DoublesAdvanced
Practice poaching with hand signals and coordinated coverage.
- Players3-4
- Time15 min
- EquipmentBalls
Setup: Server, net partner and one or two returners.
- Net player gives a hand signal behind the back: open hand to poach, fist to stay.
- Server serves.
- Net player poaches diagonally forward or stays.
- Server covers the open side.
Coaching cues
- Move diagonally forward
- Go when the returner commits
- Server switches on a poach
Common mistakes
- Poaching too early
- Server not covering the gap
Progression: Add fake poaches to confuse returners.
Coach's note: Even unsuccessful poaches make returners nervous.