The lob is one of pickleball's most versatile shots, serving as both a defensive weapon and an offensive tool. When used correctly, lobs can turn the tide of a rally, buy you time to recover position, or create winning opportunities. This guide covers everything you need to know about executing and defending against lobs.
What is a Lob?
A lob is a high, arcing shot that sends the ball deep into your opponent's court. Unlike drives that travel flat and fast, lobs travel high into the air before descending.
Lob vs. Drive
- Drive: Low trajectory, fast, offensive
- Lob: High trajectory, slower, defensive or strategic
Types of Lobs
1. Defensive Lob
Purpose: Buy time and space when under pressure
Characteristics:
- High arc, lands near the baseline
- Hit with moderate power
- Allows you to recover position
- Used when pushed out of position or rushed
2. Offensive Lob
Purpose: Win points or create opportunities
Characteristics:
- High arc but lands deeper
- Hit with more power
- Aimed at opponent's feet or behind them
- Used when opponent is at the net
3. Recovery Lob
Purpose: Reset after a weak shot
Characteristics:
- Soft, high arc
- Lands in middle of court or kitchen
- Prioritizes placement over depth
- Used when you need to regroup
4. Counter-Lob
Purpose: Respond when hit with a lob
Characteristics:
- Hit from overhead position
- Turns defense into offense
- Can be a smash or controlled shot
- Used when positioned under the ball
When to Use a Lob
Defensive Situations
- Pulled out of position by a wide shot
- Rushed by an aggressive opponent
- Ball hit at your feet
- Out of position at the net
- Need time to recover to optimal position
Strategic Situations
- Opponent at the net, you at baseline
- Playing against aggressive volleyers
- Want to change the pace of the rally
- Need to reset your positioning
Offensive Opportunities
- Opponent deep at the baseline
- Opponent moving backward (slow)
- Creating space for your next shot
- Pulling opponents out of position
How to Hit a Lob
Technique Steps
- 1. Position: Get behind the ball if possible
- 2. Paddle prep: Bring paddle up and back
- 3. Contact: Meet ball slightly in front and above
- 4. Swing: Brush up through the ball with an open paddle
- 5. Follow-through: Continue upward and across
Paddle Angle
- Open paddle face (tilted back)
- More open for higher lobs
- Less open for lower trajectory lobs
Common Mistakes
- Hitting the ball too flat (becomes a drive)
- Not getting behind the ball
- Using too much wrist (loss of control)
- Hitting the ball in front of body
- Lacking follow-through
Defending Against Lobs
Reading the Lob
Early recognition is key:
- Watch opponent's paddle angle at contact
- High contact point usually means lob
- Open paddle face is a tell
- Watch for upward brushing motion
Overhead Smash Position
When under the ball:
- Turn sideways to the net
- Get your body over the ball if possible
- Paddle up and ready
- Wait for ball to descend
When You Can't Smash
If the lob is too high or you can't get under it:
- Retreat to the baseline
- Let the ball descend
- Consider another lob back
- If it bounces, play it off the bounce
The Fake Smash
When defenders expect a smash:
- Show you're setting up for a smash
- Instead, drop or dink the ball
- Catches opponents moving backward
- Effective when defenders are deep
Lob Placement Strategy
Against a Single Opponent
- Straight ahead: Tests their coverage
- To their backhand: Weaker side usually
- Deep corner: Forces longest recovery
Against Two Opponents
- Between them: Creates confusion
- Over the weaker player: Higher chance of winning
- Over both: Risky but can work
- To the player in transition: They may not be ready
Avoiding the Erne
Lobs can set up opponents for an erne:
- Aim deeper to force them back
- Don't lob to a player positioned for the erne
- Consider the angle around the net post
Practice Drills
Lob Targets
Set up targets at the baseline. Practice hitting lobs that land within the targets. Track your accuracy percentage.
Lob and Recover
Practice hitting a lob, then immediately moving to the net. This simulates game situations.
Lob Defense
Have a partner hit lobs at you randomly. Practice getting under the ball and returning with smashes or controlled shots.
Lob to Lob
Practice extended rallies using mostly lobs. This teaches patience and lob-to-lob combat.
Lob Scenarios
When You're at the Net, Opponent at Baseline
Be careful - a lob over your head puts you in trouble. Options:
- Don't volley aggressively if they might lob
- Take a step back before volleying
- Be ready to retreat quickly
When Opponent Tries to Erne You
The lob is your best defense:
- Lob over their head when they move around the post
- Hit the lob deep to their backhand
- Keep the ball away from their momentum
Third Shot Lob
When receiving serve:
- A deep lob return gives you time to advance
- Can be an offensive weapon against weak serves
- Practice consistent depth
Mental Aspects of Lobbing
When to Trust the Lob
Have confidence in your lob when:
- You've practiced the shot
- You have time to execute
- You're in the correct position
- The situation calls for it
Don't Over-Lob
- Lobs give opponents time to recover
- Don't lob when you could drive
- Use lobs strategically, not habitually
- Mix lobs with drives for unpredictability
Conclusion
The lob is an essential shot in pickleball that every player should master. Use it defensively when you're out of position, strategically to change pace, and offensively to create opportunities. Practice both executing lobs and defending against them. Remember that the best players use lobs selectively, not constantly. A well-timed lob can win a point outright or set up your next winning shot.