How to Poach: Common Mistakes, Timing, Positioning, & Drills

2025-11-07

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Link to the Instagram PostPossibly the most important skill to have in doubles, aside from the serve and return, is poaching. In this episode, I break down the poaching mistakes I see over and over again from doubles players at all levels.We'll discuss timing, direction, and simple positioning that can flip returns into easy finishes. Members get the full five-mistake breakdown plus drills. The free preview covers the two biggest errors and how to fix them fast.Exactly when to move on your poach, and the biggest mistake club players make when...

Link to the Instagram Post

Possibly the most important skill to have in doubles, aside from the serve and return, is poaching. In this episode, I break down the poaching mistakes I see over and over again from doubles players at all levels.

We'll discuss timing, direction, and simple positioning that can flip returns into easy finishes. Members get the full five-mistake breakdown plus drills. The free preview covers the two biggest errors and how to fix them fast.

Exactly when to move on your poach, and the biggest mistake club players make when poaching
How skill level, pace, and opponent depth change your poach timing
A common movement mistake that could be causing you to miss volleys
Where to start and where you should NOT start in the service box and the “window” concept
Using a quiet racket face for clean finishes
Members only: How close you should be at the net
Members only: How to finish your volleys and stop hitting it back to the baseline player
Members only: When it's OK to cover the alley and not poach
Members only: Drills to help your poaching skills

To get the rest of the episode, sign up for a membership here: https://thetennistribe.com/memberships/

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