If you want to win more mixed doubles matches, it starts with understanding one simple truth: mixed doubles is its own game.

PPA pros Mari Humberg and Ryan Fu broke down the biggest strategies, mistakes, and patterns you need to know to level up your play.

Expect to be targeted, and be ready

In mixed doubles, teams will often target the female player. That’s not a knock, it’s strategy.

Instead of being caught off guard, embrace it. Stay composed, avoid panic, and focus on doing your job: setting up your partner. Whether it’s with controlled dinks, smart placement, or initiating attacks, your role is to create opportunities, not carry every point.

Because in mixed, you’re not winning without your partner.

Positioning matters at the kitchen

Proper positioning can make or break a point.

In most righty-righty teams, the stronger forehand (typically the male player) should be in the middle. That means:

- Left-side player covers middle with their forehand
- Right-side player sets them up

The key? Move together. Think of it like you’re connected by a rope: never too far apart, always in sync. Good footwork and intentional dinking will naturally pull your partner into the rally.

Who takes the middle ball?

This is one of the most common areas of confusion.

Rule of thumb: forehand takes the middle.

If your partner has a forehand in the middle, let them step in and protect your backhand. It keeps the team aggressive and avoids weak contact.

The best attack patterns in mixed

Attacking in mixed doubles is all about percentages.

- Attacking crosscourt as the female player is tougher
- The highest percentage play is the male attacking the female opponent

Where should you aim?

- At the body (chest area) to jam counters
- Toward the right shoulder if they slide into backhands
- Occasionally behind them to keep them guessing

If your opponent counters well, adjust quickly. The best players recognize patterns and adapt point to point.

How to handle an over-aggressive opponent

What if one player is taking over the court?

Don’t avoid them, challenge them.

- Dink behind them to force movement
- Mix in shots back to their partner
- Stay unpredictable

If you only hit to the “safe” spot, you make their job easier. Make them uncomfortable, and they’ll start second-guessing.

Serve and return: The most important shots

In mixed doubles, the serve and return matter more than you think.

On the serve:

- Prioritize depth
- A deep serve leads to weaker returns
- That creates attackable third shots

On the return:

- Keep it deep and consistent
- Give yourself time to get to the kitchen

A short return or serve can flip the entire point instantly.

Drive vs. Drop: Making the right call

Knowing when to drive or drop the third shot is critical.

Drive when:

- The return is short
- You can apply pressure

Drop when:

- The return is deep
- The opposing player is crowding the middle
- You need to reset and neutralize

A smart drop—especially one with spin—can pull opponents out of position and open up the court.

Mastering the transition zone

One of the biggest mistakes players make? Trying to hit while moving.

Instead:

- Split step as your opponent makes contact
- Get balanced before hitting
- Avoid swinging on the run

Controlled footwork leads to better counters and fewer pop-ups.

Final pro tips for mixed doubles

- Set the tone early: Start aggressive, then adjust
- Be a reliable partner: Minimize errors and create opportunities
- Stay supportive: Your partner will see more balls—encouragement matters
- Be unpredictable: Keep opponents guessing

At the end of the day, mixed doubles isn’t about playing safe, it’s about playing smart, together.

Master these strategies, and you’ll start seeing results fast.