Mixed doubles: who covers what
The usual split of roles between the woman and the man in mixed doubles, in service, return, attack and defence.
The idea
Mixed doubles shares most of its tactics with level doubles. The main difference is that, on average, the woman hits with less power than the man. So pairs try to build situations where the woman can take the forecourt and mid-court, and the man the mid-court and rear court. This is a tendency across many pairs. A particular pair may be built differently, and the roles can be swapped when it suits them.
Serving
- Man serving: the woman stands near the net, a little to one side. On the left court she can try both sides in practice; it can disturb a receiver who returns straight a lot. The man covers replies to mid- and rear court.
- Woman serving: her partner stands in the middle of the court. She covers net and mid-court replies.
- A low serve to the centre limits angles; a serve at the receiver is a change.
- Flick: wide against the woman, to push her back. If she flicks herself, she should step back a little: the more off balance the receiver, the closer she can stay to the net. If the man flicks, the woman moves where possible to the cross-court side.
Receiving
- Woman receiving: her partner takes a central position. If the return goes to the net, she moves in and takes the forecourt. If she plays straight to mid- or rear court, she expects the straight reply. Pushing into the body of the server's partner is another option.
- Man receiving: his partner usually stands beside him. He often plays to the mid- or rear court, giving him time to get back, and straight returns may let him cover the third shot more often. Net, cross-court and body returns are variations. If his return creates a lot of pressure, he stays in to finish or set up his partner.
- Against a flick: attack the straight player's body, or between the two; or take some pace off the shot to gain time. A clear to the woman, or a cross-court clear, also gives time to recover.
Attacking
- The favoured shape is front and back: the man in mid- and rear court, where his extra power helps; the woman moving forward to take the mid- and forecourt.
- Be patient: play with accuracy and steep angles until a real chance to add pace comes.
- Hit more shots at the straight player, who has less time, or between the two.
- An attacking clear to force the woman back can work, but do not overdo it. Hitting every shot at the woman gives the plan away, and may even draw her into the forecourt, where she is strong.
Defending
- The favoured shape is side by side.
- Woman: generally lifts cross-court, so the next attack is less likely to be aimed at her. A straight lift only if it relieves the pressure.
- Man: generally lifts straight, so he can take any straight attack. A cross-court lift only if it relieves pressure.
- Use pushes and blocks off smashes, especially into the mid-court just behind the opposing front player.
Mistakes to avoid
- Hitting at the woman every time: the opponents will wait for it.
- Letting the woman be stranded in the rear court when you could change the shape.
- Assuming the role split is a rule. The one who is better in a zone should play there.
A simple practice
Play a mixed game where the woman may only lift cross-court off drops and smashes; then a second game with both directions allowed. Talk about when each is better. Repeat with the man lifting only straight. Then play a game where lifting off smashes is not allowed.
Limits
This lesson describes common habits of mixed pairs. It does not say who "should" play which role. Choose according to your own strengths.
General practice advice: play within your limits and stop if something hurts.