Who Covers the Lob?

The lob can be a challenging shot in pickleball, often catching even seasoned players off-guard and sending teams scrambling. Covering a lob effectively can be the difference between staying in the point or losing control of the rally.

But here’s the real question: who’s responsible for covering it? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but understanding the right lob strategies for your skill level is key.

The Basics: Who Gets the Lob?

When a lob is sent over your head, it’s crucial to decide quickly who will retrieve the ball. Communication is key here. The most common approach is for the partner furthest from the ball to run back diagonally while the other player slides over to cover the middle.

The reason? The diagonal angle often provides a better chance to track the ball and return it effectively. But this isn’t always the case.

Key Tip: Both players should start moving for the lob until one calls the other off. Clear communication prevents hesitation and ensures that someone will retrieve the shot quickly and safely.

Strategies Based on Skill Level

1. Strategy: Stick to Basic Coverage

For beginners, the key to covering lobs is simple communication and understanding your role. If you’re closer to the net, let your partner (who is further back) take the shot. Here’s a basic strategy:

• Sidekick and Hero Roles: Think of one player as the “hero” who runs back to get the lob, while the other player, the “sidekick,” covers the middle to prevent a quick return.
• Focus on Drop Shots: Once the lob is retrieved, focus on resetting the point with a controlled drop shot, allowing both players to move back into position at the kitchen.

2. Intermediate Strategy: Position and Angles

For intermediate players, working on angles and positioning becomes crucial. Typically, the partner with the better angle should take the lob.

• Diagonal Advantage: If the ball is lobbed over your partner’s head, you may have a better angle to reach it by moving diagonally. This approach is faster and allows for a more controlled return.
• Return with Control: Instead of trying to hit a hard shot, focus on returning the lob with a drop shot to reset the point. A fast return might tempt you, but it often leads to unforced errors. A drop shot is more consistent and gives you time to recover.

Find out why you should step in to cover the lob, even when it’s sailing over your partner’s head:

2. Advanced Strategy: Think Ahead and Attack

Advanced players face fewer lobs, but when they do, they need to execute with precision and control. Here’s how:

• Smash or Reset: If the lob is high enough, an overhead smash can be your best option. If not, go for a well-placed drop shot or even lob it back to maintain control.
• Anticipate the Lob: Advanced players can often predict a lob by watching their opponent’s paddle angle and body language. Use this to your advantage and position yourself early.

Pro Tip: For those mid-court lobs, an overhead smash is your go-to move:

Real Players Weigh In

• “Whoever has a better angle to the ball should take the lob.”
  Many players agree that the diagonal angle often gives a player better body positioning to make a successful return. It’s much harder for a player to run straight back, turn around, and hit a lob effectively.
• “Both players should start moving, but communicate clearly to avoid confusion.”
  Communication is the biggest factor in defending lobs. If both players hesitate or assume the other will take the shot, you risk losing the point. Make sure to call for the ball early to avoid this.
• “It’s tempting to smash a lob, but a smart drop shot often keeps you in control.”
  Especially at intermediate levels, players often make the mistake of going for a powerful return. However, a controlled drop shot can keep you in the rally and allow you to regain your position at the kitchen.

3 Advanced Tips for Covering Lobs

1. Use Your Height and Mobility: If you’re the taller or more mobile player, you may naturally be better at covering lobs. Partners should understand these strengths and adjust their strategy accordingly.
2. Pre-empt the Lob: Watch for signs that your opponent is setting up for a lob, such as an open paddle face. When you see it coming, move early to get into a better position.
3. Work as a Team: Don’t wait for the lob to come before deciding. Discuss with your partner beforehand who will cover lobs based on ball placement, mobility, and positioning. Clear roles make for faster decisions.

Own the Lob, Own the Game

Covering the lob isn’t just about sprinting to the back of the court—it’s about staying in sync with your partner and making smart decisions under pressure. You and your partner need to be on the same page, anticipate the lob, and know who’s got what covered.

Bonus tip: Don’t just react—if you can predict a lob from your opponent, you’ll already be a step ahead!