What Is A Lob In Pickleball? Strategy & Tips To Hit The Lob

The lob shot in pickleball is a strategic play designed to arc the ball over an opponent, aiming for it to descend deep into the back of the court. This technique not only disrupts your adversary's positioning but also creates valuable openings to clinch the point. 

Effective and tactical, the lob serves as a pivotal move in the pickleball repertoire, offering players a chance to shift the game’s momentum in their favor.

What is a Lob Shot in Pickleball?

As defined by USA Pickleball, a lob is a lofted shot that sends the ball high overhead and deep into the court. Since the very first pickleball game was played on Bainbridge Island, Washington, in 1965, lobs have been a regular part of the sport of pickleball.

Offensive lobs can throw your opponent off balance and force them to run to the backcourt to return your shot. Oftentimes, this can cause them to lose the point by committing a fault or reducing the accuracy of their return shot.

Defensive lobs are effective for moving your opponent away from the non-volley line, giving you extra time to prepare for your next shot.

1. Offensive Lob Shot

An offensive lob is aimed just over the reach of your opponent’s paddle, creating a flatter arc, like a low rainbow. It’s primarily used to surprise your opponent, especially when they’re close to the net, and to score points.

Typically, you’ll use this shot in response to a dink from your opponent, forcing them to quickly retreat and potentially miss the return.

There are two primary types of offensive lobs to consider:

1. The regular or basic lob: Keep the paddle slightly open and move the paddle from low to high. The motion is very similar to a dink motion but with a much more pronounced follow-through since you must send the ball much higher and farther than a dink.
2. The topspin lob: Rather than hitting the ball flush, you should “graze” or “brush up” the back of the ball to put rotation on it with your paddle face. To achieve heavy topspin, get under the ball more with a strong upward motion. The topspin lob is much more difficult to return because when it lands, it will bounce away from where it landed.

Make sure also to read our article on topspin dinks.

2. Defensive Lob Shot

The defensive lob has a much higher arc, designed to buy time or recover from a tough spot, with the expectation that your opponent might return it with an overhead shot. This type of lob is useful when you’re on the defensive and need to reset the point.

When to Hit Lob Shots?

Whenever you notice your opponent leaning forward at the non-volley zone line (almost as if anticipating a dink) you should consider using an offensive lob shot. 

Here are more optimal moments to consider incorporating lob shots into your gameplay:

1. When Your Opponent is Close to the Net: This is an ideal time for an offensive lob. Players positioned near the net have limited reaction time and mobility to retreat and return a well-placed lob, giving you a potential point or forcing them into a defensive stance.
2. To Break Your Opponent’s Momentum: If you notice your opponent gaining confidence and dominating the net play, a surprise lob shot can disrupt their rhythm.
3. After a Dink Exchange: During extended dink rallies, players often inch closer to the net, anticipating shorter returns. A sudden lob in this situation can catch your opponent off-guard, making it difficult for them to execute a successful return.
4. When You Need to Regain Position or Time: If you find yourself out of position or under pressure, a defensive lob can provide you with valuable time to reset. By sending the ball high and deep, you force your opponent to wait for the descent, allowing you to get back into position.
5. Against Less Mobile Players: Utilizing lob shots against opponents with limited mobility can be an effective strategy. A well-executed lob can exploit their slower court coverage, creating opportunities for easy points.
6. You Are Playing Against a Shorter Opponent: The return of a lob is typically more challenging for a shorter player. Lob over that opponent’s head if you can. Taller players are more likely to return lob shots. In this case, a drop shot may be a more effective shot.

Practice different types of lob shots and learn to read your opponents’ positions and movements to make the most of this versatile stroke.

7 Tips to Execute the Perfect Lob Shot

Lobs are an important part of your pickleball arsenal, but they need to be executed carefully. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Control Your Power: The key to a successful lob isn’t brute force but controlled finesse. Aim to hit the ball with enough power to clear your opponent yet gentle enough to prevent it from sailing beyond the baseline. A lob shot that lands just inside the court can significantly shift the game’s momentum in your favor.
2. Optimal Height and Distance: Avoid hitting the lob too low or short; doing so makes it easy prey for an opponent’s overhead smash. Conversely, a lob that’s too high or long may give your opponent ample time to recover or result in the ball going out. The ideal lob arcs gracefully over your opponent, landing near the baseline to maximize the distance they must cover.
3. Master the Trajectory: Achieving the perfect trajectory means launching the ball just out of your opponent’s reach while ensuring it dips down into the court’s back zone. Practicing different angles and strokes can help you find the sweet spot for this delicate balance.
4. Read Your Opponent: Assessing your opponent’s skill level and position is crucial. While a well-timed lob can catch less experienced players off guard, seasoned players might anticipate and counter your lob, especially if predictably used as a third shot following the two bounce rule. Diversifying your shots and timing can help mitigate this risk.
5. Use Lobs Strategically: Lobs are most effective when they disrupt your opponent’s gameplay rhythm. Whether you’re aiming to break a net player’s dominance, create space for repositioning, or simply introducing unpredictability into your game, the strategic use of lobs can be a game-changer.

Check out the video below for a visual demonstration on how to master pickleball lobs:

By incorporating these strategies into your practice and gameplay, you’ll enhance the effectiveness of your lob shots, making them a formidable part of your pickleball arsenal.

How do you defend against lobbers in pickleball?

Players who frequently use lob shots aim to push their opponents out of their comfort zones, forcing errors or creating openings to win points. Here are effective strategies to counteract lobbers and maintain control of the game:

• Anticipate the Lob: Watch for cues indicating a lob shot.
• Enhance Footwork: Practice moving backwards quickly to position yourself.
• Perfect Your Overhead Smash: Be ready to return lobs with a strong overhead.
• Optimize Court Positioning: Stand at an effective distance from the net to cover lobs.
• Use the ‘Bounce It’ Rule: Let high lobs bounce for better positioning and return options.
• Communicate in Doubles: Call out lobs early for better coordination with your partner.
• Return with Defensive Lobs: Sometimes, countering a lob with another lob is effective.
• Practice Against Lobbers: Improve by regularly playing against opponents who use lobs.

Remember, the key to a strong defense is not just reacting to what’s coming but also anticipating and preparing for it.