7 Great Times to poach in a match
Poach the first point of the match
Your opponents will not expect such an aggressive play on the first point. Pre-plan the poach with your partner.
Poach when your team is up two points or more
When your team is ahead 30-0, 40-0 and 40-15, go ahead and poach. If you miss the poach, your team is still in the lead. Your opponents will now be forced to think about hitting a riskier down the line or a cross-court angle return.
Poach when you are game point ahead
Poach when you are ahead 40-0, 40-30 or ad in. This is because your opponents do not want to lose the game and so they will likely not want to hit the return down the alley.
Poach when your team is ahead, near the end of the set
Your opponents must be finished off. Continue to poach aggressively at the net.
Poach anytime you or your partner hits an offensive shot
Watch your opponent’s body language to develop a sense of when to poach. Excellent times to poach include;
Your partner hits a big serve or big return
Your opponent is stretched out
Your opponent is in the middle of the court
Your opponent is about to hit a low ball
Poach when you are losing badly
Why not! Get your engine revving and start poaching!
Poach on match point ahead
Your team is leading 5-3, 40-30, in the third set. The returner desperately wants to bring the score back to deuce by hitting a safe shot. Take advantage of your opponents’ predicament and finish the match with a winning poach!
© Greg Fowler