Your Net Position Is Wrong — The Real Reason Your Doubles Poaches Fail I Jonathan Stokke

About this episode

Jonathan Stokke discusses effective poaching strategies in doubles tennis and how to improve net positioning.

📄 Episode Description Most doubles players think poaching is a gamble — a wing-and-a-prayer lunge you attempt when you "feel it." Jonathan Stokke says that's exactly backwards. In this episode of Insider's Playbook, Stokke breaks down why 99% of his poaches are pre-planned before the ball is struck, why standing near the singles sideline is quietly killing your net game, and why the real default at the net isn't "hold your position" — it's move . If you've ever gotten burned down the line and retreated to your corner, this conversation will rewire how you think about your entire role as a net player. ✅ Key Takeaways · Poaching is a decision, not a reaction — Stokke commits to the cross-court before his opponent swings. If you're waiting to "read" the ball, you're already late. · The math is on your side — 75–90% of returns go cross-court at every level. You don't need to be a mind reader. You need to trust the percentage. · Your starting position is probably wrong — Standing close to the singles sideline forces you to run to the poach. Move your inside foot 5–6 feet from the center service line and suddenly it's a step and a half, not a sprint. · Flip the default — Poaching…

People in this episode

Host: Mike Rogers

Guest: Jonathan Stokke

Topics covered

• doubles tennis
• poaching strategy
• net position
• tennis tactics
• competitive play

Keywords

• poaching
• doubles
• tennis strategy
• net game
• positioning

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