You’re standing at the baseline, ready to rip your return… and then it happens: a high, floaty lob serve drops out of the sky like a balloon with bad intentions. If you’ve ever felt unsure of how to handle this weirdly effective shot, welcome to the club.
The lob serve isn’t common—but when it shows up, it throws off your timing, balance, and rhythm. So what’s the best way to deal with it?
Let’s break down your options—whether you want to stay safe, hit aggressive, or lob it right back.
First, What Is a Lob Serve?
We’re not talking about a rally lob or topspin lob mid-point. A lob serve is:
- Legal (especially from a drop serve)
- High-arcing, often dropping nearly vertical into the service box
- Designed to mess with your rhythm, movement, and contact point
This isn’t a bad serve—it’s a tactical one. And if you’re not prepared, it can lead to weak returns, lost positioning, or even a service winner.
High to High Is the Key
Before we get into your return options, here’s one rule that applies no matter how you respond to a lob serve:
Match the height of the ball.
A lot of players swing from high to low on a lob return—and that’s exactly why it ends up in the net. Instead, go high to high. Let your paddle follow the arc of the ball and guide it forward with a smooth, level motion.
It doesn’t have to be powerful—just clean, early, and confident.\\
Floaty serve in? Floaty return out.
Callie Jo Smith shows you exactly how it’s done:
Option 1: Short-Hop It Early
This is the go-to response for most high-level players.
How it works:
- Move up toward the bounce.
- Contact the ball just after it hits the ground—before it rises fully.
- Keep your swing compact and use forward momentum.
| Why It Works | What to Watch For |
|---|---|
| Keeps the ball low | Time it just after the bounce |
| Gets you moving forward | Don’t over-swing—just push it deep |
| Prevents the ball from “ballooning” over your contact point | Stay light on your feet |
✅ Pro Tip: Think of it like a “moving volley” with your feet under you and paddle out front.
Quick Tip: High to High Is the Key
Here’s a simple tip that makes a huge difference when returning a lob serve: match the height of the ball.
A lot of players make the mistake of swinging high to low, which sends the return straight into the net. Instead, think high to high—meet the ball at its peak and guide it forward with a smooth, level motion.
It doesn’t need to be powerful—just controlled and intentional.
Floaty serve in? Floaty return out.
This adjustment alone can clean up a ton of mishits and help you return with confidence.
Option 2: Step Back and Rip It
If you’re comfortable with your timing and have a reliable topspin drive, this option can punish lob servers fast.
When to use:
- The serve lands short or in the center of the box
- You have time to set your feet
- You like hitting from waist to shoulder height
How to hit it:
- Wait for the bounce to rise to your strike zone
- Load your legs and rotate for power
- Hit with topspin to control the depth
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Creates offensive pressure | Requires excellent timing |
| Forces weak replies | Riskier if timing or spacing is off |
| Stops opponents from lobbing again | Can delay your kitchen transition |
✅ Pro Insight: Many players say that once they crush a lob serve return, they rarely see that serve again.
Option 3: Slice It Deep and Low
If power or timing isn’t your strength, but you still want to hit something effective, try a deep slice return.
Why it works:
- A well-executed backspin shot “floats” longer in the air and bounces low
- It buys time for you to move to the NVZ
- Makes the 3rd shot harder for the serving team
Backhand Slice Tips:
- Paddle slightly open (~45°)
- Swing downward and forward
- Keep your head and shoulders stable
- Finish on the opposite side of your body
Option 4: Fight Lob with Lob
Sometimes, the best way to mess with someone trying to mess with you… is to lob them back.
When it works:
- Opponent’s not expecting it
- You’ve been playing soft or neutral returns
- You want to force a rhythm reset
This is especially effective if:
- The opponent is slow to move back
- You can add spin for an awkward bounce
- You want to buy extra time to reset the point
As one player said: “Fight lob with lob. Works 80% of the time.”
What NOT to Do
| Mistake | Why It Hurts |
|---|---|
| Letting the ball drop too low | Creates a soft or rushed return |
| Backpedaling while swinging | Causes off-balance hits and lost control |
| Over-swinging on a short hop | Leads to timing errors or shanks |
| Hitting a floater return | Gives the serving team a free setup at the NVZ |
✅ Remember: Your return must bounce—so you don’t need to fear an attack. Use that to your advantage.
Which One Should You Use?
| Return Style | Best For |
|---|---|
| Short-hop return | Consistent timing, early court positioning |
| Power drive return | Aggressive players with strong footwork |
| Deep slice return | Players looking to reset and move up |
| Lob return | Throwing off rhythm, gaining time |
Final Advice: Practice It, Don’t Just Complain About It
The lob serve isn’t cheap—it’s just underused. And that’s why it works so well against unprepared players.
So instead of dreading it:
- Ask a friend to feed you lob serves
- Practice short-hop timing, slice technique, and drive footwork
- Turn this annoying serve into a setup for your strongest return
Because when you’re ready for it? The lob serve becomes a gift.
