Poach More Aggressively on Second Serves
The Situation
You are the net player during your partner's second serve.
What To Do
Increase your poach frequency on second serves. The returner is focused on getting the ball back safely — they are less likely to lob and more likely to play cross-court directly at you.
Why It Works
Second serve return patterns are more predictable than first serve returns. The returner under pressure defaults to the cross-court safety ball which is exactly where you are standing. An aggressive net player who reads this pattern can end multiple points per set directly from second serve poaches.
Court Positioning
Second serve shown. Returner in defensive mode. Net player shown in aggressive poach position cutting off predictable cross-court return.
Court View
Bird's-eye view — attacking net position
Skill Level
Serve to the Body to Jam the Returner
You are serving and want a reliable, high-percentage target that makes the return difficult.
Return Low at the Net Player's Feet
You are returning serve and the server's partner stands at the net ready to intercept.
Both Returners Advance After the Return
You have returned serve and your partner is already at the net. You are standing on the baseline.