How to Successfully Poach in Pickleball
If you've played partners in pickleball long enough, you've likely seen or been a part of what's called "poaching." Perhaps you've even seen it happening during pro events and wondered why it happens so often.
Many view poaching in pickleball as a terrible and selfish way to play the game. But did you know that if it's done correctly, it can be a smart and successful strategy?
This article explores what poaching is, when to use it, and how it can benefit you and your partner.
What is a Poach?
Poaching is when you hit a ball that was going to your partner's side of the court, even if it means crossing over to the other side. Basically, a poach is when you steal the hit from your teammate.
At first glance, this may seem like a bad thing–and it is sometimes. However, there is a time when it's alright and even a solid strategic play to do it.
The Benefits of Poaching
Poaching can be good if used properly and bad if not. Regardless of why poaching happens, there are some benefits to it.
More Shots by the Stronger Player
It's not a stretch to say that you have a better chance of winning the match if the strongest player on your team hits the ball the most. Poaching allows for the better player to do just that.
Catches Your Opponent Off-Guard
If your opponent is paying attention to the game, they may discover that your partner (or you) has a weak spot. Maybe they notice a poor backhand or that one of you isn't so great at smashing the ball. They may start to aim their shots in that direction to take advantage. When they do this, poaching can be a way to counter it and catch them off guard.
Makes Up for Less Mobile Players
Whether due to physical limitations or an injury, one person on a team may be less mobile than the other. Poaching can make up for this by keeping the more mobile player more active and helping reduce the area the less mobile person has to cover.
When to Poach
Poaching is a good strategy at certain times. However, the most important thing to do before you start poaching is to speak to your partner before the game starts. Also, it helps if you and your partner have played together in the past. Poaching a new player or a new teammate can cause some serious hard feelings and even lead to your teammate quitting mid-game.
To poach successfully, consider these circumstances:
When your partner is farther back and in a not-so-great position to return the ball. For example, if the ball will be too low by the time it reaches them, you can snatch the ball out of the air with a poach.
You are a stronger player than your partner, or the shot they would have to take is weaker than the shot you would take.
You and your partner have agreed on specific circumstances where it would be better if you took the shot instead.
Poaching can ruin a game and a partnership quickly if it's done too much. So, be sure that you're teammate is okay with it before potentially stepping on their toes.
When Not to Poach
For most people and most matches, you should not poach. When? First, ask yourself, "What is the competitive nature of the match?" If it's just a friendly match, you should focus on staying on your side and not poaching. Why? Because when players show up to play pickleball, they want to play. When you steal shots from them, you're not allowing them to play. Instead, you're taking that from them.
Never let your competitiveness ruin someone else's joy of playing.
Another time to not poach is if your partner is better than you or your opponents take advantage of you being out of position. If poaching is hurting your team, you definitely shouldn't do it.
How to Set Up a Poach
When you and your partner have decided that poaching is the right strategy, there are a few ways to set up the poach.
Use Stacking
The most common way to do this is with "stacking." In mixed-doubles pickleball, a right-handed male will play on the left side of the court most of the time. This is so that there is a greater opportunity for more power smashes. By playing on the left side of the court, he will cover not only the forehand smashes up the middle but the forehand poaches for his partner.
When stacking, make sure the player with the best smash plays on the side that allows them to do it more often.
Look for Floaters
Poaching dink shots is a bad idea because it puts you out of position, and it signals to your partner that you don't trust them. Instead, when poaching, look for floaters.
A floater is when the return from your opponent floats high and can be smashed by your team. For poaching these shots, it's ideal if the ball is heading toward your partner's weak side (backhand), which is your strong side (forehand).
In that situation, it could benefit your team if you slide over and take action.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of what poaching is and whether or not it's a good strategy for you to use when playing partners. Next time you're watching the pros play and notice poaching, consider whether or not they should have or if it was a good circumstance for it to happen. It could open your eyes up more and maybe help you install poaching into your game!
