Awesome video - thanks! I got a couple of points there, particularly the positioning and I like the little foot-turn as they are hitting. __ As a returner, I normally hammer the first return (or an early return) HARD down-the-line, as a message to the net player, that I will go DTL. If/when I nail that, it instantly deflates the serving team an puts them on notice. Add in a couple of well placed return lobs and the net player then has 3 shots to think about, leaving a bit more room for cross-court through the middle. The challenge for the net player, is to get the returner, worrying about what the net player is going to do, instead of focusing on their shot. (That distracts them and makes them change their mind on the shot they are playing, causing bad decisions and errors and frustration). Faking a cross is great for this too. The challenge as a returner, is to get the net player worried about what we are going to do. If we pass them down-the-line a couple of times (early), then most amateur players will worry about their line. Maybe their serving partner gets angry at them, for letting the ball through. A couple of return lobs, gets them thinking about high balls so maybe they have to stand back a bit. All of that can limit the 'sharking' at the net. Happy hitting. Andy, Brisbane.
Best tennis tip I've ever had bar none. Instant results on my next match. From someone who leaps around like a lunatic at the net - this simplified everything and freaked out my opponents to a comical degree. Thanks so much.
I am a senior, 70 3.5 play doubles only now. Never know how to poach. My friends call me a statue. I always wanted to learn poaching to improve my doubles, Thanks for this good instruction video, I know how now. Will work on it .Thanks. Can you do a video on Loading and unloading?
great video. all my favorite tricks. it's become a joke with people I play with that I always go on the first point - first or second serve. also, playing your opponent is great advice too. most people at 4.5 or below aren't quite used to people moving a whole lot. and if you get a conservative, consistent-type guy, maybe a singles guy, you can torture him all match.
Incredible video and wanted to share that I watched this a few times and had a league match this past week, focused on lining up in the service box correctly and taking those 2 steps, hops, jumps towards the net and I increased my poaches by a lot. One of the best 3.5-4.0 level Doubles matches I've experienced in a long time. It's one thing to watch a tip or instructional video, it's another to go out and implement it. I found this video easy to digest and focused on just one aspect/shot/move that will increase your points won by quite a lot I think. Just don't share this with the other 3 people on the court with you. Definitely hitting the subscribe button
Nice video lesson. Thanks for sharing your insights. I stand 6'5" and have an extremely long reach; there is nothing I like more than playing the net and poaching. I especially like the look of horror on the opposing net player's face when I poach the first ball of a match, going right at them...
I’m not familiar with the instructor but I’m willing to bet he was/is a successful coach. These videos are some of the best I’ve seen. I’m constantly looking for new things to learn about tennis and I always learn several things on your videos! These are well explained and informative. I coach high school tennis and this instruction is invaluable. Clear, concise, and important! Thank you so much!
what would you recommend for a soft server or a good returner? Conceptually your tactic works for sure, i find i get into a challenge especially where the server is weak and has a serve that is easy to attack. thanks.
Awesome! I hate doubles because i find myself in the wrong place at the wrong time, most of the time. Look forward to trying your tips in the match this Thursday. Thank you
@@StokkeTennis So it didn’t go well tonight. I found that the cross-court balls were crossing the net way beyond that halfway point on the net, so I was nowhere near to poach. The only thing that did work was that the returner got tempted hitting down the line twice and made the mess of it both times. After that he just kept going cross-court. I didn’t feel like I could move further to the middle of the net because that would open a huge gap down the line. I found that if I started moving across after the returner had hit the ball, I didn’t have enough time to get to the place where I could intercept. Very frustrating. Ended up abandoning the net and playing from the baseline. But that didn’t work either…
@@AndreiBgatov So without seeing your match, this is my best advice...leave earlier. it sounds like they never beat you down the line, so you may have had freedom to leave on your poach even earlier. And you never know, they might never have even tried going down the line! The timing and feel takes repetition for sure, so keep working at it!
When I am returning a wide serve from the Deuce court as shown in 06:00, I find it much easier to avoid the net player because a wide serve gives me a chance to generate an even sharper angle on the return... But I think you are saying that a wide serve will generally tend to elicit a more poachable return over the middle.
Yes, the wider you are the more angles you have. But I still think it's difficult to execute a rip down the line off of that, and if the serve is quality, it's going to be difficult to get around the outside of the ball
World Class Clinic, the most misunderstood Doubles strategy explained to the mortals. Thank you kindly sir, poaching truly messes with your opponent's heads. Surgical strikes while poaching can be the turning point of the match. What do you think of the strategy to aim at the opponent's feet who is nearest the net? I've been told that's your best percentage shot most* of the time is blast away there no matter how many shots. Simply not enough time for your opponent to return everything as there reaction time is significantly less than the opponent near the baseline. 🤔
I am loving your videos, thank you! When you take your step or two forward and pivot on your right leg, does this pivot allow you to go the other way or have you decided to go cross poach?
Interesting points. I'm 60 and play doubles at around 4.5. I'm comfortable at the net for the initial volley but if it requires a number of quick fire volleys then I fall to pieces. 4 players all volleying at the net is a nightmare for me - any thoughts?
Fantastic insight and information! I'm watching all your vids. But is there any chance you could post these in non HDR. Cannot turn off HDR when watching on my large TV. HDR makes it blinding. Thx.
Hi there really enjoy your videos because I am really trying to get good at doubles, I asked a question on another video and I have another one here! What are some good drills to do on the ball machine or with my dad for poaching or faking?
Can you talk about the timing? If you have a partner w/ a slow serve or fast serve? I assume you take your step forward when serve is contacted, and then split step / pivot to the middle just before the receiver makes contact? Do you wait for the ball to bounce? Do you change your position based on whether the serve is to the T or wide?
I'm in the middle but i keep getting burned down the line. Secondly, i hesitate on the cross court return too much, after the ball goes by, I'm thinking i should have had that .. tips?
also i poach and i also fake alot during the match. but i have trouble for some reason if my opponent hits the ball hard right at me as i am poaching or even fake poaching ? Why is that ? and how can i fix that ?
You are afraid of the ball hitting you. Practice staying calm with a backhand continental grip and position the racquet head towards the incoming ball.
Great Lesson! After your split step, do you leave yourself enough room for an angled step into the volley or do you get closer to the net and move straight laterally?
I play against a guy who's best return by far is down the line. In that case do you recommend just moving over to cover the line and giving up the middle? I basically just can't poach with him. It make me really passive, and miserable.
I liked the poaching video and your presentation style. Had a question with regard to the movement toward the net and if you include ‘reads’ with the partner’s service target wide it T?
I did it! You are awesome. My coach and I worked on the timing of my movements towards the net. Turned out I was moving too early. Bit then played a mixed doubles match and I was on fire!🔥 I was aggressively poaching, making the opponents missed because they have to make high risk shots. Follow up question for you: where do I recover? My coach and I worked on recovering to the T and then to my ‘golden circle. ‘ We are curious about your opinion. It felt so good to cut off the shots ! All my winners are at the net. I’ve been working on this for a while and people noticed as I am even more of a menace at the net. 😂. Give them issues when I am at the net. 😅I will continue to work on it!🔥🔥. Thank you😊
@@StokkeTennis triangle dance? Gigi method. Or our west Texas triangle? West Texas triangle seems to be so large and I can’t grow any taller. So I am trying the little triangle if I move back. Most of the time I am not thinking about it as I am too busy locking in on the opponents.
Generally speaking, you'll either get the ball or they'll hit a winner cross court. There shouldn't be too many times where you poach but don't get the cross court ball. If you get beat down the lie, you'll just stay on the new side of the court.
Those are some serious calfs right there.
Awesome video - thanks! I got a couple of points there, particularly the positioning and I like the little foot-turn as they are hitting. __ As a returner, I normally hammer the first return (or an early return) HARD down-the-line, as a message to the net player, that I will go DTL. If/when I nail that, it instantly deflates the serving team an puts them on notice. Add in a couple of well placed return lobs and the net player then has 3 shots to think about, leaving a bit more room for cross-court through the middle. The challenge for the net player, is to get the returner, worrying about what the net player is going to do, instead of focusing on their shot. (That distracts them and makes them change their mind on the shot they are playing, causing bad decisions and errors and frustration). Faking a cross is great for this too. The challenge as a returner, is to get the net player worried about what we are going to do. If we pass them down-the-line a couple of times (early), then most amateur players will worry about their line. Maybe their serving partner gets angry at them, for letting the ball through. A couple of return lobs, gets them thinking about high balls so maybe they have to stand back a bit. All of that can limit the 'sharking' at the net. Happy hitting. Andy, Brisbane.
Best tennis tip I've ever had bar none. Instant results on my next match. From someone who leaps around like a lunatic at the net - this simplified everything and freaked out my opponents to a comical degree. Thanks so much.
Amazing to hear! Thanks for sharing
poach window! what a great way to describe and show with those lines on the ground. thanks!
I am a senior, 70 3.5 play doubles only now. Never know how to poach. My friends call me a statue. I always wanted to learn poaching to improve my doubles, Thanks for this good instruction video, I know how now. Will work on it .Thanks. Can you do a video on Loading and unloading?
Will try to get to work on that!
Can’t wait. Thanks 🎾
Move all the time!!!!!
Good point. Thanks.🎾
great video. all my favorite tricks. it's become a joke with people I play with that I always go on the first point - first or second serve. also, playing your opponent is great advice too. most people at 4.5 or below aren't quite used to people moving a whole lot. and if you get a conservative, consistent-type guy, maybe a singles guy, you can torture him all match.
Incredible video and wanted to share that I watched this a few times and had a league match this past week, focused on lining up in the service box correctly and taking those 2 steps, hops, jumps towards the net and I increased my poaches by a lot. One of the best 3.5-4.0 level Doubles matches I've experienced in a long time. It's one thing to watch a tip or instructional video, it's another to go out and implement it. I found this video easy to digest and focused on just one aspect/shot/move that will increase your points won by quite a lot I think. Just don't share this with the other 3 people on the court with you. Definitely hitting the subscribe button
This is the 2nd video of yours that I have watched in the past week. You have made a fan. Keep up the good work
Thanks Mike!
Nice video lesson. Thanks for sharing your insights. I stand 6'5" and have an extremely long reach; there is nothing I like more than playing the net and poaching. I especially like the look of horror on the opposing net player's face when I poach the first ball of a match, going right at them...
It’s a great feeling!
Amazing breakdown on poaching
Appreciate it!
Really good instructions
Appreciate it!
Your videos always seem to land right when I need to watch them the most. Thank you so much!
Very handy tips. I’ll be trying them out next match. Thank you!
I’m not familiar with the instructor but I’m willing to bet he was/is a successful coach. These videos are some of the best I’ve seen. I’m constantly looking for new things to learn about tennis and I always learn several things on your videos! These are well explained and informative. I coach high school tennis and this instruction is invaluable. Clear, concise, and important! Thank you so much!
Thanks for the kind words! Maybe I'll start introducing myself in the videos!
He has the best tennis podcast around.
what would you recommend for a soft server or a good returner? Conceptually your tactic works for sure, i find i get into a challenge especially where the server is weak and has a serve that is easy to attack. thanks.
@@Caribbeer not a whole lot differently, you just need to be even better at the things we’ve talked about. It’s definitely more of a challenge!
Nice! Will try your tips in my next match!
Keep me updated on how it goes!
Excellent way of explaining. Thank you
Very helpful, playing league doubles last night and was using your tips on when to poach. Worked well.
Love to hear it!
I go a bit further if we signalling, but dude loving ur channel ❤ 👍 this is class advice. (Ex div one player.. when dinosaurs roamed the earth 😂)
You deserve more views, they'll come keep it up. Love to see more doubles content :)
On it
Awesome! I hate doubles because i find myself in the wrong place at the wrong time, most of the time. Look forward to trying your tips in the match this Thursday. Thank you
Let me know how it goes!
@@StokkeTennis So it didn’t go well tonight. I found that the cross-court balls were crossing the net way beyond that halfway point on the net, so I was nowhere near to poach. The only thing that did work was that the returner got tempted hitting down the line twice and made the mess of it both times. After that he just kept going cross-court.
I didn’t feel like I could move further to the middle of the net because that would open a huge gap down the line. I found that if I started moving across after the returner had hit the ball, I didn’t have enough time to get to the place where I could intercept.
Very frustrating.
Ended up abandoning the net and playing from the baseline. But that didn’t work either…
@@AndreiBgatov So without seeing your match, this is my best advice...leave earlier. it sounds like they never beat you down the line, so you may have had freedom to leave on your poach even earlier. And you never know, they might never have even tried going down the line! The timing and feel takes repetition for sure, so keep working at it!
Enjoyed this, great job!
This is a great explanation!
When I am returning a wide serve from the Deuce court as shown in 06:00, I find it much easier to avoid the net player because a wide serve gives me a chance to generate an even sharper angle on the return... But I think you are saying that a wide serve will generally tend to elicit a more poachable return over the middle.
Yes, the wider you are the more angles you have. But I still think it's difficult to execute a rip down the line off of that, and if the serve is quality, it's going to be difficult to get around the outside of the ball
Great advice. I'd propose a reason #3 however: partner's serve is batting practice speed.
Maybe. I think I could poach on a bad 4.0 serve against a good 4.0. Once you develop these skills you can handle any partner!
@@StokkeTennis thanks. Ima try to apply your insights, tho' my eyesight somedays is pure garbage--possibly beyond help.
It takes reps!!! Great explainer, too! Thanks
Great tips!
Hope they help you out!
World Class Clinic, the most misunderstood Doubles strategy explained to the mortals. Thank you kindly sir, poaching truly messes with your opponent's heads. Surgical strikes while poaching can be the turning point of the match.
What do you think of the strategy to aim at the opponent's feet who is nearest the net? I've been told that's your best percentage shot most* of the time is blast away there no matter how many shots. Simply not enough time for your opponent to return everything as there reaction time is significantly less than the opponent near the baseline. 🤔
@@Richibald1 do you mean aim at their feet when you poach? Or when you are hitting from the baseline?
Excellent
Good stuff coach!
I am loving your videos, thank you! When you take your step or two forward and pivot on your right leg, does this pivot allow you to go the other way or have you decided to go cross poach?
@@meditationman415 only one way since I’ve committed to poaching
Nice simple to understand
That's my goal!
Interesting points. I'm 60 and play doubles at around 4.5. I'm comfortable at the net for the initial volley but if it requires a number of quick fire volleys then I fall to pieces. 4 players all volleying at the net is a nightmare for me - any thoughts?
ALWAYS expect the ball to come back, and always expect the ball to come to you
Agree with Stokke. I'm average at net but somewhat better in rapid fire. Contact, ready position, contact...
Love the tips/ Awesome
Fantastic insight and information! I'm watching all your vids. But is there any chance you could post these in non HDR. Cannot turn off HDR when watching on my large TV. HDR makes it blinding. Thx.
I'll work on it...I'm getting pretty good at coaching but I'm still very much a TH-cam beginner!
Hi there really enjoy your videos because I am really trying to get good at doubles, I asked a question on another video and I have another one here! What are some good drills to do on the ball machine or with my dad for poaching or faking?
He can just feed the cross court ball and you poach off of it, but the best reps are the ones that happen in live points
Another factor in poaching is your server. How good or bad is their serve?
Made a video on this as well
@@StokkeTennis Thanks. I watched it.
Awesome
Can you talk about the timing? If you have a partner w/ a slow serve or fast serve? I assume you take your step forward when serve is contacted, and then split step / pivot to the middle just before the receiver makes contact? Do you wait for the ball to bounce? Do you change your position based on whether the serve is to the T or wide?
I try to leave right when my opponent drops the racket to hit!
Great ❤
I'm in the middle but i keep getting burned down the line.
Secondly, i hesitate on the cross court return too much, after the ball goes by, I'm thinking i should have had that .. tips?
@@saadrbsongs tough for me to know without seeing you play, unfortunately!
I enjoed your other video. Thanks. See you :)
Great video.
Thanks!
also i poach and i also fake alot during the match. but i have trouble for some reason if my opponent hits the ball hard right at me as i am poaching or even fake poaching ? Why is that ? and how can i fix that ?
My first guess is you’re off balance
You are afraid of the ball hitting you. Practice staying calm with a backhand continental grip and position the racquet head towards the incoming ball.
I always have an issue when the ball is hit straight at me when at the net. I'm much better if there is an angle.
Is that rain again? Stokke you need to move to San Diego! I’ll be your first client! Once again, great content!
Haha, started raining slightly at beginning but I got lucky!
Great Lesson! After your split step, do you leave yourself enough room for an angled step into the volley or do you get closer to the net and move straight laterally?
I usually get as close as possible
I play against a guy who's best return by far is down the line. In that case do you recommend just moving over to cover the line and giving up the middle? I basically just can't poach with him. It make me really passive, and miserable.
Yep, and if he does line every time it shouldn’t be boring cause he’s hitting to you all the time!
What did you eat to get those calves 😮
I walk around in high heels every night
I liked the poaching video and your presentation style. Had a question with regard to the movement toward the net and if you include ‘reads’ with the partner’s service target wide it T?
Yes, but as I showed with the angles it's much more subtle than people think.
I am gonna work on the timing of the movement!
Message me and let me know how it goes!
I did it! You are awesome. My coach and I worked on the timing of my movements towards the net. Turned out I was moving too early. Bit then played a mixed doubles match and I was on fire!🔥 I was aggressively poaching, making the opponents missed because they have to make high risk shots. Follow up question for you: where do I recover? My coach and I worked on recovering to the T and then to my ‘golden circle. ‘ We are curious about your opinion. It felt so good to cut off the shots ! All my winners are at the net. I’ve been working on this for a while and people noticed as I am even more of a menace at the net. 😂. Give them issues when I am at the net. 😅I will continue to work on it!🔥🔥. Thank you😊
@ sounds like you did it! Where you go depends on where you hit the volley and where your opponents are positioned…
@@StokkeTennis triangle dance? Gigi method. Or our west Texas triangle? West Texas triangle seems to be so large and I can’t grow any taller. So I am trying the little triangle if I move back. Most of the time I am not thinking about it as I am too busy locking in on the opponents.
This was great, thanks coach - what about recovery if you don't make that poach, just back to square 1 type thing?
Generally speaking, you'll either get the ball or they'll hit a winner cross court. There shouldn't be too many times where you poach but don't get the cross court ball. If you get beat down the lie, you'll just stay on the new side of the court.
@@StokkeTennis ty!
Early.. great point!
serve down the T on a right hand returner.
Closing volleys $$
if you get that close to the net after moving up 2 steps, you are so close to the net, wouldn't you be a sucker for a lob ??
Possible, although if you listen to my podcast you just need to get one step past service like to cover like 95% of lobs