Reminder: Both teams are in the one-up one-back formation at the start of the point; rally has begun. (see Rita's Tip 1)

The two baseliners(server,returner) are basically playing cross-court singles. Their job is to get the ball over the net away from the opposing net player, and to hit deep to the opposing baseliner.

The critical movement is done by the opposing net players.

When your partner (baseliner) is hitting the ball, you (net player) should be focused on the opposing net player until the ball safely clears that player and should be standing near the center service line deeper in the service box. Once the ball clears, then you should focus on the opposing baseliner and should be moving closer to the net, and wide or toward the middle according to where your partner has hit the ball.

The middle, deep ball is the ideal ball to poach; the really wide ball is not. If you move too early or stay too close to the middle on the wide ball, that makes an easy down the line winner for the opposing baseliner.

This movement pattern is successful when both teams are rallying in the one up/one back formation.

Rita Dotson
Tennis Pro, Roger Scott Tennis Center