Game version
Court-smarts game: a partner feeds balls to different spots, and you call “short” or “deep” before they land. The pair counts right calls.
Doubles Poach Signals
Use simple hand signals so the net player and server know who covers which side.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
The net player shows a signal behind their back: stay or cross.
Core: Two. Beat your own best out of 10.
- Ages
- 11 and up
- Time
- 12 min
- Players
- 4 players
- Space
- Gym or court
- Bring
- Racket, balls, court, 4 players
- Level · skill
- Developing · Game IQ
The steps
How it works
- The net player shows a signal behind their back: stay or cross.
- The server serves and moves to the open side.
- The net player follows the plan.
- Play 12 points and talk after each one.
Coaching point
Signal, serve, cover.
Safety: Keep your racket up in front of your face at the net, and only take feeds from a partner who feeds gently.
Make it fun
Play it, don't drill it
Challenge
Pick a level: Less (one call), Core (two), More (call the spot too). Beat your own best out of 10.
Story
You are a detective reading where the ball will go.
My best
Beat your own count
Beat your own best out of 10. Only your own number counts: today against last time.
Practice makes progress
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