JAK'S MONTHLY ESSAY SERIES: Achieving Your Personal Best
Coulda, shoulda got that: The Art of Poaching
Sound familiar? Have you ever thought that to yourself in the midst of a point after realizing that a reachable ball went right by you at the net, especially when your partner's first serve is in and solid? And also those similarly missed opportunities when back court partners are favorably engaged in dueling cross courts as well.
If you have experienced this, here's some guidance on being a more proactive, greater threat/presence at the net.
Simple: It's all about ball tracking, always the key component in singles or doubles, but especially challenging in doubles.
Example – Part One: When at net with partner serving – often the best chance to poach after a well-placed or penetrating serve – first you typically focus on the receiver prior to partner's serve, then it's essential to visually switch to the ball once it enters the service box in your field of vision. Then track it, only it, into the receivers contact point for an early jump on a doable poach, to protect against a down the line passing attempt, or to retrieve a lob.
Do not continue to watch the receiver - you will then only "see" the ball through your periphery which is analogous to that deer in the headlights disconnected look, and a guaranteed late to the ball reaction, or no reaction at all…coulda, shoulda.
Now, Part Two, a more demanding component that requires far more visual dexterity once the point is on-going, especially when the back court partners are locked in a dueling cross court battle in which you should desperately want to get involved in.
But, when unable to poach remember to retreat back to a defensive position on the service line facing, and focusing on, the opposing net player who has now closed into the net for a turn at poaching your partner. You'll have a fair chance to defend any poaches from that position. Remaining at an offensive net position leaves a large lane for the poacher to easily hit into between you and your partner. If they are unable to intercept it, move back in to the net to try again.
Back and forth all day. You may switch positions multiple times without ever getting a playable ball.
Key: Once defensively repositioned at the service line, do not watch your partner hit their shot from the back. Instead, while directly eyeing the potential poacher's every move, reacquire the ball as it enters your visual field. The opponent is seen through your periphery. You'll be able to defend far better, or, if your partner has done their job, release and close back in.
You know about often mentioned quick hands, and quick feet too.. But, it's actually quick eyes, that's difference maker.;
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