The poach shot in pickleball is effective because it breaks patterns and disrupts the regular flow of a point. Timed properly, it can shake your opponent’s confidence, keep them guessing and more defensive, and shrink the game at the kitchen line. (No wonder Zane Navratil is a big fan.)
There’s no rulebook for when you can or can’t poach, but a common and effective moment is after a solid third shot drop by your partner. Here’s why, and how to execute it to perfection.
✅ It’s all about timing.
Your team serves, the other team returns, now your teammate is sending back a third shot drop. This is when you plan your attack.
✅ Watch your partner’s shot.
As your teammate drops, take two big steps toward the kitchen. Watch the ball's path. If it’s a quality drop, follow it up to the net, hedging toward the middle but not overcommitting. Now comes the fun part.
✅ Don’t commit too soon.
Split step in front of the ball so that you’re stable, balanced, and ready to decide whether to stay put or go hunting.
✅ Watch their paddle face.
Now look at their hips, head, and paddle face to gauge where the next shot is going. Odds are, if they open up toward your partner's side of the court, the poach will be in play.
✅ Attack on contact.
As soon as the ball is hit toward your partner, it’s time to act. Take a few hard lateral steps in its direction and focus on making solid contact with your return, keeping it low, hard, and down the middle. Successful poach, executed.
Challenge yourself to poach a few times during your next play session and watch the points pile up
