If you’re looking for a sneaky, strategic way to throw your opponents off balance, look no further than the topspin lob. Unlike a traditional lob that simply relies on height, a well-executed topspin lob dips quickly, kicks forward after bouncing, and makes overheads difficult to attack.
This shot is a signature move of pro player Anna Bright, who uses it not just to reset points, but as an offensive weapon to keep aggressive opponents in check. But when should you use it? How do you execute it properly? And what mistakes should you avoid? Let’s break it down step by step.
Why Use a Topspin Lob?
Most players think of lobs as defensive shots, often attempted in desperation. But a topspin lob is different—it’s a disruptive, attacking shot that forces your opponents to move and adjust.
What Makes a Topspin Lob Effective?
✅ It forces opponents back – If your opponents are crowding the net, a topspin lob pushes them out of their comfort zone.
✅ It dips quickly – Unlike a floating lob, the topspin makes the ball drop faster, making it harder to track and smash.
✅ It’s deceptive – A well-disguised topspin lob looks just like a dink until the last moment, catching opponents off guard.
✅ It’s harder to attack – Because of the forward-kicking spin, overheads become more difficult to control.
That said, this isn’t a shot you want to overuse—mixing it in at the right moments makes it far more effective.
Check out Anna Bright’s insane topspin lob against Ben Johns and Jessie Irvine at an MLP tournament—perfect placement and execution!
Step 1: Choosing the Right Moment
Like any shot in pickleball, timing and strategy are key. A topspin lob is a high-reward shot, but only if used in the right scenario.
Best Times to Use the Topspin Lob
🔹 When your opponent is leaning forward at the net. If they’re reaching in aggressively for a dink, their balance is off, making it harder to retreat.
🔹 Against a weak backhand overhead. Most players are less comfortable hitting overheads with their backhand—Anna Bright often lobs over the backhand side for this reason.
🔹 When you’re in a strong, balanced position. This is NOT a shot to attempt when scrambling—you need to be set to execute it properly.
🔹 To disrupt an aggressive opponent. If your opponent is constantly attacking and pressuring you at the net, a well-placed topspin lob can slow them down and make them think twice.
Worst Times to Use the Topspin Lob
🚫 When you’re off balance or reaching. Lobbing in desperation often results in a weak, short shot—an easy setup for your opponent’s smash.
🚫 Against players with strong overheads. Some players love putting away lobs—don’t feed them easy points!
🚫 If you use it too predictably. Like any shot, variety is key—if your opponent starts anticipating it, they’ll be ready to attack.
Pro Tip: The best topspin lobs are unexpected—set them up with consistent dinks before surprising your opponent with the lob.
Step 2: Footwork & Positioning – Set Yourself Up for Success
Footwork is everything when executing a topspin lob. If you’re not properly set, your shot will be weak, short, or inaccurate.
✅ Get behind the ball. Don’t attempt a lob while reaching—position yourself early so you can lift through the shot.
✅ Stay balanced. Your weight should be centered, not falling backward or lunging forward.
✅ Keep a low stance. Just like with dinks, bending your knees helps you control the lift on your shot.
Common Mistakes:
❌ Lobbing while off balance—this leads to short, attackable shots.
❌ Waiting too long to react—if you’re too slow to set up, you’ll rush the shot and lose accuracy.
❌ Telegraphing the lob—if you lean back too early, your opponent will see it coming and have time to adjust.
Step 3: Mastering the Technique
Now that you know when to use the topspin lob and how to position yourself, let’s talk about the actual mechanics of the shot.
✅ Start in a dink position. The more your lob resembles a dink, the harder it is to read.
✅ Use your shoulder, not just your wrist. Unlike a flicky lob, a controlled shoulder-driven motion generates the right height and spin.
✅ Follow through high. Your paddle should finish above your head, ensuring enough arc.
✅ Aim deep. The ideal landing spot is just inside the baseline—too short and it’s an easy smash for your opponent.
What NOT to do:
❌ Using too much wrist—this leads to inconsistency.
❌ Hitting too flat—the topspin helps drop the ball into the court.
❌ Lobbing too high—remember, topspin does the work; you don’t need extreme height.
Pro Tip: Think of brushing up on the ball as if you were hitting a mini forehand topspin drive—just with more lift.
Pickleball pro Morgan Evans breaks down when to lob, what mistakes to avoid, and how to make your lobs win points. This one’s a must-watch:
When to Use a Slice Lob Instead
While the topspin lob is great for aggressive play, there are times when a slice lob (where you cut under the ball instead of brushing up) might be the better choice:
🔹 When playing against power hitters. A slice lob slows the game down, forcing them to adjust.
🔹 When you’re further back in the court. A topspin lob requires good positioning—if you’re retreating, a slice lob might be easier to execute.
🔹 When playing outdoors in the wind. Slice lobs float more, making them harder to track in gusty conditions.
Skill Level Guide – Who Should Use This Shot?
Beginner Players
- Focus on consistent dinking before attempting topspin lobs.
- Try this shot in casual games to build confidence.
- Avoid using it as a bailout shot—practice controlled execution.
Intermediate Players
- Mix it in strategically when opponents lean forward at the net.
- Work on disguising it to avoid getting punished.
- Target the backhand overhead of your opponent whenever possible.
Advanced Players
- Use it as an offensive weapon to push aggressive opponents back.
- Pair it with fast dinks and quick exchanges to keep opponents guessing.
- Experiment with different depths and angles to maximize effectiveness.
Should You Add This to Your Game?
A topspin lob isn’t just a fancy trick shot—it’s a tactical weapon that can completely shift the momentum of a match. When used at the right time, it forces your opponent into a defensive position and gives you control of the rally.
To summarize:
✅ Pick the right moment – Don’t use this shot in desperation.
✅ Footwork is key – Get behind the ball and stay balanced.
✅ Disguise it well – Make it look like a dink until the last second.
✅ Aim for the backhand overhead – Most players struggle with this.
Like any shot in pickleball, practice makes perfect! The more comfortable you get with the topspin lob, the more confident you’ll be using it in matches. So go out there, start mixing it into your game, and watch your opponents scramble! 🎾🔥
