Poach Timing Doubles Drill
Net Game
Legend
- player
- ball
- movement path
How it works
Develop net player poaching timing and execution in doubles by practicing the cross-court interception with proper footwork and angle.
What you need
- tennis racket
- tennis balls
- court
- ball hopper
Your focus
The poach is one of the highest-percentage winning plays in doubles when executed correctly, yet most players never practice the specific movement and timing required. Training the poach separately from live doubles play allows players to develop the footwork pattern and decisiveness before applying it competitively. Consistent poaching completely changes the opponent's tactical options and energy in doubles.
Server partner begins at the baseline; net player stands at the service line on the deuce side in ready position.
Coach feeds a crosscourt ball from the return position; net player reads the feed and poaches across to intercept with a forehand volley.
After poaching, net player switches sides and the server partner covers the position vacated.
Run 15 poach opportunities; focus on the timing trigger (movement begins as coach contacts the ball, not after).
Goal
You're there when you time the poach correctly and cut off the ball, too early and you're out of position, too late and you miss it.
Helpful cues
- Go on the feed, not on the bounce
- Move diagonally forward, not just sideways
- Angle the volley away, don't go back where it came from
Adjust the challenge
Make it easier
Strip it back
Coach signals the poach with a verbal cue ('now') instead of requiring the player to read the feed.
UpLVL it
Add the next challenge
Coach randomly feeds some balls wide or at the body so the net player must decide whether to poach or stay.No account needed
Build a practice plan
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