Mixed doubles ettiquite?

Question

Playing in a 4.5 mixed doubles tourney...first time ever in mixed... and had questions...
If the woman is a weaker player, is it considered inappropriate to hit every ball to her?

Also, should I serve out at full speed, or hit at about 80%?

Since I know I'm a bit better than my partner, should I be somewhat of a ball hog? (poaching more, staying back and calling her off of shots)

Also, what's acceptable behavior after a good shot, or the end of the match etc. (high 5, hugs, slap on the backside)

I'd appreciate any honest advice. (I'd also appreciate any funny answers, but probably won't vote them best)


See you on the courts!

Answer 1

I have played competitive mixed doubles for about several years now. In most cases, the woman is the weaker player. I was always taught that you always go for the weaker player. Whenever I play, I almost always expect all the balls coming right at me because I'm perceived as the weaker player. I take no offense if the opposing player take a shot right at me. That's just the way it goes. But there are instances when you can hit a winner at the open court rather than going right at them.Yes, it is okay to high five, a little slap on the backside (if your partner is okay with that), complimenting your partner by saying, "good shot", "way to go", etc. Poach if you have the shot but also let your partner take hers. That tells her that as a partner, you have confidence on her. Remember the game is doubles not doubles against singles. At your level, I think everybody is skilled enough to hold their own. Goodluck in your tournament.

Answer 2

Just try to avoid hitting the opposing woman with an overhead - that can be considered poor form by some, even at the pro level you will rarely see that happen.

And you might find, as I often have, that a little kicker will be more effective against the woman. Many woman are very good at blocking a hard hit flat serve back, they can really feed off your pace. But they don't see that many kickers playing with other women, and they are not as accustomed to the trajectory of that type of server - again, playing against other women they tend to see a low, flat trajectory when receiving serve.

And just stick to what makes sense as far as which balls to take. You shouldn't be calling her off many balls, but if she's struggling to put overheads away and you are putting them away, the two of you should discuss that during the match and make the adjustment.

But don't get over eager to help her hold her serve by poaching too much. It always feels like you should be doing more to help her out, but unless she has a particularly good serve your opponents may make you pay if you try to poach too much. Just pick your moments, usually on a big point you want to be thinking poach.

And remember to stay positive, be emotionally supportive, and keep it fun.

And at the end of the match, win or lose, a peck on each cheek (NO, NOT her backside!) is very appropriate.

Good luck!

Answer 3

i teach tennis...going on two years now, and i've played for 6 or 7 years.

it depends on how competitive the match is...if the goal is to win, the goal should be to find the holes in your opponents' games...if the woman is the weak point, then do what you gotta do

use a full speed serve for your first serve, then make sure you get the second serve in.

don't do a lot of cheering of high fives...cheering for unforced errors (when you get a point because your opponent messes up) is really really bad ettiquite. if your partner makes a good shot, you can high five him/her as you switch places or when you have to go somewhere...don't stop the game to do it. if you made a winning shot, i'd say making a fist and a little "yes!" is okay, but really, the less you celebrate the better. its much more polite to accept someone saying "nice shot" with "thanks" than to make a big deal of it yourself. also, to be a considerate player, tell the other team if they make a nice shot. its good to recognize when the other team does something right, you can only learn from it.

i hope this helped! just remember to have fun when you play

Answer 4

There really is no etiquette if an opposing player or a partner is weaker. (aren't you all 4.5??) The purpose of the game is to win, not make each other feel good. Hit to the weaker player and serve 110%.

Answer 5

I would think anything goes besides targeting the player with an overhead. And as for celebrating, whatever you and your partner are comfortable with. Just make sure it's alright with your partner before you give her a nice big slap on the backside.

Answer 6

hit the ball hard if you smell blood in their game attack it but if you hit a player directly then apoligize (that's alway a nice touch but don't be afaid of playing alot on the woman!

i have been playing Badminton competitively for 12 years, and i have never won a game by being soft on any opponent if you want to go and have fun then yer go hit a few balls and smile alot and go home early!

but if you are a winner you'll play hard and still smile and still enjoy yourself, you can play hard and enjoy it too the only thing you need to worry about is prepering yourself. don't know the standard of this touney but yoou seem to be quite inthusiasic about it

go and have fun but play hard and give a good representation of yourself! to the other players around you!

oh and serve normal pace! if she can't handle it it's your advantage!

Answer 7

SERVE AS FAST AS YOU CAN TO HER.
I THINK YOU DONT WANT THAT YOUR SERVICE RETURNED BACK EASILY BY A LITTLE WEAKER OPPONENT.

IF YOU THINK IF THE BALL PLACED TOWARDS HER WILL WIN A POINT, DONT HESITATE.

SEE HER AS A PLAYER..NOT AS A WOMEN.
COZ, YOUR RIVAL MALE READY TO TREAT YOUR SIDE GIRL HARSHLY.

AND AGAIN THE SAME..IF YOUR PARNER HAS MAXIMUM ADVANTAGE TO WIN A SHOT, LET HER TAKE THE WORK.

AFTER THE MATCH, NEVER MIND THE RESULT, GIVE HER A GENTLE HUG AND A LOVABLE KISS. THAT WILL DO..