Ever faced a poacher on the court and felt completely outplayed? Right, we bet you did. Poachers can be incredibly disruptive, taking control of the game and making it hard to execute your shots.
But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. With some tips from pro player Ben Johns and insights from fellow players, you’ll learn how to outsmart these court predators.
The Frustration of Facing a Poacher
One player shared their experience: “Played against a doubles team today where one guy was parked in the middle, poaching all of his partner’s shots. Every time I aimed for his weaker partner, he’d swoop in and smash it. I couldn’t get anything past him!”
Poaching can indeed be frustrating, especially when it feels like you’re constantly being outmaneuvered. Let’s dive into some practical strategies to handle this situation.
1. Return to the Poacher
Pro player Ben Johns suggests returning the ball directly to the poacher. If you keep hitting to their partner, you’re giving the poacher more opportunities to intercept and slam the ball.
Watch Ben Johns share more effective tactics for outsmarting poachers on the pickleball court.
By targeting the poacher, you reduce their chances of poaching effectively.
2. Mix Up Your Shots
As one experienced player put it, “You just need to change up the direction of your shots.” Don’t be predictable.
Use a variety of shots, including drops, drives, and down-the-line hits, to keep the poacher guessing. This will force them to think twice before making their move.
3. Hit Sharp Cross-Court Shots
These shots force the poacher to move more, increasing the chances of them being out of position and leaving their side of the court vulnerable.
This strategy can help you exploit their aggressive positioning and create openings for winning shots.
4. Focus on Control and Placement
One key aspect of beating a poacher is improving your ball control and shot selection. A player noted, “If he’s constantly poaching, he’s leaving a good chunk of the court unguarded.”
By keeping your shots low and well-placed, you can exploit the spaces the poacher leaves open and turn their aggression into your advantage.
Watch here how it’s done:
@kevindongpickleball POACHERS can be so annoying in pickleball! Here’s a quick tip to help you take them down! This is especially helpful if your opponent is cheating over often and a lot. You can use this strategy to force them to be more honest and stay on their side a little more often. Paddle: @Crush Pickleball (CRUSH2024 for 15% savings) Follow for more pickleball highlights, tips, and clips #pickleball #pickleballhighlights #propickleball #pickleballaddict #pickleballtournament #pickleballmemes #pickleballtips #pickleballathlete #kevindongpickleball #kevindong #crushpickleball #teamcrush #crushtiptuesday #natematthews #larrylegend #firecrackerpickleball ♬ original sound – Kevin Dong Pickleball
5. Use Misdirection Shots
A crafty player shared, “I use ‘misdirection’ shots to counter them. I aim as if I’m hitting to one side, then at the last moment, I open my paddle face and send it in the opposite direction.”
This can be highly effective in keeping the poacher off balance and guessing.
6. Target the Weaker Player
One player highlighted, “If the poacher is great at attacking even solid dinks, be prepared for the ball to speed up. Anticipate it and use their own pace against them.”
Targeting the weaker player with controlled, unattackable dinks can help neutralize the poacher’s aggression.
7. Lead the Poacher into Errors
When the poacher is overly aggressive, lead them further into their teammate’s side, forcing them to make a big lean for the poach.
This increases the chances of forced errors and can create some turmoil on their side.
8. Return Serves Strategically
“When they serve, you and your partner should aim your return deep at the poacher, forcing them to stay back and handle the shot,” suggested another player.
Keeping the poacher back and away from the net gives you more control and better positioning to handle their returns.
Mastering the Art of Outwitting Poachers
So there you have it, pickleball warriors—everything you need to outsmart those sneaky poachers on the court. Let’s be real: poachers can be annoying, and it’s no wonder everyone loves to hate them. Maybe it’s because we haven’t quite learned how to beat them…until now!
Remember to mix up your shots, use misdirection, keep the ball low, and take advantage of their open court. And don’t forget, even the best poachers make mistakes when they’re pushed out of their comfort zone.
Next time you face a poacher, instead of feeling frustrated, you’ll be grinning with confidence. After all, there’s no better feeling than turning the tables on those pesky court predators. Now, go out there and show those poachers who’s boss!
