Poaching (Doubles)
Also known as: net poach
Poaching is when the net player in doubles crosses over to intercept a ball meant for their partner. It cuts off the angle and finishes the point at net.
Poaching is one of the highest-value tactics in doubles. It turns a rally ball into an immediate attacking opportunity while the opposing team is still expecting the point to continue crosscourt. The net player reads the returner's or rallying opponent's racquet preparation and times a diagonal crossing step. They intercept the ball well inside the service box, where a clean volley put-away is available. The poaching player is moving toward the ball rather than reacting to it. So the volley is usually hit with much more authority than a standing volley would allow.
Successful poaching depends on communication and predictability discipline between partners. The server or baseline partner often needs a prearranged signal. Then both players know when a poach is coming and can cover the resulting court gap. A poach that fails and leaves the vacated side of the court open is usually a communication breakdown rather than a poor read. The serving or baseline partner must shift to cover the space the poaching player just vacated, the instant the poach begins.
Example
The net player reads a weak crosscourt return, crosses early, and volleys the ball away into the open ad court before the returner's partner can react.
Why it matters
Poaching timing is directly observable in a doubles rally, and it separates an effective poach from a predictable one. Motion Lab does not time your crossing step or see the opponent's contact, so compare the two on video.
How it shows up on video
On video, watch the angle of your crossing step, and compare your split-step timing with the opponent's contact to see whether the poach was read early or reacted to late.
Common mistakes
- Poaching on a predictable pattern that the opposing team can anticipate and pass around
- Failing to communicate the poach with the partner, leaving the vacated side uncovered
- Crossing too late, arriving at a defensive rather than offensive contact point
In SwingVantage Motion Lab
Motion Lab does not read your first step's direction or timing, and it cannot see the opponent. On video, compare your first move with their racquet preparation to judge poach anticipation.
Frequently asked questions
How do doubles partners avoid confusion when poaching?
Most competitive doubles teams use a simple prearranged hand signal behind the back before the point so both players know a poach is planned and can cover accordingly.
Related terms
- Doubles PositioningDoubles positioning is how two partners split and cover the court. Usually one is at net and one at the baseline, shifting together as the point develops.
- I-Formation (Doubles)The I-formation has the server's partner crouch on the center service line before the serve. It hides which side they'll cover and sets up a planned poach.
- Australian Formation (Doubles)In the Australian formation, the server and net partner start on the same side. It takes away the easy crosscourt return and forces a down-the-line reply.
- Net Approach TimingNet approach timing is when a player moves in to the net, relative to their shot and the opponent's reply. The aim is to split step as the opponent hits.
- Split StepA split step is a small hop timed to the moment your opponent strikes the ball. It primes your legs to push off explosively in any direction.
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