FormatMixed Doubles Beach Tennis
One man, one woman, one special rule. Here is how mixed doubles works and how to win it.
In beach tennis mixed doubles (one man and one woman per team) the rules are the same as regular doubles with one key exception: men must serve underhand. Tactically, teams often target the perceived weaker returner and use the net aggressively, while the serving rule keeps the serve from being a one-sided weapon.
Rules & Tactics.
The underhand serve rule
The defining rule: men must serve underhand in mixed doubles (women may serve either way). It is an ITF rule that stops a big male serve from dominating. See serve rules.
Strategy
Mixed play rewards communication and net control. Common tactics: attack the gap between players, pressure the net, and pick your target on the return. Solid doubles positioning still applies. cover the middle and close the net together.
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Common Questions.
Yes. under ITF rules men must serve underhand in mixed doubles, while women may serve overhand or underhand.
Only the men-serve-underhand rule differs; scoring, the single serve, and the no-bounce rule are the same as regular doubles.
Communicate, control the net together, attack the gap between opponents, and pick your target on the return.
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