Let’s dive into one of the most exciting shots you can add to your game: the offensive lob. If you’ve ever wanted to throw your opponents off balance and take control of a rally, this is your chance.
Let’s chat about why the offensive lob is such a powerful weapon, when to use it, and how to make it work for you, no matter your skill level.
What Is an Offensive Lob?
The offensive lob is a high, strategic shot meant to push your opponents back off the kitchen line and disrupt their control of the court.
Unlike a defensive lob, which is more about buying yourself time, the offensive lob is about seizing the opportunity to go on the attack and put your opponents on their heels.
Why Use an Offensive Lob?
The offensive lob is an especially useful shot for several situations:
- Your Opponents Are Overcommitted: If they are leaning forward too much during a dinking rally, a well-placed lob will make it tough for them to adjust and retreat in time.
- To Change the Game’s Rhythm: Most players expect either a dink or a speed-up when you’re at the NVZ line. Adding a lob to your mix gives you a third option and makes you less predictable.
- Against Specific Weaknesses: If your opponent struggles with overhead shots, has limited mobility, or there’s bright sun in their eyes, the offensive lob can exploit these weaknesses.
When Is It Worth It?
Using the offensive lob effectively depends on timing, skill level, and knowing your opponents. Here are some considerations:
- Skill Level: At beginner and intermediate levels, opponents often have less refined footwork and might struggle to adjust quickly when a lob catches them off guard. It’s the perfect opportunity to introduce the offensive lob.
- Advanced Players: Against seasoned players, lobbing can still be effective, but timing and disguise are everything. An offensive lob used at the right moment—when opponents are leaning too far forward or caught out of position—can still be a game-changer.
How to Execute an Offensive Lob
The key to a great offensive lob is smooth execution. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Body Position: Stand parallel to the NVZ line with a stable stance. Think of the setup as similar to a dink shot.
- Paddle Action: The paddle should be open or slightly tilted back, allowing you to loft the ball high and deep over your opponent’s head.
- Low to High Motion: Like a dink, your motion should be low to high. Use your legs to generate power, bending your knees and pushing up as you make contact with the ball.
- No Flicking: Keep your wrist stable throughout the motion. You’re not flicking the ball; you’re smoothly lifting it upward, using your legs and arm together for consistency.
Watch this quick, handy video on the best technique for executing offensive lobs:
4 Pro Tips for a Successful Lob
- Disguise Is Key: Make your lob look like a dink. Use similar body positioning and swing, but add a bit more follow-through to get the height. This makes it hard for your opponents to anticipate the lob and adjust.
- Height and Depth: Aim for a lob that lands 1-3 feet from the baseline. It should be high enough to be unreachable with an outstretched paddle, forcing your opponents to run back. Avoid a short lob, as it might get smashed back at your feet.
- Choose the Right Moment: Ideally, lob when your opponents are all the way up at the NVZ line. After a series of dinks is a great time; once they’re comfortable, they’re not expecting it, and you can catch them off guard.
- Practice Makes Perfect: Practice hitting lobs high and deep, with a consistent trajectory. Use markers on the court—like cones 3 feet from the baseline—to help you aim for the ideal landing spot.
When Not to Lob
While the offensive lob can be a game-changer, it’s not always the best choice. Avoid lobbing when:
- Your Opponents Are Already Back: If your opponents are at the baseline, a lob won’t catch them off guard and might put you in a tough defensive position.
- They’re Expecting It: Overusing the lob will make it predictable. Keep it as a surprise tool, used sparingly to maintain its effectiveness.
A Practical Example
Imagine you and your partner are locked in a dinking battle at the NVZ. You notice that the opponent in front of you has their weight leaning forward, ready to attack. You decide it’s time to mix things up. You take a small step back, open your paddle face slightly, and with a gentle yet purposeful motion, lift the ball over their head, aiming just inside the baseline.
You watch as they scramble backward, breaking their rhythm and giving you an opportunity to step up to the NVZ line and dictate the next shot.
Why You Need the Offensive Lob
Adding the offensive lob to your toolbox makes you a more versatile and unpredictable player. It’s not just about power and placement; it’s about timing, disguise, and having the confidence to pull it off at the right moment. Even if your first few attempts fall short, stay committed.
Every great lobber started with a few misses, and that’s okay!
