8.5 Mixed Doubles Match Play (Part 1)

Chris and Maddie take on competitors Mike and Megan for our first Mixed Doubles Match on Real Tennis. All four players are strong tennis athletes and both are very competitive and want to win. Who will come out on top?

#doubles #tennis #match

[moreorlesstennis]

Great set! It looks to me like Chris / Maddie have a definite advantage at the net, at least so far. I also feel like the play / mental style of Chris & Maddie works better together, which obviously can have a big impact in doubles. This match kind of showcased how different the play style is between singles and doubles, too. There's a lot that carries over, and a lot that doesn't. Thanks as always for the match! Love watching these. Hope one day to see these matches in your own space!

[ssenssel]

Nice match up of styles. Looking forward to part 2.

[IamnotJohnFord]

As usual the team losing is lamenting about what their opponents are doing rather than what they need to change about their gameplay. Both teams are a little nervous and tentative I think. But, one team is playing within themselves physically and mentally. I don't think the second set will go any differently.

[gregbishopmav]

One of my favorite parts of these videos is the music selection for the outro. It's like a horror movie trailer tune. Which gives you that 'you don't know, someone might actually lose an arm in the upcoming video, stay tuned' feeling.

[paulkramer]

interesting match! Chris has good strategy there to put balls back with a lot of topspin, keeping the opponents back. He covers the net better than the others, but his volleys are ok, but could be better. . Maddie is a solid player in the backcourt, and ok with Volleys. Mike has a big serve, but hits a bit too flat. He also is obviously not comfortable at the net. Megan has a decent serve, decent game, maybe a bit better than Maddie's. Probably a stronger singles player than Maddie. They all could be better at the net. I notice also that the returners partner sets up awfully wide at the service line. I'd want to play closer to the center line if I were them. They leave too easy a shot for the servers partner if they are able to poach. Once the serve is returned successfully fine, change, but remember, protect the middle. Of course all defenders should shift toward the side that the ball is coming from.

[Cwookie_]

Oooh, love me some nice mixed doubles! Gonna watch this over dinner. What's up with the tight field of view though? We can't see a lot of the stuff that happens on the camera side😅

[NamesAreRandom]

You can see the neither of the men are really volley masters but Chris is doing a better job of charging around in front of the net being off-putting, he's winning his team points without even having to hit a volley.

[brucecaughran]

I think Megan + Maddie could take Chris + Mike. I vote we rotate partners for the second set.

[kjs]

love how james zoomed in on the red impact mark on Chris' arm. Excellent camera work

[-Munditimum-]

Very enjoyable, good match up. Wait...no tweeners Chris? What's goin' on here?!!? LOL.
Hey is that Mark's buddy at the back with the yellow shirt?
Looking forward to Part 2!
Cheers,
M

[maxm]

It's tricky when someone stands really close to the net. If avoid them they can cut it off, but going straight at them or just the natural shot, has a high chance of hitting them.

[fpolanc]

Shout out to Topher with the Beach House apparell

[dr.bagelmaker]

This was fun to watch. Can't wait for part 2. I struggle with mixed doubles. I can hit against 4.0+ players in clinics (usually doubles) fairly well, but the change of pace and rhythm really throws me off. Backhand is slightly less prone, but forehand consistency is the issue. Any suggestions on how to play more consistently but also take advantage of weak shots in mixed doubles?

[hafadaze]

With that big serve Mike is making he needs to come in to the net because he can put away those shots easily rather than waiting for a floater he’s looks uncomfortable returning

[saugus]

Chris and Maddie playing smart tennis and not overthinking anything
Mike really needs to step up, play with more energy

Commentators need to cut down on talking a little 😂, seem there was way more talking in the booth than court play, we don’t need a comment after every point

Learning experience for everyone

Looking forward to second set, but Team CM should take it 6-2 next set as well my prediction

[andrewlee]

You can really see the Wisconsin in this match.

[jennym]

In mixed doubles I always want to give the guy the AD side (unless he is a lefty), as he can have the net and overhead with his forehand. But I would never play ad side against a lefty man because he has the kick serve wide that is almost unreturnable to most righ handed women. I am assuming the women are the 4.5s and the men were the 4.0s. The men didn't seem totally great at doubles. I'm just a rec player but they are covering the line too much and leaving their partner with too much of the court to cover and they are staying back too much. I don't think the serve is the most imporant part of doubles. It is important to set up the point and the man does need to hold his serve or it's pretty much over, but when they continue to double fault when serving to the woman is making it way too much important. Getting to the net to put the ball away should be the goal and the most important thing in the match.

Again that is being a double's specialist. I play plenty of matches (women's) where both are back playing singles trying to force you to make an error and it does work. But for mixed the man has to take the net, maybe even play I-formation to end the point.

[NavarreNews]

I am a bit confused watching them complain about their opponents playing out balls and 3-6 shots later, winning the point. They gave you opportunities to win points that you weren't otherwise in. Even on the occasion where an opponent plays an out 1st serve, I think everyone double faulted on their serve, so again there's no guarantee you're even in the point if they don't play an out ball. They're not calling in balls out and robbing you. You got out played in that 1st set, stop playing to the camera and making comments about targeting your opponents head or face, and focus on getting balls back in play.