In mixed doubles, it’s almost guaranteed the woman gets targeted. Opponents drive balls at you, dink at you, and try to throw you off balance. But great female players know how to handle that pressure, neutralize the attack, and flip defense into offense. Here’s how to stay calm, strategic, and kick butt under fire.

1. Expect It—Don’t Take It Personally

If you’re the woman on the court, being targeted isn’t an insult. It’s tactics. Think of it as an opportunity to prove your skills.

The key is anticipation, not emotion. Go in knowing it will happen and decide before the first serve how you’ll respond: fear or confidence. When you expect the pressure, you stop reacting to it and start controlling it.

2. Master the Reset, Your Most Valuable Shot

When opponents are attacking, the woman’s best response isn’t always to match speed—it’s to reset the rally. With the game becoming more aggressive, though, I sometimes do my best returning or even instigating firefights. I won’t back off! If I feel like I’m getting picked on, I’ll try to body bag the male player or put the ball behind him. I refuse to be targeted—or at least not take it lying down.

Use soft hands, bend your knees, and drop the ball gently back into the kitchen. Not easy, right? That single move can neutralize their power and force them to start over. In mixed doubles, the woman who can absorb pace and land consistent resets controls the point. Still, I believe you need to stand your ground and be able to throw down too.

I practice by having a partner stand about 2 feet behind the kitchen line and rifle balls at me while I am trying to hold the line. It helps with reaction time and the fear of facing hard-hit balls. (Wear eyewear, people!)

3. Own Your Court Position

When the ball keeps coming your way, positioning is everything.

Stay low with knees bent, paddle up, weight forward.
Don’t drift back—hold your ground near the kitchen.
Angle your body slightly toward your partner to cover the middle.
Expect poaches. Mixed play often means your partner is moving a lot.

Confidence in your stance keeps you composed, even when you’re under fire.

4. Communicate (A Lot)

It’s easy to go quiet when you’re being targeted, but communication is super important.

Call shots clearly, especially when the middle ball comes fast. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, tell your partner so they can help cover or slow the pace.

The best female defenders aren’t silent—they lead!

5. Flip Defense Into Offense

Once you’ve absorbed a few attacks, your opponents often get frustrated. The moment you reset a tough drive and they pop one up, go for it. Attack behind the aggressor or roll a smart dink at their feet.

Nothing flips momentum faster than a composed woman turning a barrage of drives into her next winning shot.

Owning the Pressure

In mixed doubles, yes—the woman gets targeted. But that doesn’t make her the weak link. It makes her the anchor. The player who can stay calm, defend, and counterattack sets the tone for the entire match. And in my book, that makes her every bit her partner’s equal.

About the Author: Gina Cilento is a top 10 Senior Pro and multi-APP medalist who splits her time between competing and coaching. She’s the co-founder of The Pickleball Lab, a pod player for the Denver Iconics in the National Pickleball League, and co-host of Keeping It Real with Gina & Neil. Off the court, Gina shares her passion through her apparel line, The Pick, and her work with Empower Pickleball.

Under Fire: How Women Can Dominate the Defensive Role in Mixed Doubles