Category: Match Play Tactics

The fact that a ten-year-old would have won the point means nothing. The gallery yells itself hoarse. There are few general tactical rules for mixed doubles, since the game is too uncertain in class, but there are a few:

I am a great believer in two partners talking to each other, encouraging each other, and working always with a show of friendship. I think it has a definite effect, not only on your partner, to keep him happy and working, but also in making the other team aware of your cooperation toward victory. Do…

Doubles always is, or should be, a service battle. Service gives the attack and the net to the team serving, and that advantage should win them the game. One break through service usually settles a set in doubles. Once that is recognized, then obviously the most important shot in doubles becomes the service return: I am absolutely certain that any team that will put every service in play will win any doubles match. The average team today tries to do too much with the service return, and to follow in behind it, with the result that something like 50 per cent of their service returns are missed in the great majority of games.

Everything that I have said up to now about strokes, tactics, and so forth has had to do with playing singles. The singles game is the acme of tennis skill because it allows the widest range of attack and defence, strokes, tactics, and psychology, but the doubles and mixed doubles games have their own charm and fascination. Many people enjoy doubles more than singles, probably because they have to do less work, have a partner to blame for defeat and someone to listen to their gripes as they play.