A lob is a high, deep shot that sends opponents scrambling backward from the kitchen line. Offensive lobs are hit from a dink, disguised as a dink until the last moment; defensive lobs buy time when you are under attack.
Lobs are a change-of-pace tool, not a strategy. Use them when your opponents are leaning in, tall players are less mobile, or the sun and wind are in your favor.
Key cues
- 1Same setup as a dink
- 2Lift with the legs and follow through high
- 3Aim to land within three feet of the baseline
- 4Lob over the backhand shoulder
Common mistakes
- Lobbing too short and eating an overhead
- Lobbing too often so it stops surprising anyone
- Lobbing into the wind