Poaching is one of the most exciting—and intimidating—moves in doubles pickleball. Done right, it turns you into the playmaker. Done wrong, it leaves your side wide open. Let’s break down what poaching is, when to use it, and how to master it without making your partner want to fire you.
What is Poaching?
In doubles, poaching is when you cross into your partner’s side of the court to intercept and hit a ball—usually with an aggressive volley or drive—before your opponents expect it. It’s about taking control of the point before they can set up their shot.
When to Poach
- Opponent Predictability
- If you notice they always hit crosscourt dinks or drives, you can anticipate and cut it off.
- Weak Returns
- Any ball that’s high, slow, or floating is an open invitation to attack.
- Partner Setup
- If your partner just hit a shot that forces a weak reply (deep push, sharp angle), step in for the kill.
- Score & Momentum
- Use poaching to put pressure on big points—like at 9–9 or game point—to rattle opponents.
Pro Insight: Poaching works best when both partners understand it’s coming. Silent, random poaches cause chaos.
How to Poach Effectively
1. Start with Positioning
- Stand close to the NVZ line with your paddle up.
- Slightly angle your stance toward the middle to cover more court.
2. Read Early
- Watch your opponent’s paddle face and body—if you can see where they’re going before contact, you gain a split-second advantage.
3. Explode Laterally
- Use a quick side-step or crossover to move into your partner’s side.
- Keep your paddle in front—don’t drop it during the move.
4. Commit to the Shot
- Go for a controlled volley or punch—avoid giant swings that send the ball out.
- Direct your shot at the open court or into your opponent’s body to jam them.
5. Recover Immediately
- After the shot, get back into position fast to avoid leaving gaps.
Common Poaching Mistakes
- Over-Poaching — Cutting off shots your partner could handle better.
- Telegraphing — Leaning early so the opponent knows it’s coming.
- Leaving Your Side Exposed — Forgetting to cover the return angle after your poach.
Training Drill: Poach & Recover
Setup: Play doubles, designate one player as the poacher.
- Feed balls crosscourt to simulate predictable shots.
- Poacher intercepts at least every 3rd ball.
- Focus on quick movement in, clean shot, fast recovery.
Final Take:
Poaching isn’t about stealing shots—it’s about taking high-percentage opportunities to win the rally. Build chemistry with your partner, develop sharp court awareness, and when you see the perfect ball… take it with confidence.
