Poaching at the net

Setup

1. Two pairs on a full doubles court, set up for a normal serve and return.
2. Before each first serve, the net player signals behind their back: a fist means stay, an open hand means poach.

How it runs

1. Server serves diagonally; the receiver returns crosscourt.
2. On 'poach', the net player crosses as the receiver swings and volleys the return.
3. The server switches to the other side behind them to cover the gap.
4. Play the point out. A winning poach scores 2.
5. Serve 4 points, then the next player in the doubles order serves.

Coaching points

• Go when the receiver commits to the swing, not before.
• Move diagonally forward towards the net, not along it.
• Volley through the middle or at the feet of the receiver's partner.
• Server: once the signal says poach, switch every time, even if the volley wins.

Common mistakes

• Leaving too early, so the receiver goes down the line.
• Crossing flat along the net and volleying up.
• Server forgetting to switch and leaving half the court empty.