How to Poach: Common Mistakes, Timing, Positioning, & Drills
07 November 2025

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

Doubles Only Tennis Podcast

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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 poachingHow skill level, pace, and opponent depth change your poach timingA common movement mistake that could be causing you to miss volleysWhere to start and where you should NOT start in the service box and the “window” conceptUsing a quiet racket face for clean finishesMembers only: How close you should be at the netMembers only: How to finish your volleys and stop hitting it back to the baseline playerMembers only: When it's OK to cover the alley and not poachMembers 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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