[An aside before beginning this blog: I've never discovered why the non-volley zone is called "the kitchen," but it is. Because of that, and the very name of the sport having to do with food, it seems appropriate now and then to carry that theme forward, so today's entry about poaching and pickling seems appropriate. To those who hate puns, please forgive me.]

Poaching comes in two varieties: planned and unplanned (or opportunistic). Both types can help you win points.

What is poaching? When you are playing doubles and you step out of your usual area to return a ball meant for your partner, you have poached that shot. Done well, it catches your opponents by surprise, making it harder for them to return the ball. [In the kitchen, poaching is to cook in a simmering liquid. In pickleball, poaching causes your opponents' tempers to become heated so that they start to stew.]

Planned poaching takes practice with your partner. You need to develop a signal that tells your partner you're going to move. In response, your partner will also shift position so that both of you still cover all of the court.

The easiest planned poaches are made by the player who is close to the net on the receiving team. After the serve, the receiver should return the ball deep to keep the serving team at the baseline. The most common return by the serving team would be to the receiver in back. Expecting this, the player near the net executes a planned poach, moving quickly to the other side of the court and intercepting the ball.

Poaching only works if your opponents don't expect it, so you should occasionally fake a poach. How do you signal this so that your partner doesn't become confused, too? Typically, forward players signal behind their backs to their partners. One scheme uses an open hand for a poach and a closed fist for staying put. This last is important: signaling only when you are going to poach will be a sure giveaway of your intentions, so you must also signal when you are not going poach for this to work. Whatever scheme you use, make sure it's clear and easy to remember.

There are other times when unplanned poaching suddenly seems appropriate. If you are up near the non-volley zone and your partner is further back, the opponents will likely try to hit the ball to your partner. You should definitely take advantage of an opportunity like this, especially if the ball is a little higher or slower, giving you added time to intercept it. You must keep your move a surprise for as long as possible though, so your opponent doesn't realize what you're about to do and return the ball behind you. Wait as long as possible -- preferably until your opponent has committed to the shot.

Sometimes poaching only requires you to step a few feet into your partner's side of the court, allowing you to return to your own position easily. When you must go further, it's usually best to call out "switch," signaling to your partner to do the same and cover your side of the court. Either partner can call this "switch," but it is important to communicate it since the player in front cannot see what his partner in back is doing.

However, this action is called 'poaching' because it derives from stealing a ball that rightfully belongs to your partner. Two things about poaching are important: do it wisely and make sure you and your partner are clear about why and when it will happen. Some players are so keen to poach that they deprive their partners of shots without a need. This is especially true if the poacher does not make the shot. Do not hog the court and poach unnecessarily.

In competitive pickleball, strategy says you should hit to the weaker player. If that person is your partner, poaching may be a good strategy, but make sure your partner understands that this technique is for the "greater good." In non-competitive pickleball, too much poaching often leads to bad feelings. Use this option wisely and don't monopolize the court.

Practice poaching just like you practice anything else in pickleball. It is a useful skill that can help win points you might otherwise lose. When adding poaching to your repertoire, try it early in the game so you can make up the point if it doesn't work. Certainly try it if you are far ahead or way behind.

Hone your poaching skills and dish out a recipe for success!