Poaching Pointer (a.k.a. Wilbert's ball)

TOM’S ONLINE TENNIS LESSON - Two poaching pointers!

Poaching is the art of running across the court in front of your partner to put away your opponent's shot. Here are two pointers you should know in order to become a supreme poacher.

First, make sure you run toward the net to cut off the shot. Too many players run sideways when poaching. When they finally arrive at the ball they are too far away from the net to hit a quality shot. When you poach the object is to end the point! Moving toward the net on the poach will place you on top of the net to hit a more forceful shot and win the point.

Running sideways when poaching is like staying on the service line in doubles. You are making an aggressive move with a defensive and cautious mindset! The next time you are going to poach, go for the gold!!! Move right up to the net and take your chances like a true Tennis Warrior...win, lose or draw!

The second pointer is do not think you are responsible to cover every ball when you poach. You are looking for that ONE ball that is in YOUR zone when running across to the net. Players tend to cautiously poach with the thought in mind that their opponent may hit the ball here or there or everywhere and may even lob. Guess what? You can NOT cover every shot, you are looking for only that ONE special ball that crosses your path. So, when you poach get all the other shots you think you should cover out of your head and look for that ONE shot that is in YOUR zone. Your partner will have to stay on his toes to cover the rest.

Poaching is a bold maneuver that requires risk, but also a play that can pay huge dividends. Remember, the next time you are poaching, RUN TOWARD THE NET, not sideways, and look for that ONE ball that crosses your path. Take that ball and hit it for a winner...you can thank me later! :)

Your tennis pro,

Tom Veneziano