Tennis
Doubles
Doubles — Net Player Poaching
Tennis drill for doubles training sessions
Net player in doubles practises reading and timing a poach on the cross-court rally.
What This Drill Improves
This tennis drill is best for intermediate players who need focused work on doubles. It works well with 4 players and can be adjusted by changing the space, pressure, or scoring rules.
Setup
Full doubles teams at each end. Normal doubles positioning.
Instructions
- Cross-court rally established between baseline players.
- Net player calls now internally and poaches on a chosen ball.
- Poach must be an aggressive winning volley.
- If poach fails, net player crosses — partner covers.
- Play points out after each poach attempt.
Coaching Points
✓ Poach off a weak or high ball — not a deep pace shot.
✓ Move on the server's contact, not after.
✓ Signal to partner before poaching.
Common Mistakes to Watch For
- Players losing focus on the main coaching point.
- The drill area being too large or too small for the group.
- Progressing the drill before the basic pattern is clean.
Progressions: Make It Harder
→ Mandatory poach every 3rd point.
→ Lob up the middle as a counter.
→ Australian formation to force specific patterns.
Regressions: Make It Easier
Start without defenders, then add pressure once the movement pattern is clear.
Allow extra touches until players understand the timing.
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