Return Behind the Net Player Down the Line
The Situation
The net player has been successfully poaching your cross-court returns all match.
What To Do
Play a sharp return down the line behind the net player. Aim for the space between where they are standing and the side wall.
Why It Works
A net player who poaches aggressively commits their weight toward the middle. The down-the-line return exploits that commitment — they cannot reverse direction quickly enough to reach a well-placed line ball. Use it selectively: twice per set is enough to keep them honest and stop the poaching.
Court Positioning
Net player shown committed to poach toward middle. Down-the-line return arrow going behind them into the space they vacated.
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.