles Strategy Guide
Playing mixed doubles in tennis is often compared to being in a relationship - effective mixed doubles demands strong communication, trust, and knowing each other's strengths and weaknesses. Players need to adapt to one another's playing styles and work together as a team to achieve a common goal.
Unlike a relationship, however, not every match will have an equal distribution of responsibility. At times, one player may take on 70% or even 80% of the workload while the other contributes 30% or 20%. Regardless of the distribution, it is important for both partners to work together effectively.
We spoke with Adam Brownlow, the Director of Tennis at Saltaire Yacht Club in New York, who has also worked in Scotland, Italy, Texas and Louisiana to learn some of his tried-and-true tips for succeeding in mixed doubles.
Communication and the Importance of Having a Plan
"Effective communication begins before the match," said Brownlow. "It's important to create an environment of trust between teammates and discuss the overall game plan in advance."
Consider questions like:
How are we going to approach this match?
Do we know our opponents?
"During warm-ups, observe your opponents to identify their strengths and weaknesses. Forming a strategy before the match can reduce pressure and shift your focus to the game plan versus how you feel. During the match, keep communication simple: say 'yours' or 'mine during points, give high-fives, and encourage each other. After the match, talk about the game and reflect on what went well and what could be improved. This way we learn and get better for the next match."
Who Takes the Lead?
"Mixed Doubles provides a great opportunity to leverage your strengths and minimize your weaknesses," said Brownlow. "That's why your partner is there."
Naturally, the partner with the advantage should take the lead the majority of the time. Take a look at some of these common mixed doubles scenarios, and how to best approach them:
If both players are at the back, the player with the better groundstrokes should take the middle ball.
The stronger volleyer would try to get closer to the next and be more active.
The player with the better overhead will attempt to take more lobs without sacrificing their position.
The player with the stronger serve should serve first to gain an early advantage.
Typically, the stronger player should take the ad side, as this side is where many crucial points are played, including 40-0, 40-30, advantage, game points, break points, and match points. Other reason for the stronger player to take the ad side would be having their forehand volley in the middle (unless that person is a lefty) which will give them more opportunities to poach and be more aggressive at the net.
Managing Different Pace and Power of Opponents
"This tip applies to every shot in every match and is not specific to any gender," said Brownlow. "As tennis players, we need to adapt to different pace, spins, heights, and the ability to adjust is key! For example, if you are facing a player with more powerful groundstrokes and serves, you should compact your stroke and use the pace that is given to you. If you’re up against a heavy topspin hitter, you can adapt your position by stepping in to take the ball early or by moving back to give yourself more time, or learn how to attack spin with spin of your own. You can adjust to spin positionally or technically. If you're facing an opponent who hits a softer ball, it’s important to maintain an aggressive swing with good shape and to not be tempted to slow down. Overall, remember that you have options, and picking the best one is the key."
While these strategies apply to most tennis players, the variation in spin and pace is a particularly common challenge in mixed doubles. Luckily, by putting yourself in mixed doubles matches that test your responses to different game styles, you can be better prepared in your singles and gendered doubles matches for whatever comes across the net.
Don’t Change the Winning Strategy - Change the Losing One
Have you won a set and then immediately lost the next one? Sometimes this happens due to not recognizing match patterns.
"You may be finding success by serving to your opponent's backhand, being more consistent, playing more aggressively at the net, and so on," said Brownlow. "It’s crucial to identify what’s working and stick to that plan. Equally important is recognizing what isn’t working. Are you lobbing too much? Are you double faulting? If so, it is important to communicate and recognize these patterns with your partner so you can capitalize on what's working and minimize what's not."
Keep It Simple
"Master the simple and keep it simple, as I like to say," said Brownlow. "Focus on simple tactics that you can control, like making your first serve and keeping your returns cross-court.
"A high percentage first serve reduces the pressure on your second serve and creates more chances for your partner to poach and be aggressive at the net. By making more returns crosscourt and avoiding the net player, you put more pressure on the server.
"Also, don't forget to have a plan for ball #3: will you approach and volley, stay back, or use a serve and volley strategy? Your decision will often depend on the type of ball you receive, but it’s better to have a plan and adjust as necessary than to play without one. If you’re hitting low volleys, keep them deep; if you’re hitting high volleys, attack the net player."
Mixed doubles offers a fun and unique way to enjoy tennis, providing a dynamic environment where the variations in pace and strategy often challenge you to adapt your game plan. This not only enhances your skills but also helps you stay composed and confident throughout any match - singles, doubles or mixed. Regardless of your skill or opponents, mixed doubles provides endless opportunities to grow as a player and enjoy the game in a new light.
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