📄 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 should be your go-to; staying is the mix-up. Most rec players have this exactly reversed, and it's why they never build real poaching confidence.

· Getting burned is part of the deal — Every bad rep is a rep off your learning curve. Stokke's mindset: five missed poaches means five fewer standing between you and doing it well.

· with the wrong pattern just grooves the wrong pattern 250 times.

Jonathan Stokke:
www.stokketenniscoaching.com

Stokke Doubles Academy:

https://www.skool.com/stokke-doubles-academy/about

#TennisTips #DoublesStrategy #SeniorTennis #TennisCoaching #USTATennis #TennisLife #NetPlay #RecreationalTennis

⏱️ Chapters:

00:00 Intro: Reactor or Decider

01:58 What a True Poach Actually Is

03:50 The 75-90% Rule: Why Math Favors You

07:06 Your Real Job at the Net

09:53 Where to Stand: The Position Most Players Get Wrong

12:45 When to Poach During a Live Rally

14:42 How to Start Adding This to Your Game

17:59 The 4.5 Move Any 3.5 Can Use

19:53 Find Stokke online

20:52 Show Wrap Up & Key Takeaways

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