"Move In!" - Doubles Topic

[UWBTennis]

Originally Posted by Bud

Both know to keep the ball well CC and high enough (6'-8' above the net with depth, spin and pace) where a poach is nearly impossible or very difficult.

I'm sorry but I was under the impression that low balls tend to generally be better defense against poaching, am I wrong? If I am please explain to me why because it would save me time that I'm spending on learning to hit topspin while keeping it low (a truly time consuming task).

[Bud]

Originally Posted by UWBTennis

I'm sorry but I was under the impression that low balls tend to generally be better defense against poaching, am I wrong? If I am please explain to me why because it would save me time that I'm spending on learning to hit topspin while keeping it low (a truly time consuming task).

A high CC rally ball is easier to execute time after time. A dipping TS shot at the net man's feet is a good play but much lower percentage.

Any CC rally ball that is 1-3' above the net is easily poachable. If this is your CC rally ball, make sure the opposing net man is no closer than 8' to the net or be prepared to come forward when it's poached. An experienced doubles player will be salivating to pick off such a CC ball after 2-3 exchanges.

Start rallying CC in doubles with 6-8' net clearance and watch how many balls go unpoached. The ball I'm referring to isn't hit flat but with lots of spin and depth. Your goal is to continue pushing back your opponent at the baseline until your net man get the opportunity to pick off the ball (which brings us to the topic of this thread)... getting your net man to keep moving in toward the center, taking any poaching opportunities.