Pro Tip: Jim Hackenberg talks Mixed Doubles
Evaluating the strengths & weaknesses of your team is vital in Mixed Doubles strategy
In general, in mixed doubles there is often a greater disparity in the abilities of the partners. The male is often the dominant player, but not always. I can think of many instances where the woman is stronger both physically and psychologically. You must be able to be brutally honest with your partner in evaluating what you deem to be the strengths and weaknesses of your team. The result of the evaluation forms the basis of your positioning, shot selection and strategy.
General Positioning
At the net move in unison as a team in the direction you have hit the ball so that two-thirds of the court from side-line to side-line is covered. For example, if you hit a cross-court shot, your partner moves to cover the sideline while you move to the middle. Your team in squarely in the path of the most probable return.
A positioning technique used by many top mixed doubles teams is stacking. Whether you are the serving or the receiving team, the players align themselves so the dominant player’s forehand is always in the middle. This is often seen when there is a desire to optimize one partner’s speed and power. Google the 2013 USAPA National Mixed gold medal match and you will see both teams using this technique. With practice, this can be a smooth, seamless and effective technique.
Shot Selection Back and Front
The importance of deep serves and deep returns is not news to most players. The shot that is the real deal-maker or deal-breaker is the third shot. The drop shot is one of the best ways to transition from the backcourt to the net. A well-executed drop shot makes your opponents bend, stretch and make contact below net height, typically sending the ball upward. Early recognition that you’ve executed an effective drop shot allows your team to advance to the net, but don’t automatically dash in after every third shot. It might take several attempts to get it right. Another effective third shot is a low drive return off an opponent’s short serve return. If well struck, you can follow this shot to the net.
Once your team is at the net, a common error in novice play is to try to drive a ball that is well below net height. Many players never quite get it. Soften it with a dink or by hitting well-placed lobs when striking a ball below net height.
Anticipation is Key
If your opponent’s tend to drive the ball at you, have your paddle up and ready. If they constantly hit to your partner, look for opportunities to poach. If they like to lob, be on your toes and ready to move back to cover the lob. All of this takes practice, but the more you anticipate, instead of just reacting, the more success you will enjoy.
