Poaching in doubles is one of the fastest ways to flip a point from “safe rally” to “panic mode” for your opponents. But it’s also one of the easiest ways to get burned if you move at the wrong time. The goal isn’t to run at everything — it’s to move with purpose, at the right moment, for the right ball.

What Poaching Really Is (And What It Isn’t)

A poach isn’t random net rushing. It’s a planned interception: you cross toward the middle to cut off the crosscourt ball and finish the point with a volley. Done well, it steals time and space. Done poorly, it opens the alley behind you.

The 3 Quick Checks Before You Poach

Before the serve even lands, read these three things:

• Serve quality: A strong first serve that jams the returner creates short or floated returns — great for poaching.
• Returner comfort: If they’re calm, balanced, and stepping in, be careful.
• Return pattern: If they keep returning crosscourt reliably, you can poach more confidently.

Green Lights: When You Should Move

Poach when the returner is under pressure and likely to play the safer, higher-percentage crosscourt.

Best moments to go:

• Your partner hits a strong first serve (especially into the body or backhand).
• The returner is stretched wide or late and must hit up on the ball.
• You’ve noticed a repeatable crosscourt habit (same target, same swing).
• Your partner serves and immediately applies pressure, making the return predictable.

Red Lights: When You Should Stay

Sometimes the smartest poach is no poach. Staying protects your alley and keeps you solid.

Stay home when:

• It’s a weak second serve and the returner is stepping forward aggressively.
• The returner is known for down-the-line passes (or just hit one).
• Your partner is pulled off court and can’t cover behind you if you leave.
• The return is coming fast and low — tough to intercept cleanly.

Timing Trick: Split-Step, Then Go

The best poachers don’t just “move early.” They split-step as the returner hits, then explode. That gives you balance and a better read.

If you move too early, the returner sees it and changes direction. Too late, and you volley from a bad position.

Use Fakes to Win Points Without Even Touching the Ball

A small lean, a quick twitch, or one step across can force the returner to aim tighter. That creates errors and weaker returns.

A simple pattern:

• Fake once
• Poach next time
• Stay the third Keep them guessing.

Make It a Team Play (Not a Solo Move)

Poaching works best with coordination. Use quick signals (hand behind the back works great):

• Poach
• Stay
• Fake

After each point, check what changed: did they start going down the line, lob more, or aim at your feet? Adjust immediately.

The Takeaway

Poach when you’ve created pressure and the crosscourt ball is predictable. Stay when the returner has time and confidence to punish the open alley. Doubles rewards the team that makes fewer guesses — and more smart, timed moves.