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Poach Like a Pro This Week
Positioning secrets, decisive moves, and communication tactics to crush the kitchen.
PICKLEBACK CLUB
June 03, 2025
In partnership with
PICKLEBACKCLUB
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Hey Picklebackers! 🏓✨
Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a seasoned tournament player, mastering the art of poaching can take your doubles game to the next level. Today we’ll break down exactly when to poach—spotting weak shots, predictable patterns, or opportunities when your partner gets stretched—then show you how to execute poaches with confidence.
Along the way, we’ll point out common pitfalls to avoid and share simple drills so you can practice these moves until they become second nature. Ready to sharpen your court presence and start putting away more volleys? Let’s dive in!
🕒 WHEN TO POACH
1. Opponent Hits a Weak Shot
What to look for: A high dink, floating return, or a pop-up in the transition zone.
Why it works: You can attack these balls with a volley or overhead before your opponents reset.
Example: Your opponent attempts a crosscourt dink to your partner but leaves it too high. You’re quick to recognize it and move across to put it away.
2. Opponent is Predictable
What to look for: Repetitive patterns—like always dinking crosscourt or targeting your partner's backhand.
Why it works: You can anticipate and disrupt their rhythm.
Example: They dink crosscourt every time. You anticipate it, step in from outside the NVZ, and intercept with a volley to the open court.
3. Partner is Pulled Out Wide
What to look for: Your partner is stretched off the sideline or off balance.
Why it works: You prevent your team from being out of position by taking the next shot.
Example: Your partner gets lobbed and retreats. You shift over from midcourt or the transition zone and cut off the next soft shot or attack.
4. Strategic or Planned Poach (Signals or Stacking)
What to look for: A pre-planned strategy to switch or poach when serving or returning.
Why it works: Keeps opponents guessing and opens up angles.
Example: You and your partner stack on serve. You serve, then slide over to poach a third-shot drive down the middle.
🎯 HOW TO POACH EFFECTIVELY
1. Pre-Poach Positioning
Be slightly off-center toward the middle if you're anticipating a poach.
Weight on the balls of your feet, paddle up and out in front.
Split step as the opponent hits so you can move explosively in any direction.
2. Make Your Move Decisively
When you see a poachable ball, move diagonally and quickly across the court.
Lead with your paddle and get into a compact, ready stance as you hit.
Take it in the air if you can—volley poaches are most effective.
3. Use Forehand for Control and Reach
Poach with your forehand side if possible. It's usually stronger and provides better reach for volleys or attacks.
When moving left from the right side (or vice versa), rotate your shoulders early.
4. Communicate Loudly
Yell “Mine!” or “Switch!” as you move.
Helps your partner immediately understand whether to cover or stay.
5. Recover Quickly
After the poach, either:
Stay on the new side if you switch.
Or, reset back if your partner didn’t switch or the point isn’t over.
❌ COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID
Poaching late
If you're slow, you might leave the middle open or collide with your partner.
Poaching low balls
If it's below the net, you're likely to hit up and get attacked.
Over-poaching
If you poach too often, opponents will start faking or hitting behind you.
Silent poaching
If you don’t call it, your partner might go for the same ball = disaster.
🔁 DRILLS TO PRACTICE POACHING
Crosscourt dink + poach
Have your partner dink crosscourt and then feed a poachable ball in the middle. You poach and put it away.
"Dead fish" ball drill
Stand at the transition zone and have a partner feed balls slightly elevated. Poach across with your forehand volley.
Live game poach challenge
During a practice game, set a goal: “I’ll try 3 smart poaches this game.” Review afterward with your partner—good, bad, or overaggressive?
That’s a wrap on poaching fundamentals! Remember, the key to successful poaches is anticipation, decisiveness, and clear communication with your partner.
Start by incorporating the drills into your next practice session—focus on recognizing those floaters and pop-ups, then move aggressively into position. As you build confidence, you’ll find that well-timed poaches not only win points but also keep your opponents guessing.
Until next time, keep your paddle up, stay light on your feet, and enjoy dominating the kitchen!
Poachfully yours,
Your PICKLEBACKCLUB Team 🥒🎾
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