Defenders & Aggressors · Auckland

Tennis at a
different tempo.

Fast, coach-fed doubles. No serves, no waiting. Hold the net, or get it past the pair who do.

Play DnA How it works

How it works

Easy to learn.
Hard to stop playing.

A coach feeds every ball, so you're always hitting and never waiting. One pair holds the net, the other tries to get past them. Simple rules, loads of rallies, plenty of laughs.

1 · The coach feeds

No serves. Every point starts with a feed to the Defenders on the baseline.

2 · Only Aggressors score

The net pair wins points, usually with a volley. Defenders have to get it past them, and no lobbing the first ball.

3 · Get passed? Run back

Beaten at the net, the Aggressors sprint to the baseline and become the Defenders.

Drag through a point

01 / 05

FeedBreak outVolleyPast!Run back
Coach
Defenders Aggressors

DnA in 60 seconds

David walks you through a real point, start to finish.

How DnA works1:00 · video placeholder

Who it's for

Fun for every level.

You don't have to know exactly where you fit. Start with what you'd like from your tennis.

The Club Competitor

Plays every week, hates losing, wants a sharper doubles test.

The Comeback Kid

Racquet's been in the cupboard a while. Ready to get the legs moving again.

The Social Smasher

Here for the laughs and the post-game drink, but still wants to win.

?

The Curious Newbie

Never heard of DnA? Perfect. David will point you to the right session.

Play DnA
David Mustard in his playing days, shading his eyes from the sun
David Mustard · NZ Davis Cup
Creator of DnA tennis in NZ

Meet David

The man who brought
DnA to New Zealand.

David Mustard created DnA tennis in New Zealand. Before that he represented his country in Davis Cup and played the ATP tour. Now he runs DnA events that bring players together from right across Auckland.

  • Davis CupRepresented New Zealand
  • ATP TourFormer touring professional
  • Herne BayHome club: Herne Bay Rackets Club
  • Club Coach AwardTennis Auckland, 2025–26
Watch David explain DnA in 60 seconds

FAQs

Got questions?

What exactly is DnA tennis?

Defenders and Aggressors: a fast-paced doubles game where a coach feeds every ball, the Aggressors hold the net, and the Defenders try to get the ball past them.

How is it different from normal doubles?

No serves: the coach feeds every point to the Defenders. Only the Aggressors, at the net, can win points, usually with a volley. The Defenders' first hit can't be a lob. If they get it past the net pair, the Aggressors run back to the baseline and become the Defenders.

Is DnA coaching, a social hit or a competition?

Competitive points, run by a coach, in a social setting. [Confirm per session type]

What playing level do I need?

[CONFIRM levels] Tell David how you play and he'll suggest the right session.

Can I enquire on my own, or do I need a partner?

[CONFIRM partner arrangements]

Do I have to be a club member?

[CONFIRM membership requirements]

Where in Auckland will I play?

[VENUES] Confirmed per session when you enquire.

When are sessions, how long are they, and what do they cost?

[DAYS/TIMES] · [DURATION] · [PRICE]

What should I bring, and what happens if it rains?

Racquet, court shoes, water. [CONFIRM balls + wet-weather / cancellation]

Can I arrange something for a group?

[CONFIRM group / private sessions]

Find a game

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