Strategy
Poach
A doubles player crossing into their partner's half of the court to intercept a ball — usually a volley at the kitchen line.
A poach is when one doubles partner cuts across the court to intercept a ball intended for the other partner. Done correctly, the poacher catches the opponent off-guard and ends the point with a putaway volley.
Aggressive poachers create constant pressure but leave their own side open if the ball comes back. Most pros poach selectively rather than constantly.
Related terms
Volley
Hitting the ball out of the air before it bounces. Legal everywhere except inside the non-volley zone.
Switch
Doubles partners trading sides during a rally — usually called when one partner has been pulled wide or out of position.
Stack
A formation where both partners line up on the same side before the serve, then switch positions mid-rally to keep the dominant player on a chosen half of the court.