Lobbing in pickleball is a strategic move that can turn the tide of a rally, a point, and even a game when executed correctly. It involves hitting the ball high and deep into your opponents’ court, forcing them to retreat and giving you time to reposition. Here's how to master the lob, including the mechanics, target areas, and strategy.
Mechanics of a Successful Lob
- Grip and Stance: Start with a continental grip, or “hammer grip,” which allows for better control and versatility. Stand facing forward, with your feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, and weight balanced on the balls of your feet.
- Swing Path: The key to a good lob is a smooth, upward swing. Begin your swing low and follow through high, aiming to lift the ball over your opponents’ reach. Use your legs to generate power, pushing off the ground as you swing.
- Contact Point: Hit the ball out in front of your body, ensuring your paddle face is open to create the necessary lift. The contact should be gentle yet firm, focusing on control rather than power.
- Follow Through: Your follow-through should be high and extended, guiding the ball's trajectory.
Click here and here for helpful instructional videos on how to hit successful lobs.
Target Areas
Successful lobbing forces your opponents to move back to the baseline, disrupting their positioning at the non-volley zone (NVZ) and opening up the court for your next shot. Avoid lobbing too short, as this can set up an easy overhead smash for your opponents. When sending up a lob, aim for the back third of your opponents’ court, ideally near the baseline. Aiming your lobs cross-court or toward your opponent’s backhand can also be great ideas, as doing so will give you more distance to work with and will make it easier to avoid a smash return, respectively.
When and When Not to Lob
While lobbing can be an effective strategy, it is important to use it appropriately and judiciously:
- When to Lob:
- Defensive Situations: Use a lob when you are under pressure and need time to recover. For example, if your opponent has sent an angled shot that has sent you running full tilt and has pulled you off the court wide, think about sending up a lob in response.
- Offensive Situations: Consider lobbing when your opponents are close to the net, perhaps as part of a dinking rally at the NVZ, making it difficult for them to retreat quickly and return the ball. This is a helpful instructional video on offensive lobs.
- Mixing Up Shots: Incorporate lobs to keep your opponents guessing and off-balance.
- When Not to Lob:
- Against Strong Smashers: Avoid lobbing if your opponents have a powerful overhead smash, as lobbing can backfire under such circumstances.
- Opponents Are Back: Avoid lobbing if your opponents are already in the transition zone area or back by the baseline. Lobs will be most effective when your opponents are at the NVZ.
- Recreational Play with Mobility-Impaired Opponents: Avoid lobbing if you are just playing for recreation (as opposed to tournament play) in scenarios where your opponents are mobility-impaired, such as if you know one of them recently had a hip replacement. Sending such players lobs to hit could cause them to get injured, and pickleball is intended to be about fun, so good sportsmanship dictates that you avoid lobbing in such situations.
- Windy Conditions: Be cautious with lobs in windy conditions, as the wind can affect the ball's trajectory.
- Overuse: Don't rely on lobbing too frequently, as it can become predictable and less effective.
Conclusion
Lobbing in pickleball is a skill that requires practice, precision, and strategic thinking. By mastering the mechanics, targeting the right areas, and understanding its purpose, you can add a valuable tool to your pickleball arsenal. Remember, the key to a successful lob is not just in the execution but also in knowing when to use it. Happy pickling!
