Quick Tip: Poaching creates doubles trouble

Poaching is one of the most impactful tactics in doubles. For the uninitiated, poaching is when the net player moves across the center of the court to intercept a shot—usually a return of serve—that would otherwise go to their partner.

It’s a proactive move that requires communication, anticipation and bravado. But when done correctly it puts pressure on the opponents, disrupts their rhythm and puts you in an imposing position.

Here are some tips to help make the poach a winning move:

Call the Play

Whether with hand signals—such as an open palm behind the back—or communicating verbally before the point, make sure you and your partner are on the same page. Confirm where the serve is going and that you’re planning on crossing. This avoids confusion and lets the server know they’re responsible for any down the line return that gets passed you.

Set It Up with the Serve

A well-placed serve is the table-setter for a successful poach. Targeting the center service line (serving down the T) is often the most effective option. This puts the ball in the middle of the court in the direction you’re moving toward, and it’s a challenging shot for the returner to direct up the line behind you. A body serve that jams the returner can also force an attackable reply. Wide serves can prove worthwhile, especially if the server possesses a tricky one or it’s to the opponent’s weaker side. Just be judicious in its usage as the wide serve creates more angle to hit cross-court and more opportunity to go up the alley.

Time it Right

Just like a drop shot, for a poach to work it needs an element of disguise. If you move too soon the returner can recognize it and burn you down the line. However, delay too long and you may be too late to intercept the return.

A good rule of thumb is to wait until just after the serve hits the court and the returner has just begun their forward swing. At that point they should be committed to the ball and their shot. If they do see you moving and it causes them to second-guess their return target, all the better. You may draw an error and win the point without having to hit another shot.

Fully Commit

If you’re going to go, then go with conviction. Hesitating mid-poach is a killer. Half-hearted movement leaves you out of position and your team vulnerable.

Another key is to move across on an angle toward the net rather than straight across the court. This helps cut off the return sooner and puts you closer to the net in better volleying position.

Poaching is a proactive move that requires communication, anticipation and bravado.

Pop or Drop

When you time the poach correctly and intercept the return there are generally two attractive hitting options:

If the non-returning opponent is positioned close to the net by the service line—essentially right in front of you—they make a tempting target. Punch the ball at their feet or midsection and force them to come up with a difficult reflex volley. Don’t fret if the ball happens to hit them—as long as you’re not headhunting that’s part of the game. However, if they prefer to stand back at the baseline while their partner returns, take advantage of the open space in the forecourt and opt for a short angle or drop volley.

Start incorporating poaches into your doubles play, and you’ll not only win more points—you’ll control the game.