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By Johnny Tallent
 To
switch or not to switch, that is the question” in doubles.
The answer, however, is not so black and white. In resolving
this dilemma you should first recognize the following doubles
principle: “The partner who is closer to the net gets
the first shot at each incoming ball.” It’s the
job of the partner closer to the net, whenever possible, to
cut off shots and try to put away balls.
A problem with this principle can occur when a player crosses
over to the other side of the court to hit a ball but does
not put away the ball. This movement, called a poach, can
make court coverage during the next few points confusing.
Who should move where? As with most problems, confusion can
be alleviated with a little verbal communication, i.e., a
simple “Stay” or “Switch.”
The next step is to understand the word poach. Webster’s
Dictionary defines it as “to trespass or go on someone
else’s land without permission.” In most circles
poach is used to describe trespassing hunters or fishermen,
but you can see that it ultimately means “stepping on
someone else’s land,” and in doubles, this happens
quite often and can be great strategy. Basically, poaching
is when you go onto your partner’s side of the court
without signaling or telling him/her what you’re doing—in
other words, without getting “permission.”
Not that you always need permission to poach, particularly
if you put away the ball. Ever notice that you’re not
a “ball hog” if you win the point? Court coverage
problems arise when a player does poach, but does not put
away the ball. The confusion over court coverage calls for
an adjusted game plan.
 In
addition to understanding the word poach, you need to realize
the
difference between poaching and going/switching. The difference
can best be illustrated by serve formations and the use of
hand signals. If you give the “go/switch” signal,
either by verbal or hand communication, then the move is not
really considered a poach. Photo 1 shows traditional doubles
service formation, in which the net partner is giving the
“go/switch” signal (communicated with an open
hand). Once that signal is given, the two partners now have
an understanding of which side of the court each is responsible
for—or which side of the court is now considered “his/her
land.” As soon as the serve goes by, both players switch
accordingly to “their new land.” If, in switching,
the net partner takes a swing at the crosscourt service return,
then it’s not really considered poaching since that
ball was taken on his/her new land (see photo 2).
 If
the net partner gives the “stay” signal (communicated
with a closed hand) as in photo 3, then both players stay
on “their land” (or at least close to it) according
to the plan. The poach comes into effect when you move from
“your land” to “your partner’s land”
to cut off a ball.
Remember, if you put away the ball when poaching—then
“all’s well that ends well.” The challenge
of poaching arises when the poacher does not put away the
ball. Then the poacher’s partner doesn’t know
if the poacher is going to stay in the “new land”
or go back to “his/ her own land.”
Let’s assume that the net partner gives the stay signal.
While the plan is to stay, the net partner can still poach;
but remember, the ball needs to be put away to avoid confusion.
If the poached ball is not put away, use these guidelines
to decide whether to stay or go back.
 The
distance the poaching player moves. On most poaches, the server
places the serve either down the “T” or into the
returner’s body to cut down the angle of return. When
this happens, the net partner usually has to move just one
or two steps to poach. If poachers move just a few steps,
then it’s usually best for them to go back rather than
to stay and make their partner switch. If the poach causes
the net person to move more than two steps and really reach,
perhaps even causing that player to stumble a few steps after
contact with the ball, then it’s usually best for the
partners to switch sides. In fact, many backcourt players
will see the developing situation and switch on their own
(especially the more the team has played together).
Where the poached ball is hit. Just by following the ball
after poaching, the net player can usually assume an effective
position for the next return. For example, many times if the
poach is hit down the middle or at the net person (see photo
4), then it’s usually best for the poacher to remain
near the middle rather than to recover the distance back or
switch. Should the poach be returned, this middle position
will most likely be sufficient enough to cut off any ball
coming from that direction or angle and force the play away
from the poacher and to the partner farther back.
 If
the poach is played “across the body” or away
from the net person and to the opponent who is farther back
(see photo 5), then the partners need to switch quickly because
it will be difficult for either to move crosscourt and cover
the return. If the switching isn’t executed fast enough,
the players may witness a down-the-line winner from their
opponent—another reason to put away the ball when poaching.
Poachers can provide further clarification by calling “Switch”
as they move, but before contact with the ball. This verbal
communication will give their partner farther back that extra
step in switching sides, which often can make the difference
in winning or losing the point. Conversely, it helps if poachers
call “Stay” to their backcourt partner if they
plan to go back to their position rather than switch sides.
So next time you poach, remember to put away the ball. On
the small chance that you don’t, you’ll face the
dilemma of “Should I stay or should I go back?”
At least now you have some guidance in making this snap decision.
Johnny Tallent is a USPTA Professional 1 and a USRSA Master
Racket Technician. He has been a USTA National Coach for Texas
during the last four years and was named USPTA Texas Pro of
the Year in 2001. |
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