How to Play Pickleball Mixed Doubles: Barrett and Danea Bass, seasoned mixed doubles players, share valuable insights on how men and women can complement each other in pickleball to increase their chances of winning. Their video tutorial offers pickleball tips on positioning, strategy, and communication in mixed doubles, breaking down each partner’s role to help players of all skill levels.
Key Female Strategies
Danea Bass emphasizes the importance of moving your dinks around the court.
“In mixed doubles, it’s crucial to target your opponent’s weaknesses by varying the direction of your dinks, especially in cross-court exchanges,” (Danea Bass).
Danea suggests using a pattern of “outside foot, inside foot” to move the opponent and create openings. She also encourages female players to watch for opportunities to surprise the male player, especially when he’s cheating toward the middle of the court. By hitting a cross-court dink and then targeting the male’s sideline, female players can force mistakes and control the game.
Another effective move for women is executing an “Ernie” shot. Danea explains that many male players aren’t prepared for this surprise move, which can add pressure to their game and disrupt their rhythm. Even if the Ernie attempt doesn’t succeed, it forces the male opponent to play more cautiously and focus on the entire court.
Male Strategies and Positioning
Barrett Bass discusses the male player’s role in mixed doubles, especially in covering the middle of the court. He explains that while many players worry about “the middle ball,” it’s beneficial for men to move over and take control of this area, helping protect their female partner from hitting backhand dinks. By doing so, the male player can be more aggressive and create opportunities to attack.
However, Barrett warns that male players should not overcommit to the middle.
“If you come too far over, you risk leaving the other side of the court exposed. You need to find a balance,” (Barrett Bass).
He suggests staying aware of your positioning and ensuring you can quickly cover the entire court, especially if your partner needs help.
Communication is also vital in mixed doubles. Barrett stresses the importance of discussing each shot with your partner. By keeping the lines of communication open, players can avoid confusion and coordinate their movements more effectively.
Encouragement and Teamwork
Both Barrett and Danea agree that positive reinforcement is crucial. Barrett encourages male players to hype up their female partners, saying,
“When you support your partner, you create a positive atmosphere that boosts confidence and performance on the court.”(Barrett Bass)
News in Brief: How to Play Pickleball Mixed Doubles
Understanding and applying these pickleball strategies can help mixed doubles teams become more competitive. By mastering their roles, communicating effectively, and supporting each other, players can elevate their game and increase their chances of winning. The tips shared by Barrett and Danea Bass are essential for anyone looking to improve their mixed doubles pickleball skills.
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