Tennis Doubles

Doubles — Net Player Poaching

Net player in doubles practises reading and timing a poach on the cross-court rally.

25 minDuration
4 playersGroup size
IntermediateDifficulty
Doubles courtSpace needed
Balls, racketsEquipment

Setup

Full doubles teams at each end. Normal doubles positioning.

Instructions

  1. Cross-court rally established between baseline players.
  2. Net player calls now internally and poaches on a chosen ball.
  3. Poach must be an aggressive winning volley.
  4. If poach fails, net player crosses — partner covers.
  5. 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.

Progressions

→ Mandatory poach every 3rd point.
→ Lob up the middle as a counter.
→ Australian formation to force specific patterns.

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