What poaching means and when to use it
Poaching is reaching across the middle of the court to take a ball that's technically on your partner's side, usually because it's a weak, high shot you can put away more effectively. It's an aggressive, high-reward tactic best used once your team's kitchen positioning is already solid.
The key judgment call is the quality of the ball. Poach on a clearly attackable shot — high, slow, or sitting up. Poaching on a low, controlled dink usually isn't worth the risk of leaving your side open.
Communicating a poach
Ideally, call it — a short word like "mine" as you move — so your partner isn't caught off guard and knows to shift toward your vacated side. In fast exchanges, there isn't always time to call it, so many teams develop a shared understanding of when a poach is likely based on the ball, rather than relying purely on verbal calls.
Committing to the poach
Once you start moving, commit fully. A half-hearted poach is the worst outcome — you neither put the ball away nor stay in position to defend your own side. If you see the opportunity, move decisively and finish the shot with authority.
Recovering after a poach
The moment after a poach is when teams get exposed — your side of the court is now empty. Your partner should already be shifting to cover it as you move, and you need to recover back toward the middle immediately after your shot. This recovery habit connects directly to good stacking discipline — both rely on a team moving as a coordinated unit rather than as two individuals.
