We’ve all been there — you’re in trouble, scrambling around the court trying to dig every ball your opponent slams over the net. So, out of desperation, you attempt a lob, only to have it crushed back at you.
Most players only utilize the lob in times of trouble, when they’re hoping to get back to the kitchen line and regain control of a point. But the truth is, lobs can be an effective offensive strategy when performed correctly.
They are a great way to relieve pressure in long dinking rallies at the kitchen and they also test your opponent’s athleticism.
What is a lob shot?
A lob in pickleball is a shot that is hit softly but high in the air. The ball should sail over your opponent’s head and land near the baseline of the court.
Doing so gives you and your partner time and space to either get to the kitchen line or set up your next attack.
When to use a lob shot
Because it forces your opponents to back off the kitchen line, the lob shot is most frequently used when players are the defensive and are trying to work their way to the non-volley zone.
However, the lob can also be used when both teams are at the kitchen line. Using the lob in this way is an offensive strategy that can catch your opponent off guard, causing errors.
In either scenario, your opponent will be forced backward on the court, allowing you and your partner time to set up your next attack.
Downsides to the lob
Lob shots leave you with a low margin of error, meaning you must execute the shot perfectly for it to be effective.
If you hit the ball too soft, your opponent will be able to volley the ball back at you, often ending the rally in their favor. If you hit the ball too hard, it may sail off the back of the court.
How to execute the lob shot
The motion of a lob shot is very similar to the motion used for a dink. You should hold your paddle with a soft grip and lift the ball from below, pushing through your shoulder, not your wrist.
However, to get the extra height that a lob requires, you should push through your legs as you make contact with the ball. Start in a squat position and as you push through your shoulder, stand up.
Aim your lob over your opponent’s non-dominant shoulder. This way, even if the lob is a little short, your opponent will have a hard time reaching it. Of course, if one player is significantly shorter than the other, they would be the better target for your lob.
How to improve your lob
Grab your drilling partner and head to the kitchen line on opposite sides of the net. Begin dinking back and forth but look for a good opportunity to lob — typically when your partner hit a shallow dink and has their eyesight fully focused on the ground.
Execute your lob but play out the point as normal. If you hit a bad lob, your drilling partner should hit a volley back to you. If you hit a good lob, your drilling partner can attempt to play it.
It’s important to note that you should never backpedal when attempting to field a lob shot as it can lead to falls and injuries. Instead, perform a drop step to turn toward the baseline and run toward the ball. If you can’t safely retrieve the ball, let it go — don’t risk an injury for one point.
Retrieving Lobs
When it comes to retrieving lobs, Susannah stresses the importance of pivoting and turning to get behind the ball, rather than running backward. Tracking the ball down requires you to drop the ball and then quickly work your way back into the point. Throughout the drill, Susannah alternates between lobbing and retrieving lobs, helping players hone their skills in both aspects of the game.
Fine-tuning Your Technique
To refine your lob technique, Susannah offers several tips:
- Reach into the kitchen for lobs more than you think you can, leaning forward and finding your reach.
- Aim for a slightly forward trajectory, as too much height isn't necessary.
- When retrieving a lob, focus on getting as far back as possible and fully turning around to bring the next shot under control.
- Avoid taking the lob off the bounce, as this makes it more likely that you'll hit it out of bounds.
- Stay up at the kitchen line after executing a successful lob, as your opponent will likely struggle with their shot while tracking your ball down.
Mastering the lob is an essential skill for any pickleball player, as it helps you maintain an offensive stance and regain control of the point. Susannah Barr's instructional YouTube video offers valuable insights into perfecting this skill and serves as an excellent resource for players looking to elevate their game. Incorporate these tips and practice the drill regularly, and you'll soon find yourself lobbing and retrieving lobs with ease.
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