Types of Lobs
Not all lobs are created equal. Understanding the difference helps you choose the right one.
Offensive Lob
Hit when opponents are at the net but not pressuring you hard. The goal is to get the ball over their heads and make them scramble back. Can win points outright or at least reset the positioning.
Defensive Lob
Hit when you're in trouble and need time. A high, deep lob buys you time to recover position. Not pretty but sometimes necessary.
Topspin Lob
More advanced. Adding topspin makes the ball dip and then kick up after bouncing. Harder to chase down. Not everyone can hit this consistently.
When to Lob
This is the hard part. Lobbing at the wrong time loses points fast.
Good Times to Lob
When opponents are crowding the net and leaning forward. When the sun is behind you and in their eyes. When they're slow or have limited overhead ability. When you need to change the pace and they're in a rhythm.
Bad Times to Lob
When opponents are already back or balanced. When they have strong overheads. When there's wind helping the ball go deep. When you're lobbing just because you don't know what else to do.
Read the Situation
Watch how far forward your opponents are. If they're way up at the kitchen line with weight on their toes, a lob over the backhand side can work. If they're balanced and alert, probably not.
Technique Basics
The motion is similar to a dink but with more follow-through and upward angle.
Open Paddle Face
Angle your paddle face upward more than a normal groundstroke. You're trying to lift the ball, not drive it. How much angle depends on how high and deep you want the lob.
Smooth Swing
Don't jab at it. A smooth upward swing with good follow-through gives you control over depth. Jerky motions make it hard to judge where the ball lands.
Aim High Enough
The ball needs to get over their outstretched paddle and then some. A lob that's barely over their reach gets smashed. Give yourself margin.
Aim Deep
A short lob is a disaster. You want it landing near the baseline. Better to hit it out the back than leave it short in the middle.
Disguising Your Lob
The best lobs look like dinks until the last moment. If opponents know it's coming, they're already moving back.
Same Setup
Approach the ball like you're hitting a dink. Same body position, same paddle preparation. Only the follow-through changes.
Don't Look Up
Looking up over their heads telegraphs the lob. Keep your eyes on the ball and contact point. Trust that your mechanics will send it where you want.
Vary Your Shots
If you only lob, it becomes predictable. Mix in dinks and drives. Keep them guessing.
After You Lob
What you do next matters as much as the lob itself.
Move Back
If your lob is short, they're going to hit a hard shot at you. Get back and get ready to defend. Don't stand there admiring your shot.
Watch Their Position
If they're scrambling, look for opportunity. If they recovered well and are set up for an overhead, be ready to defend or lob again.
Reset if Needed
A successful lob might not win the point. It might just give you time to get into better position. Take that advantage and work the point from there.