In pickleball, the lob is a high, arcing shot meant to push your opponent back or get the ball over their head. When used at the right moment, it’s a game-changer. Used poorly… it’s basically a gift-wrapped smash for your opponent.
When to Lob
- Opponent Crowding the Net
- If they’re hugging the NVZ line and leaning forward, a lob can force them back and reset the point.
- Catching Them Off Guard
- Best when they’re focused on fast dinks and volleys, not expecting a sudden change in height.
- Wind at Your Back (Outdoors)
- The breeze adds carry—great for deeper lobs. Just remember it also increases the margin for error.
- As a Defensive Reset
- When you’re pressured and need time to recover, a lob can buy you a few seconds.
When Not to Lob
- Against tall, athletic players who can easily smash overheads.
- From far behind the baseline—you’ll need a lot of height and depth to make it safe.
- In strong headwinds—ball will hang and drop short.
How to Execute a Perfect Lob
Grip: Continental or slightly eastern for easy lift.
Technique:
- Set Your Feet — Stay balanced; rushed footwork leads to short lobs.
- Paddle Angle — Open the face slightly to add loft.
- Swing Path — Smooth upward motion, like “brushing” under the ball.
- Contact Point — In front of your body, around waist height.
- Aim — Target deep in the back third of the opponent’s court, ideally over their backhand side.
Pro Tip:
- For a topspin lob, brush up and over the back of the ball—this helps it drop faster after clearing your opponent.
- For a defensive lob, focus more on height and depth to give yourself time to reset.
Drill to Master the Lob
- Partner Drill: One player stays at the NVZ; the other stands mid-court.
- NVZ player feeds a dink.
- Mid-court player lobs over the NVZ player’s head, aiming for the deep baseline.
- Switch roles every 10 balls.
Final Word:
The lob is all about timing and disguise. Don’t telegraph it with a big backswing—make it look like a dink until the last second. When your opponent starts hesitating between guarding the net and covering the backcourt, you’ve won the mind game.
