What attributes make a good singles / level doubles / mixed doubles player?
Quick disclaimer: Obviously, a lot of the same attributes are going to be useful no matter what discipline you are competing in, and many players are successful in multiple disciplines, even at the highest level (usually level and mixed doubles, although some, such as the Popov brothers, compete in both singles and doubles). And some men prefer to play mainly at the front in mens doubles, and yet also play mixed doubles, where they obviously are mainly at the back.
However, I think it’s fair to say that despite all this, there are still some player attributes that are more beneficial in some disciplines than in others.
For example, singles players typically cover a greater distance during a match than doubles players, so stamina/endurance is probably of greater value to them. On the other hand, they probably won’t be playing as many fast and flat rallies.
“Attributes” could include physical traits (eg. height, endurance), technical skills (eg. footwork, defense, deception), specific shots (eg. serve, smash, backhand clear), and mental skills (eg. tactical awareness) – or anything else you can think of… And please don’t just consider elite players – think about ordinary club level players as well.
How would advise someone unsure which discipline will best suit their specific strengths and weaknesses (other than just “play them all” or “play what you enjoy”)?
Here are a few of my own thoughts to get us started…
Singles:
– physical fitness / endurance
– efficiency of movement / footwork
– deception
– backhand clear (at lower levels, a fast doubles player with good ’round the head shots might rarely need to play a backhand clear, but it’s an essential shot for singles players at all levels)
– consistency (more points are lost through mistakes than won through clear winners)
– height? (there are exceptions, but height seems to me, to be generally advantageous)
– is there a difference for mens and ladies singles?
Level Doubles:
– power
– racket speed (fast and flat rallies)
– defense / precision (with less open space on the court, there is less margin for error)
– all-round ability?
– is there a difference for mens and ladies doubles? (it seems like ladies are typically stronger in defense than attack, so stamina and consistency are more important)
Mixed Doubles:
– tactical awareness (I may be biased, but I’d argue mixed doubles is the most tactical discipline)
– for the man, speed of movement (he has to cover a lot of court)
– the third shot / around-the-head shots (unlike in level doubles, even when the man serves, he is still responsible for covering the rearcourt – at lower levels, a fast return to his backhand corner might force a weak reply or clear, instead of a ’round-the-head smash)
– for the lady, serving, defense, netplay
What do you disagree with?
What would you add?