Mixed Doubles Drills: 3 Practical Examples

Introduction to Mixed Doubles Drills

Mixed doubles tennis is a fantastic way to improve your skills while enjoying the game with a partner. These drills not only enhance your individual techniques but also promote teamwork and communication between players. Below are three practical examples of mixed doubles drills that you can incorporate into your training sessions.

1. Cross-Court Rally Drill

This drill focuses on developing consistency, control, and effective shot placement between partners. It’s a great way to practice cross-court shots, which are crucial in doubles play.

In this drill, both players will stand on opposite sides of the court, near the baseline. One player starts by hitting the ball cross-court to their partner. The partner then returns the shot, aiming for the same cross-court target. The key is to maintain a rally, focusing on accuracy rather than power.

As both players gain confidence, they can gradually increase the pace of their shots or introduce a target area to aim for on the opposite side of the court, such as the service box. This helps improve precision and timing.

Notes:

• Players can switch positions after a set number of rallies, allowing both to practice forehands and backhands.
• Consider adding a competition element by counting how many successful rallies each pair can achieve without missing.

2. Mixed Doubles Positioning Drill

Understanding court positioning is vital in mixed doubles tennis. This drill helps players learn how to cover the court effectively and communicate with their partner.

Start by marking the key areas of the court: the net, service boxes, and baseline. One player will serve to the other, who will return the ball. After the serve and return, players must quickly adjust their positions based on the shot’s trajectory.

For instance, if the return is deep, both players should position themselves closer to the baseline. Conversely, if the return is short, both should move toward the net. This drill emphasizes the importance of teamwork and strategy in doubles play.

Notes:

• Encourage players to call out their positions and intentions to enhance communication.
• Introduce different scenarios, like one player being more aggressive at the net or playing defensively from the baseline.

3. Target Practice Drill

This drill is designed to improve accuracy and shot selection, essential skills for effective mixed doubles play. It sets up specific target areas on the court, allowing players to focus on hitting chosen spots consistently.

Set up cones or targets (like towels or small balls) at various locations on the opposite side of the court, such as the corners, the service line, or the net area. One player serves or hits the ball to their partner, who then aims to hit the ball to one of the designated targets. Partners can take turns serving and aiming for the targets.

Players should keep track of how many targets they hit in a set time, promoting a fun competitive element while practicing.

Notes:

• Adjust the difficulty by moving the targets closer or further away based on skill levels.
• Incorporate different shot types, like volleys, forehands, and backhands, when aiming at targets to diversify practice.

By incorporating these examples of mixed doubles drills into your training, you can enhance your skills and foster better communication and teamwork with your partner on the court. Happy practicing!