Mixed doubles rewards teams that communicate, cover the middle and make smart choices under pressure. The best practice drills build those habits—not just bigger serves or faster volleys. A few focused exercises can help both partners understand who takes the next ball and where to move after each shot.
These mixed doubles tennis drills work for casual club matches and competitive play. They use standard doubles rules, with options to adjust the pace for different skill levels. You do not need a special court or separate rules for men and women; you need clear roles and practice making decisions together.
Mixed Doubles Rules to Know Before You Drill
Mixed doubles follows the standard rules of doubles tennis. Each team has two players, and both partners can hit any ball. There is no rule that a man must hit to a man or a woman to a woman. Players may serve to either opponent, and a team can choose its serving order and return positions according to the rules.
In a match, the serving team’s partners alternate service games, and the receiving team’s partners each take a side to receive. Once the point begins, either player may cover any part of the court. Many teams choose positions based on strengths and tactics, not gender. Agree on your plan before the match and make sure both partners know who is returning from each side.
1. Middle-Ball Communication Drill
Many doubles points turn on a ball hit between partners. This drill helps you call early and move with confidence instead of both players stopping or swinging at once.
- Setup: One pair starts at the baseline; the other pair starts at the net. The net team’s player in the middle feeds or directs balls toward the space between the baseliners.
- Action: The baseline pair must call “mine,” “yours” or another agreed signal before hitting. After the shot, they recover into their planned positions.
- Scoring: Play to 10 points. The baseline pair earns a point for a clear call and a successful return; the net pair earns one if the ball causes a collision, late decision or weak reply.
Start with predictable feeds, then vary the height and pace. Agree that the player with the forehand in the middle takes the ball, unless the team has a different plan. The key is to call early—not to rely on a last-second shout.
2. Serve, Return and First-Volley Pattern
A strong serve matters, but the next shot often decides whether the serving team takes control. This drill rehearses the first three contacts: serve, return and the server’s partner’s volley.
- The server aims for a chosen target, such as the body or the receiver’s backhand.
- The receiver returns crosscourt or through the middle, as agreed before the point.
- The server’s partner moves to intercept a reachable return, while the server recovers toward the middle.
- Play out the point after the first volley or return.
Run five serves from each side, then switch roles. Give the net player a clear job: watch the returner’s contact and move forward only when the ball is short enough to attack. Charging too soon can open an easy passing lane.
3. Return-and-Recover Drill
Returning teams often lose shape when one player chases a wide serve. This exercise trains the receiver to return with control while the partner covers the next likely shot.
- One player serves from the deuce or ad court; the receiver’s partner starts near the service line or at the net.
- The receiver aims deep crosscourt, then recovers toward a position that protects the middle.
- The serving team plays the next ball freely. Continue the point for four shots or until it ends.
Begin with medium-paced serves and focus on depth rather than winners. If the receiver is pulled wide, the partner should shade toward the open middle without abandoning the line completely. Swap returning sides so both players practice the pattern.
4. Two-Up Defensive Lob Drill
When both opponents reach the net, a well-placed lob can buy time or create an attacking chance. This drill teaches the net pair to turn, communicate and decide who takes the overhead.
Start with one team at the net and one team at the baseline. The baseline team feeds a lob over either net player. The net pair must call who will take it, with the other player covering the middle or preparing for the next ball. After the overhead, play out the point.
Practice high, defensive lobs first, then add shorter lobs that invite an overhead. The player who turns to chase the ball should call “mine” early. The partner should not retreat blindly; they need to watch the hitter and cover the likely reply.
5. Target-and-Transition Game
This drill combines placement with movement from the baseline toward the net. It is useful for teams that hit solid groundstrokes but struggle to know when to come forward.
Mark a target area deep in the middle of the opponents’ court. A pair starts at the baseline and must hit one ball into that area before either player can move in. The other team can try to pass or lob. Play the point out, then switch roles after five points.
A deep middle ball can limit sharp angles and make opponents hesitate over who should hit. But do not rush forward after a short or floating shot that leaves the other team an easy passing opportunity. Move in behind a ball that gives you time and puts pressure on the opponents.
How to Make Mixed Doubles Practice More Useful
- Choose roles by strengths. One partner may have a better return; the other may be more comfortable finishing at the net. Test options rather than assigning roles by gender.
- Use short, clear calls. “Switch,” “stay,” “yours” and “mine” are easier to understand than long instructions during a point.
- Practice both service courts. Each player should be comfortable serving, receiving and moving from both sides.
- Keep score with a purpose. Award points for good decisions and teamwork, not only winners. For example, give a point for a clear middle-ball call even if the rally is later lost.
- Review one thing at a time. After a game, discuss a single pattern—such as return depth or who covers the lob—then try it again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there special rules for mixed doubles tennis?
No. Mixed doubles uses standard doubles rules. Men and women can hit any ball, and there is no requirement to hit toward an opponent of the same gender. Service order and receiving positions must still follow doubles rules.
Who should play at the net in mixed doubles?
Either player can play at the net. Decide based on comfort, volley skill and the match situation. Some teams keep the stronger volleyer forward; others switch positions during points as tactics require.
How can mixed doubles partners stop clashing over middle balls?
Agree before play who takes a middle ball in common situations, such as when one partner has a forehand. Then call early on every uncertain ball. Practice the decision in a middle-ball drill so it becomes a habit.
How often should we practice these drills?
Try two or three drills in a session, spending about 10 to 15 minutes on each. Repeat the same patterns in later practices, changing the feeds or scoring once the basic movement feels comfortable.
Final Thoughts
Good mixed doubles comes from shared decisions, reliable positioning and a plan for the first few shots of each point. Use these drills to practice middle-ball calls, serve-and-volley patterns, returns and lobs. Keep the rules simple, choose roles that suit both players and make communication part of every exercise—not an afterthought.
