PRO TIP OF THE MONTH: THE POACH APPROACH

In doubles it is crucial that partners communicate after each point. Talk strategy, and discuss positioning. Also, you partner should always now when you are planning on poaching, so he/she can slide over and cover your side. But anticipation is just as important as strategy, especially for an experienced player. Many of your poaches will be unspoken, such as when your opponent has come in behind a serve, gets caught in “no man’s land” (near the service line) and is forced to play a low or half-volley. Most likely you will get a weak reply, so it is an ideal time to move forward and across the court and look for a put-away opportunity. Another automatic in doubles? Your opponent attempts a down-the –line passing shot, but you are able to volley the ball back down the line. Your opponent’s instinct will be to play the next shot crosscourt, so if you start in that direction, you can cut the ball off and make a winning volley. In both instances, your partner should be able to pick up what you are doing and move to cover the vacated side. Good luck on your poach!

Mikael Andersson
Director of Tennis