Advice About Poaching In Doubles

Poaching may be one of the scariest moves you’ll make on the tennis court, but to be a good doubles player, it’s essential that you learn to do it well.


1) Position: Stand right in the middle of the service box. In this position you are right in front of the returner, who will immediately consider you more of a threat. You are also in position to intercept any return not hit perfectly crosscourt.


2) Your Stance:  Lower your center of gravity by widening your feet and bending your knees. In this stance you will be more balanced and able to push off to go in either direction, right or left.  It also allows you to stay lower and keep your  body below the ball when volleying.  Think about the ball, racquet and your head all at the same level when you make contact with the tennis ball.


3) Timing:  Take off for your poach either just before or right as the returner is hitting the ball. This way you are making your move when the returner is concentrating on hitting the ball so they won’t notice you (or even better, notice you and make an error on the return).  When you see your partners serve cross the receivers service line you can start your move.


4) Direction: Always move diagonally toward the net.  By moving forward as well, your momentum helps you punch the volley, helping to resist the urge to take the racket back for power.  


5) Strategy:  Great volley technique is not about power but about placement.  If you swing at the tennis ball to generate power you will often be late (hitting the ball long) or early (hitting the ball into the net),  Block the ball away from your opponent into the open court or down at their feet.