mixed strategies?

[randomname]

alright, I have a big mixed match coming up and I need some advice. (i dont play mixed often so Im not really sure what the best strategies) the other team's guy is gonna be by far the best player on the court, but thankfully he's much more of a singles player so odds are he wont be attacking the net and trying to take over every point. the other girl is fairly good (not quite as good of a doubles player as my girl) but shes also extremely predictable (very small shot selection, basically the only shots she has are either crosscourt with topspin or going for the passing shot down the alley, which she is fairly good at unfortunetly) I dont think ive ever seen her hit a slice or a lob that doesnt go right to the net player, she also has an extremely slow serve with a little bit of slice on it. Im a fairly well rounded player, dont have any major holes in my game, I dont get alot of pace on my serve but I can put alot of lefty spin on it which will tend to screw with my opponents, and I generally try to serve and volley on my first serves in doubles. anyway, what are some strategies to use? I assume we should try to poach alot when the girl is at the baseline, but should both of us try to serve and volley as much as possible? and what should my girl do when matched up at the baseline against the other guy? (she can hit a wicked backhand slice too) any input is appreciated

 

[randomname]

bump... 10 chars

 

[Geezer Guy]

The fact that it's Mixed only makes a difference in your head, not on the court. Just treat it like a normal doubles match. For this match, you've identified a stronger player and a weaker player. You feel the stronger player may have a weakness at the net. You say you're a well-rounded player, and your partner is a good doubles player.

I'd say your team needs to take the net as much as possible. Try not to get in a back-court to back-court exchange - especially with their stronger player. Find out early if their "singles" player can volley. You have GOT to break their weak server, and both of you need to hold serve. Poaches and fake poaches are a must. Maybe try some different serving formations. Serve down the middle a lot, and get those first serves in.

Hit to the weaker player a lot, but if you get an easy sitter you KNOW you can put away, fire it at their good player. Watch for the good player to start covering for his partner, then hit into the hole he left.

 

[LuckyR]

The fact that it's Mixed only makes a difference in your head, not on the court. Just treat it like a normal doubles match. For this match, you've identified a stronger player and a weaker player. You feel the stronger player may have a weakness at the net. You say you're a well-rounded player, and your partner is a good doubles player.

I'd say your team needs to take the net as much as possible. Try not to get in a back-court to back-court exchange - especially with their stronger player. Find out early if their "singles" player can volley. You have GOT to break their weak server, and both of you need to hold serve. Poaches and fake poaches are a must. Maybe try some different serving formations. Serve down the middle a lot, and get those first serves in.

Hit to the weaker player a lot, but if you get an easy sitter you KNOW you can put away, fire it at their good player. Watch for the good player to start covering for his partner, then hit into the hole he left.

^^^^ what he said. I always hit to the higher percentage part of the court regardless of whether the "weaker" or "stroger" player is standing closer to that spot. By playing the percentages, your shots to the "stronger" player will be more likely to result in their mistakes and in Mixed you cannot get a better situation than the "stronger" player feeling extra anxious because they have made mistakes in front of the "weaker" player. That is notorious for majorly messing with their heads.

 

[Bagumbawalla]

If the women in this doubles match were significantly inferior to the men, I might have other suggestions, however, that does not seem to be the case, here.

I would go with the, above, advice.

Play the match just like any other doubles match. Play the percentage shots- just play smart doubles and I think you will do OK.

 

[shojun25]

best tip (IMO): hit it to the net person's alley. people never guard their alley anymore (exagerating), except at pro level. that is probably your best bet to win.

if you think the guy opponent is a good singles player, then avoid him.

hit it to your opponent's feet.

if you don't feel comfortable playing net, don't. don't risk points by playing net (I learned that the hard way because I am okey at net and I just got pwned).

passing shots, especially in your opponent's backhand.

don't go for winners a lot. just be consistent, but not too consistent that will give them easy winners.

just play smart and have fun. good luck.