How to Volley a Service Return in Doubles Tennis

Putting away a service return in doubles is called "poaching." It is arguably the most effective way to win points in doubles. But it can also cost your team points if not done properly and effectively. There are several key components to poaching your way to success.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Prepare your racket for either a forehand or backhand. Hold it directly in front of you at chest level and perpendicular to the ground as your partner prepares to serve the ball.

2. Position yourself about four feet from the net and close enough to the doubles alley to reach a potential passing shot. But be ready to attack any service return within striking distance in either direction. Any shot within reach of your racket in the half-court in which you are situated can be successfully poached.

3. Know the service capabilities of your partner and the service return skills of your opponent. If your partner boasts a strong serve and your opponent a weak return, turn up your aggressiveness.

4. 
    
   Make that decision to poach and attack that ball.

   React quickly. Bolt toward the ball as soon as it is hit. Assess immediately if it can be reached and poached effectively. If not, return to your spot so your partner understands it is his to return. If you decide to go for it, take your racket back only a couple feet. Remember that placement is more important than power at the net.

5. Wait on the ball. Overanxiousness is a sure way to strike the ball early and hit it into the net or out of the court. Watch the ball all the way into your racket.

6. Hold your racket firmly and strike the ball with a short stroke. Aim the ball for a spot not occupied by one of your two opponents. If the ball is at head level or higher, slam down firmly. A strong overhead should put away the ball and the point for your team.

Tips & Warnings

• Switching sides with your partner is an effective way to ensure success and will allow you to go a long way to reach a ball for a poach. It enables you to vacate your spot after taking your momentum to the other side of the court because your partner will be moving to your side of the court.
• Only attack balls you can reach and hit while remaining balanced. Lunging for a potential poach can be disastrous. Remember that simply reaching for the ball to return it is not the objective. The objective is to put the ball away or at least move your opponents out of position. If that can't be done, let the ball go and allow your partner to hit it.

Resources

• Poaching
• More on poaching

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[kselz]

on 6/8/2009 You are obviously a great poacher! Thanks for excellent tips and the reasoning behind poaching.